Strategies to Elevate Your Lob Shot

The lob shot in pickleball is a polarizing move that tends to elicit strong opinions from players. Some absolutely adore it, while others can't stand it. Those who fall in the former category are usually the ones who have mastered the art of the lob shot, and those who haven't should definitely give it a try. This shot is an essential tool in every player's arsenal due to its versatility and its ability to quickly change the course of a match.
So, what exactly is a lob shot? Well, it's a shot that is hit with a high trajectory, causing the ball to soar through the air. To achieve this, players use an open-faced paddle, which helps lift the ball upwards. The lob shot is commonly employed for two main reasons. Firstly, it can be used to push your opponent back from the non-volley zone (NVZ) line, giving you an advantage in terms of court positioning. Secondly, it can buy you some valuable time to reposition yourself on the court, allowing you to be in a better position to make your next move.
The first reason for using a lob shot is considered an offensive tactic, as it puts pressure on your opponent and forces them to retreat from the NVZ line. On the other hand, the second reason is more defensive in nature. When facing opponents who prefer a fast-paced game or are skilled at driving the ball, employing lob shots can disrupt their rhythm and force them to play a more cautious and controlled game. This is precisely why the lob shot can be so frustrating for many players, as it disrupts their preferred style of play and forces them to adapt to a slower pace.

Embrace a Gentle Grip
The first tip for a successful lob shot is to have a gentle and relaxed grip on the racket. The lob shot requires a delicate touch and finesse, and it all starts with how you hold the racket. It is recommended to have a grip strength of around 3 on a scale of 1-10. If your grip is too tight, you will end up hitting the ball with excessive power, which can result in the ball going out of bounds or giving your opponent an advantage to make an easier return. So, remember to keep your grip soft and relaxed to achieve better control and accuracy in your lob shots.

Limit the Backswing
Consider reducing the length of your backswing when positioning yourself on the court and aiming for a specific landing spot for the ball. By minimizing your backswing, you can control the loft of the ball more effectively, ensuring it travels at the right speed rather than decreasing its trajectory as you would with a drive.

Maintain a Low Stance
In order to improve your pickleball game, it's crucial to remember to stay low. This applies to all shots, as staying low with both your body and paddle is key. By ensuring that your paddle is as close to the ground as possible, you'll be able to make direct contact underneath the ball, leading to more accurate and powerful shots on the court.

Contact the Ball Ahead of You
When it comes to shoveling snow, it's important to remember that the key is not to dig down vertically, but rather to keep the shovel flat and in front of you. Instead of forcefully shoveling the snow, it's more effective to collect it as if you were gathering it. This technique is similar to the lob shot in paddle sports. To execute a successful lob shot, you need to ensure that your paddle is positioned in front of your body, maintaining a flat angle, and gently collecting the ball instead of striking it. By keeping your body in front, you can easily keep your paddle flat and achieve better results.

Propel with Your Lower Body
You might be thinking, "How can I generate power without striking at the ball or having a backswing?" Well, the answer lies in utilizing your lower body and legs to lift through the ball effectively.
Picture yourself squatting down - in order to stand back up, you need to exert force through your legs. This same concept applies when hitting a lob shot in pickleball.
Rather than relying solely on your shoulder for the swing, focus on pushing off the ground using your feet and legs to generate the power needed for a successful shot. This technique will not only enhance your performance but also prevent unnecessary strain on your upper body.

Select the Right Moment
Selecting the right spot to execute a lob shot in pickleball is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. Whether you are on the offensive or defensive, choosing the perfect moment to use this shot can make a significant impact on the game.
Some ideal scenarios to utilize a lob shot include when your opponent is positioned at the NVZ line and you want to push them back, when you see an opportunity to score by lobbing it over your opponent's head, or when you need to change the pace of play to counter your opponent's aggressive style.
Additionally, a lob shot can be beneficial if your opponent is out of position, if the weather conditions like sun or wind are in your favor, or if you simply haven't attempted a lofted shot in a while. By recognizing these opportunities and strategically using the lob shot, you can keep your opponent on their toes and gain an advantage in the game.

Deploy As an Offensive Ploy
Utilize this strategy for a more aggressive approach on the court. The main objective when using this tactic offensively is to place the ball in a position where your opponent will have a difficult time reaching it. This can be achieved by targeting areas where they are vulnerable, such as when they are positioned too close to the net or are out of position on one side of the court.
Another way to use this technique offensively is by taking advantage of your opponent's weaknesses. For instance, if you notice that they struggle with shots over their heads or have difficulty chasing after balls, you can exploit these areas to gain an advantage during the game.
However, it's important to keep in mind that employing this strategy aggressively may not always sit well with everyone, especially in more casual or recreational settings. While it can be an effective way to gain an edge in the game, be prepared to potentially ruffle some feathers and make a few enemies along the way.

Utilize Defensively
When it comes to using your shots for defense, it's important to remember that your mindset needs to shift slightly. Instead of focusing on scoring points or exploiting your opponent's weaknesses, the goal is to simply create more time for yourself on the court. For example, if you find yourself struggling to advance while your opponent is dominating the NVZ line, a well-executed lob shot towards the baseline can push them back and give you the opportunity to regroup and make your move.
Utilizing lobs strategically can be advantageous, especially when compared to aggressive drives on third shots. By forcing your opponent to retreat with a lob, you can control the pace of the game and create openings for yourself. This tactic is particularly useful for players who prefer to operate near the kitchen area and need to counter an opponent's aggressive playstyle.
Another effective defensive strategy is to vary the pace of the game, particularly by introducing lobs if you haven't used them much during the match. By keeping your opponent guessing and introducing new shot possibilities, you can disrupt their rhythm and force them to reconsider their movements on the court. This element of surprise can give you an edge in defensive play and help you anticipate your opponent's next moves effectively.

Know When Not to Lob
It's important to be strategic when it comes to using lob shots in pickleball. Overusing this shot can actually work against you, as it becomes easy for your opponent to anticipate and counter. A poorly executed lob shot can give your opponent the opportunity to easily put the ball away, especially if they have a height advantage or good reach.
Additionally, if your opponent is expecting a lob shot, they can quickly adjust their position and hit the ball back with more power. This can put you on the defensive and make it harder for you to regain control of the point. It's crucial to mix up your shots and not rely too heavily on the lob, especially if it's not working in your favor.
If you find that your lob shots are consistently failing or being easily countered by your opponent, it might be time to reconsider using this shot altogether. It's better to save it for the right moment or try it again later in the match when your opponent least expects it. Adapting your strategy based on how your opponent is responding to your shots is key to staying competitive on the pickleball court.

Vary Your Shots
It's important to remember that no shot is foolproof all the time. However, it's even less effective to repeatedly hit the ball in the same spot. To keep your opponent on their toes, try mixing it up by hitting the ball to different areas of the court. You can aim for the left side, then the right side, or even hit it deep or shallow (although hitting it shallow is more like a dink shot). The key is to never allow your opponent to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

Hone Your Skills
The key to mastering the lob shot is consistent practice. The more you practice, the better you will become at executing the shot effectively during matches.
Make sure to dedicate time to practicing the lob shot outside of actual gameplay, as this will help you refine your technique and improve your accuracy.
Remember, practice is essential for honing your skills and becoming a proficient player on the court. So, keep practicing and you'll see progress in no time!