The Lob Shot in Pickleball: When to Use It & When Not To

Improving your lob shot in pickleball can significantly enhance your game and take your skills to the next level. Whether you are aiming to catch your opponents off guard or need a smart strategic play to reset the rally, mastering the lob shot is crucial.

It involves hitting the ball high in the air, and sending it deep over the baseline. The key is to develop the right timing and technique to hit it with precision.

A well-placed lob can force your opponent to the back of the court, giving you time to reposition and set up your next move. The shot accuracy and control required to perfect the lob shot come with practice and experience.

From my experience, the lob shot has saved me countless times when I was in a tough spot during a match. It’s a blend of defense and offense, and once you improve your reaction time, you’ll notice how much easier it becomes to execute.

Focus on your footwork, positioning, and preparation, and the improvements will come with every match. Whether you are playing doubles or singles, the lob shot is an essential weapon to have in your arsenal.

What Is a Lob Shot in Pickleball?

The lob shot in pickleball is a high, deep hit that sends the ball into your opponent’s court. The goal is to send the ball over your opponent’s heads, forcing them to retreat and giving you a better position to set up your next move.

You can use a lob shot in both offensive and defensive situations, depending on the flow of the game. When you are playing offensively, it is an excellent way to push your opponent back from the kitchen line or non-volley line to the baseline.

On the other hand, when you are on defense, a lob shot can buy you crucial time and create space, giving you the opportunity to recover and reset the rally. The technique involves a high-lofted shot, which you create by opening the face of your paddle.

By doing so, you catch your opponent off-guard, especially when they expect a softer shot like a drop shot. Once the lob shot is well-timed, your opponent will be scrambling to get to the ball before a double bounce fault occurs, giving you the advantage in the rally.

Difference Between Offensive Lob vs Defensive Lob

The lob shot in pickleball is a strategic move, often used when you want to change the pace of the game. This towering shot can be a threat to your opponent, especially when executed well.

However, you shouldn’t expect to win a point directly from the lob sometimes, it is about setting up a better position.

The ball flight depends on the current situation and the type of lob you use. Whether it is an offensive lob or a defensive lob, it is important to understand when to use each.

We’ll discuss these shots below, focusing on how they can help you accomplish a smarter strategy during the game.

Offensive Lob

The offensive lob is a game changing shot, used to outmaneuver your opponents and create scoring opportunities.

When you are in the kitchen or non-volley zone and your opponents are pressing close to the net, you can send a high shot that forces them to backpedal or scramble backward.

This creates space for you to advance and set up your next move. The key is to get the ball to travel with a flatter trajectory, making it curve just over your opponent’s reach and land in the court behind them, putting pressure on them to chase the ball.

An offensive lob is most effective when they are positioned near the edge of the NVZ or Kitchen, making them vulnerable and likely to be out of position for the next return.

Defensive Lob

In pickleball, the defensive lob is an essential shot when you are under pressure and need to buy yourself some time.

If your partner or you are pinned in a corner or at the deep end of the court, this shot gives you a chance to reset the rally and regain control.

The idea isn’t to immediately win the point, but rather to hit a lob that forces your opponent to chase, often leaving them out of position.

For instance, if your opponent has hit a ball down the line, catching you or your partner out of position, the defensive lob can land in the back center of the baseline, giving you enough time to reposition.

It’s a strategic way to turn the tables when you’re in a compromised situation, allowing you to get into better offensive positions

When to Use the Lob Shot in Pickleball.

One of the most effective times to use a lob shot in pickleball is when your opponents are positioned too close to the net.

In this scenario, a well-executed offensive lob can force them to retreat back, disrupting their aggressive stance.

On the flip side, in defensive situations, a lob gives you a chance to reset the rally, allowing time to recover and regain control.

Adding a lob to your shot variety keeps your opponents guessing, especially when they are expecting a soft dink or a hard drive.

It can also be particularly useful in windy conditions, as the elements can make it more challenging for your opponents to return the shot. Using the wind to your advantage can increase the impact of your lob and throw your opponents off balance

The other Types of lobs Short

Basic Lob

The basic lob is a simple yet effective shot in pickleball. It’s a shot hit with a high, curving trajectory, designed to land near your opponent’s baseline.

The key to a successful lob is the low-to-high paddle motion, which helps create the necessary arc and height for the ball to travel over your opponent’s head.

It’s not a complicated shot but requires precision and timing to ensure the ball lands in the right spot. From my experience, even a regular lob can throw off your opponent’s rhythm when executed correctly, especially when you strategically use it during rallies.

Top Spin Lob

The topspin lob is an aggressive and powerful variation of the regular lob, commonly seen in Ladder League Pickleball matches.

When executed correctly, the ball gains forward rotation, causing it to dip quickly and bounce unpredictably when it hits the ground.

This makes it extremely difficult for your opponent to return a serve short, as the added spin forces them to react faster.

Mastering this technique gives you a strong advantage, allowing you to disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and take control of the rall

How Do You Hit a Lob Shot in Pickleball?

To hit a successful lob shot, focus on using a soft touch with a hammer grip, similar to the technique used in a dink or volley short in pickleball.

Begin with a minimal backswing and use the power generated from your legs, starting in a squat position. As you rise, lift and push the ball with your shoulder and elbow steady, driving the arch of the shot.

Aim to send the ball high over your opponent’s weaker arm, typically their backhand, and try to place it deep into their baseline.

The key to executing this shot is mastering the proper timing and using the driving force from your legs and shoulder.

When done right, the lob shot can be a powerful tool to throw off your opponent’s rhythm and put them on the defensive.

Grip and Paddle Position

To execute a perfect lob, start with the continental grip, which feels like shaking hands with the paddle. This allows better control and versatility.

Keep the paddle face open to generate the necessary lift. Whether using a forehand short or backhand lob, maintaining a relaxed grip ensures smooth execution. A tight grip may send the ball too hard and out of bounds.

Stance and Footwork

Your feet should be shoulder width apart to maintain balance and react quickly. As you prepare for the shot, step into position, shifting weight from your back foot to your front foot.

Proper weight transfer is crucial to controlling the height and depth of your lob, ensuring it lands deep enough to clear opponents and push them toward the baseline.

Swing Motion

For a forehand lob, start with a low swing and move in an upward motion. Make contact with the ball in a gentle, controlled manner, keeping the paddle face open to create lift.

The same principles apply to a backhand lob, but it requires rotating your body can help to get better player and shorts execution. If you hit the ball too hard, it may go out of bounds, so focus on precision rather than power.

Follow Through

A good follow through ensures accuracy and consistency. Your swing should finish high above your head, creating an arc that allows the ball to rise, travel a good distance, and land deep.

This forces your opponents into a defensive position near the baseline, giving you control of the rally. A smooth, complete motion ensures your lob is effective without being too predictable.

Learn How to Hit a Lob in Pickleball

When you are on the court playing pickleball, one of the most effective shots you can use is the lob. It’s a technique that can really give you the edge over your opponent, especially when executed well.

The key to a successful lob is the ability to improve your different short skills and understanding of how to hit it with precision.

As you work on your game and continue to practice, you’ll notice that your lob will soar to heights that challenge even the toughest players.

At the Sports & Performing Arts Academy at Rockstar Academy, our class is built to help players excel by offering a curriculum that focuses on this very shot.

Through these training sessions, you’ll have opportunities to compete in exciting events like RockOlympics and Elite Championships.

It’s not just about improving your technical skills; it’s about becoming part of a community where you can share tips and grow together.

You’ll even get the chance to take a free trial class before signing up, giving you the opportunity to experience how our classes can elevate your pickleball gameplay.

Whether you’re a beginner level player or looking to take your skills to the next level, mastering the lob is a fantastic way to enhance your overall play and dominate the court.

In Conclusion

In pickleball, the ability to execute a successful lob is a key skill that every player should master to stay competitive on the court.

Since lobs are becoming more common in play, knowing when and how to hit them effectively can significantly improve your game.

One of the best tips is to vary your shots, mixing in high lobs to keep opponents guessing and make them think about their next move.

Learning the techniques to use different types of lobs, whether used offensively or defensively, will help you respond better during matches. Having the knowledge of when to use a lob and how to deal with one from an opponent makes the game even more strategic.

Using top paddles and consistent practice will allow you to develop control and confidence in no time. Whether you find lobs easy to handle or challenging, engaging with the social side of the sport by discussing strategies with fellow players can enhance your skills and make your gameplay even sharper.

FAQs

How high should a lob shot be?

The height of a lob varies depending on the situation, but it should be high enough to stay out of your opponent’s reach and land deep into their court, close to the baseline.

When should I use a lob in pickleball?

A lob is a great option when your opponents are positioned near the net, as it makes it harder for them to reach a high shot. It’s also helpful when you want to reset the rally or create some time to get yourself back into position.

How do I hit a proper lob?

To execute a proper lob, start by positioning your paddle below the ball. Use a smooth, upward swing and make contact with the bottom of the ball. Aim for a high arc and target the back of the court. Be sure to follow through with your shot to maintain control and accuracy.

How Do You Counter a Lob in Pickleball?

When an opponent sends a high lob your way, you need to decide quickly on the best options for countering it. A strong smashing volley can immediately put you in control, while a well-placed drop shot can shift the pace and force them into a tough position.

Turning a defensive moment into an offensive play is key, as simply lobbing the ball back gives your opponent time to adjust their position. Instead, a sharp reaction and quick execution can create tension and limit their time and space, increasing your chances of catching them off-guard. Whether you’re defending or setting up for ser