How to Hit a Lob in Tennis: Defensive and Offensive Tips

The lob is a high arcing shot that can neutralise an opponent at the net or create an opportunity to regain control of a point. While beginners often rely on random lobs, a strategic lob requires precision and spin. This article covers the mechanics of both defensive and offensive lobs and discusses when to deploy each.

Understanding the Lob

Lobs fall into two categories: defensive lobs, used when you’re out of position to buy time, and offensive lobs, used intentionally to pass an opponent or draw them out of position. Executed correctly, a lob clears the opponent’s reach and lands deep in the court. Poorly executed lobs become easy overheads for your opponent, so technique and timing are crucial.

Defensive Lob Technique

Preparation

When your opponent attacks the net and you’re under pressure, the defensive lob can reset the rally. Step closer to the ball, keep your racquet face open and contact the ball high above your shoulder. Unlike a topspin groundstroke, the defensive lob uses a more vertical swing to lift the ball.

Swing and Follow‑Through

Aim to brush up on the back of the ball, imparting topspin and a high trajectory. Your follow‑through should finish above your opposite shoulder. Keep your wrist firm to ensure control and height. When hitting on the run, focus on balance and extend your non‑hitting arm for stability.

Offensive Lob Technique

Preparing to Attack

Use the offensive lob when your opponent is at the net or slightly inside the baseline, leaving open space behind them. Begin with a continental or eastern grip and prepare your swing like a topspin drive.

Contact and Spin

Brush up steeply behind the ball with a fast racquet head speed to create heavy topspin. The ball should clear your opponent by a safe margin yet drop quickly inside the baseline due to the spin. Aim deeper than the service line to prevent your opponent from running it down easily.

Follow‑Through

Finish your swing high above your shoulder, allowing the racquet to wrap around for full topspin. If you’re off balance, continue moving back after the shot to recover for the next ball.

Tactical Considerations

• When to Lob: Use lobs when your opponent is at the net or recovering from a deep position. A well‑placed lob neutralises their offensive position and can force them to retreat quickly, often resulting in a weak return or error.
• Where to Aim: For defensive lobs, aim high and deep into the backcourt. For offensive lobs, target the area over your opponent’s non‑dominant shoulder. On windy days, account for conditions that could push your lob long or short.
• Surface Factors: Clay courts provide more time to hit topspin lobs and accentuate the spin. On hard courts, lobs must be higher to avoid your opponent’s reach. Grass courts can cause unpredictable bounces; emphasise height and backspin for better control.

Drills to Practise the Lob

1. Shadow Lob: Practise the upward swing motion without a ball. Focus on racquet acceleration and follow‑through.
2. Feed and Lob: Have a partner feed balls to various spots, and practise hitting defensive and offensive lobs. Vary depth and spin to simulate match situations.
3. Approach and Lob: Run forward, hit a short slice or drop shot, then recover and practise lobbing when your partner counters with a short ball. This simulates transitioning from offence to defence.
4. Over the Net Drill: Stand closer to the net and practise lobbing balls that barely clear it. This hones your ability to control height and depth.

FAQs

Q: How do I avoid popping the ball up for an easy smash?

A: Ensure you brush up on the back of the ball to generate spin. Focus on a high follow‑through and hitting well over your opponent’s reach, especially on offensive lobs.

Q: Should I lob crosscourt or down the line?

A: Down‑the‑line lobs often travel a shorter distance and reach a higher peak, making them easier to control. Crosscourt lobs provide more margin for error but also give your opponent more time to track them down. Choose based on your comfort and your opponent’s positioning.

Q: Can I use the lob as an offensive weapon against baseliners?

A: Absolutely. Throwing in a surprise offensive lob after a series of deep groundstrokes can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and open up the court. Just be sure to disguise it with similar preparation.

Conclusion

Mastering the lob enhances both your defence and offence. By understanding the mechanics of defensive and offensive lobs—grip, contact point, spin and follow‑through—you can change the course of a rally. Practise regularly with targeted drills and incorporate lobs strategically to keep opponents guessing and off balance.