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What is a Lob?
A lob is a high, arcing shot that sends the ball deep into the court and often over an opponent's head. This shot is can be highly effective in various match situations. Defensively, it can be used to push back an aggressive player who is pressuring at the net or buy you time to recover and regain position. Offensively, the lob can be a game-changing shot, allowing you to win a point outright when your opponent is positioned near the net, catching them off guard and forcing them into a difficult backward scramble. By mastering the lob, you add an unpredictable and strategic element to your game, capable of shifting the momentum in your favor.
Types of Lob
1. The Topspin Lob
A topspin lob is characterized by a forward rotation of the ball (magnus effect), causing it to dip quickly after reaching its peak. This makes it an effective lob when adding additional height or speed. Topspin also cause the ball to kick up on bounce making it an effective offensive weapon and very difficult to return. For more in depth detail about topspin you can read our article: Why Topspin In tennis?
2. The Slice Lob
A slice lob uses backspin which causes the ball to float and descend slowly. It tends to be used more as a defensive lob and is useful for gaining time for recovering from a pressure situation.
When to Use a Lob
Defensive Situations
The lob can be used when you find yourself out of position and need time to recover. For instance, if your opponent has forced you wide or deep into the court with a powerful shot, a lob can provide relief by sending the ball high and deep into their territory. This not only buys you time to reposition yourself but also disrupts your opponent's rhythm, forcing them to retreat and handle an awkward high bounce. The lob is equally useful when facing an aggressive net player; by lifting the ball over their head, you move them back rapidly, potentially leading to an error or a weak return that you can capitalize on. Using the lob effectively can change your situation, allowing you to transition from a vulnerable position to one of control.
The following video gives some examples of when to hit high in a defensive situation:
Offensive Plays
The lob can be a choice of weapon in offensive play, especially when you aim to exploit your opponent's position close to the net. When an opponent is aggressively positioned near the net, they are vulnerable to a well-placed lob. Executing a precise lob in this scenario can catch them off guard, forcing them to retreat quickly. This sudden shift can lead to several advantageous outcomes. Your opponent might mishit the ball and send it out of bounds, or fail to reach it altogether, securing you the point. Additionally, a successful lob can disrupt their confidence and positioning, making them more hesitant to approach the net aggressively in subsequent points. By integrating the lob into your offensive strategy, you introduce an element of unpredictability, making it harder for your opponent to anticipate your next move. This can create opportunities for you to control the pace and flow of the match, keeping your opponent on their toes and enhancing your chances of dominating the game.
Topspin Lob Technique
Grip - Applying topspin to a lob is best when using a semi-western or western grip.
Swing Path: Swing steeply upwards with acceleration. The faster you swing up the back of the ball, the more topspin you will have.
Follow-Through: Finish with the racket high above the contact point.
TIPS
- Aim high enough over the net to ensure the ball clears the opponent or travels deep into the court.
- Adjust the power based on your distance from the net. Closer shots require more spin and less power. If you are deep behind the baseline you need more power and height to achieve the same depth.
- Use a shorter backswing if needed for extra control.
Slice Lob Technique
Grip: Utilizing a continental or eastern grip enables a slicing motion more effectively.
Swing Path: Swing high to low with an open racket face, slicing underneath to loft the ball high and create backspin.
Follow-Through: Lift the racket slightly on the follow through to aid with the loft of the ball.
TIPS
- Aim for a higher trajectory to give yourself more time to recover.
- Be mindful of the wind and adjust your aim accordingly.
- Add more slice for a longer float.
Lob Practice Drills
Topspin Lob Drills
Shadow Swings: Practice the topspin motion without the ball to perfect the swing path and follow-through. You can also use the TopspinPro to aid with the biomechanics of topspin. Then progress to a drop feed.
Drop feeds: Drop feed a ball for yourself from behind the baseline and practice the right trajectory, spin and pace to achieve a deep shot. You can mark out the area you are aiming for.
Feed and Lob: Progress to having a partner feed balls to you at the baseline which makes it more realistic and practice hitting topspin lobs over their head.
Below is an easy Lob Drill using the TopspinPro. The TopspinPro allows you to learn the biomechanics required to hit consistent and effective topspin and apply to all shots:
Slice Lob Drill
Shadow Swings: Focus on the slicing motion, ensuring a smooth, downward swing to get rotation on the ball.
Feed and Lob: With a partner feeding balls, practice hitting slice lobs over their head.
Defensive Lobs: Start in a defensive position and practice hitting slice lobs to regain control of the point.
Tactical Uses of the Lob
As previously discussed, the lob can be used both Offensively and Defensively. Here are some example ways to use the lob effectively and some tips to be successful:
Recognize Opportunities: Identify moments when your opponent is out of position or too close to the net. Often rec players charge the net and leave a huge space at the back of the court. If there is an obvious gap behind them go for the lob.
Mix It Up: Alternate between topspin and slice lobs to keep your opponent guessing. Throw in the odd lob during a rally, rather than just when they are at the net or when you are scrambling.
Stay Calm: Execute the lob with confidence, focusing on technique first before power. Try to stay balanced when you strike the ball and don't get over excited as you hit.
Aggressive Net Players: Use topspin lobs to pass them or push them back. This with make them question how often to come forward.
Baseline Players: Employ slice lobs to vary the pace and height, disrupting their rhythm. Baseline players are generally more comfortable with the topspin lob and may even use it frequently themselves.
The video below shows some great examples of the lob in action:
TOPSPINPRO BEGINNER COURSES
We use the latest neuroscience in our TopspinPro Online Courses. Check them out for some in depth help with developing your shots:
Conclusion
Mastering the lob in tennis, both topspin and slice, can significantly enhance your game, providing you with a versatile tool to manage different match situations. Practice diligently, focus on technique, and apply these shots strategically to outmaneuver your opponents and gain the upper hand on the court. With time and effort, your lob will become a reliable and effective weapon in your tennis repertoire.
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