【 Pickleball Lob Technique 】: Master Your Strategy | HK Play Pickleball Pulse

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Pickleball Technique: The Lob

The lob is an important tactical shot in pickleball, involving hitting the ball high into the air over the opponent's head, landing deep in the backcourt. The primary purpose of the lob is to change the pace of the game, force opponents to retreat from the net, and create advantageous offensive or defensive positions for yourself. Mastering the timing and technique of the lob can add significant depth to your game.

 

pickleball players executing a lob shot over the opponent, with the Hong Kong Pickleball Pulse logo.

1. Purpose and Importance of the Lob

The lob is not a direct scoring shot but a tactical tool, and its importance lies in:

 

  • Changing Pace: When opponents are pressuring at the net, or the game pace is too fast, a lob can effectively slow down the game, giving you and your partner time to reset your court position.
  • Forcing Opponents Back: By lobbing the ball deep into the opponent's backcourt, you force net players to move backward, away from their advantageous net position.
  • Creating Offensive Opportunities: When opponents are forced back by a lob, their return shots are often weaker or shorter, providing you with an opportunity to rush the net or hit a powerful shot.
  • Defensive Counter: In defensive situations, a lob can be an effective way to clear the ball and buy time to return to a favorable position.

 

2. Grip and Ready Position


  • Grip: Typically, the Continental Grip or Eastern Grip is used. Both grips offer good paddle face control, making it easier to adjust the hitting angle.
  • Ready Position: Maintain an alert ready position with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. When you decide to use a lob, quickly adjust your body and lower your center of gravity.

 

3. Hitting Motion

The lob hitting motion should be fluid and upward:

 

  • Backswing: The backswing for a lob is relatively long, with the paddle moving from a low-back position upwards. Keep your wrist relaxed to generate sufficient upward power during contact.
  • Contact: Hit the ball during its upward trajectory or at its peak after the bounce. The contact point should be in front of your body, slightly below waist level. Strike the bottom of the ball with the bottom or middle of your paddle face, using an upward arc to give the ball enough lift. The paddle face should be slightly angled upwards.
  • Follow-Through: After contact, continue to swing the paddle upward, finishing over your shoulder. A full follow-through helps ensure the height and depth of the ball's flight.

 

4. Timing and Placement of the Lob


  • When opponents are too close to the net and cannot retreat quickly. 

  • When you are in a defensive disadvantage and need time to reorganize your offense.

  • When you want to change the game's pace and disrupt your opponent's expectations.

  • Ideal Placement: Lob the ball deep into the opponent's baseline, as close to the baseline as possible without going out of bounds. An ideal lob should make it uncomfortable for opponents to return, forcing them to hit from the backcourt.

5. Risks of the Lob


  • Short Lob: If the lob is not deep enough and lands in the opponent's mid-court, they might be able to hit a powerful volley or smash at the net.
  • Out of Bounds: If the lob is too deep, it might go out of bounds, resulting in a direct fault.

 

6. Common Errors and Corrections

Common Error

Correction Method

Lob not deep enough

Increase backswing, apply more upward force during contact, and ensure a full follow-through.

Lob goes out of bounds

Adjust hitting power and paddle face angle; practice controlling the depth of the ball.

Insufficient hitting power

Practice body rotation and leg drive, transferring power from your lower body to the shot.

Opponent anticipates the lob

Observe opponent's positioning and vary between lobs and groundstrokes to be unpredictable.


The lob is a technique that requires patience and practice. Through continuous drills and match play, you will be able to better master the timing and control of the lob, using it flexibly in games to become a more tactically intelligent pickleball player.


#EmergingSports  #SportForAll #PickleballLazyGuide #PlayPickleball #PickelballGear  #HKPlayPickleballPulse #Pickleball #Lob #TheLob #PickleballTechnique #HKPlayPickleballPulse #TacticalPlay #HongKongSports

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