PICKLEBACKCLUB

Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

Think the lob is just a desperate “hail Mary” when you’re in trouble? Think again.

Sometimes, the fastest way to win a point… is up. A well-timed lob can create chaos, force errors, and buy you valuable time to reset. The trick? Knowing when to pull it out of your arsenal and how to disguise it. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to making the lob shot your silent weapon.

🎯 When to Use the Lob Shot (Situational Strategy)

1. Opponents Are Hugging the Kitchen Line

• If your opponents are planted at the non-volley zone (NVZ) line and aren’t expecting anything over their heads, a lob can throw them off-balance.

• Great for creating chaos, especially in doubles — one player may scramble back while the other stays put, opening gaps.

2. Opponent Has a Weak Overhead or Poor Mobility

• If one opponent struggles with overhead smashes or doesn’t move well backward, they’re a prime target.

• Lobbing behind them forces errors or weak returns.

3. You’re Under Pressure at the Baseline

• When you’re pushed back and out of position, a defensive lob gives you time to recover to the kitchen line and reset the rally.

• Safer than trying a risky dink or drive under pressure.

4. Wind or Sun Can Work in Your Favor

• Outdoors, use lobs when the sun is behind you or the wind is blowing toward your opponent. High lobs into the sun are hard to track, especially for older players or those without sunglasses.

5. To Change the Rhythm

• Lobs break up fast-paced dink rallies and force your opponents to adjust. Use it as a tempo changer when rallies get repetitive or predictable.

🛠️ How to Execute an Effective Lob

Offensive Lob (from NVZ)

• Use disguise: Make it look like a dink, then flick the ball up and over.

• Use soft hands and a short swing — paddle under the ball with a flick of the wrist and upward motion.

• Target deep middle or over the backhand shoulder.

Defensive Lob (from the baseline or transition zone)

• More height and depth are key. Add arc and margin for error.

• Use your legs and full paddle follow-through to lift the ball high and deep.

• Focus on clearing the taller opponent’s reach.

⚠️ When NOT to Lob

• Against tall or athletic players who can easily smash overheads.

• When you're off balance — a short lob is a setup for a winner by your opponents.

• In indoor play with low ceilings — unless you're sure, it may backfire.

✅ Practice Tips for Lobbing

• Drill 1: Kitchen Lob Drill
  One player stands at the NVZ, another at the baseline. Try disguising a dink, then lobbing over the net player while your partner practices tracking and smashing it.

• Drill 2: Defensive Reset Lob
  Start at the baseline under pressure and lob deep to the opponent’s backcourt. This helps simulate match-like stress and improves footwork recovery.

@rancherspickleball

Looking to improve your Pickleball game? Stay tuned for this educational series to learn the best tips from the pros. 💥 🔘Today's lesson: T... See more

The lob isn’t about luck — it’s about timing, precision, and surprise. Use it to disrupt rhythm, exploit weaknesses, and take control of rallies. Next time you step on the court, don’t just think forward and sideways… think up.

Dill-lighfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

👉 Got a favorite lob story or tip? Hit reply and share it with us — we might feature it in our next issue!

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