Need a Reason to Lob

By Brad Properjohn

The lob is one of the most important shots in tennis and probably the most neglected. Because most modern players rarely venture to the net, the lob is not utilized nearly enough and is considered a “give away” shot. Certainly since the introduction of Graphite rackets and the power game, the shot has taken on a lesser role but unfortunately many players by dismissing the lob as “weak” are depriving themselves of an important element of the game.

So often you will see a player hopelessly out of court going for the one in a million shot instead of playing the percentages. Getting the ball back and up high makes the opponent knock off the smash, that is, for most base liners a challenge in itself. There are a bunch of good reasons to lob:

If you need to buy time to move back into court.
Defensive (or offensive in the case of a net hugger) response to aggressive net attack.
To change the rally’s pace in order to disrupt your opponents rhythm.
As an unusual but often affective approach shot (especially in doubles).

I remember hearing players talk about Ken Roswell’s lobbing and how accurate he was at landing them on the base line. He was also known for throwing up lobs in the first few games just to test his opponent’s competence and nerve when the butterflies in the stomach hadn’t yet settled.

A few tips on lobbing.

Lob for height not length its easier to gauge.
Hit a few lobs in the warm up to find your range.
Hit your opponent easy lobs in the warm up so he can’t gauge your deep ones until you start.
Don’t over lob. If you start over lobbing you might have to put a temporary ban in place for a couple of games just to re-adjust.
Don’t worry if they knock a couple off, your time will come.
“Lob for the Job”, learn different lobs so you have choices.

Technical tips on lobbing.

Shorten your back swing to maximize control.
You could choke down on your racket grip a centimetre, again to maximize control.
Take your racket back lower and follow through higher.
Hit to an imaginary spot in the sky. You can formulate a grid in your head to superimpose onto the court. These “grid references will enable you to use “trial and error” more effectively. SEE DIAGRAM BELOW
When running back to retrieve a lob with intent to counter with another lob, add 30% to your shot as our brains generally don’t factor in the negative weight transference. (On the run =< 3 x bodyweight moving away from the target)
A famous US collage coach once said, “don’t lob on the big points” as the lob is too hard to execute under a lot of pressure. My position is to lob at the right time based on the particular circumstances.
SPEND TIME PRACTICING LOBS AND TAKE IT SERIOUSLY WHEN YOU DO.
It’s also an idea to learn or practice your drop shots. These shots go hand in hand with lobs by bringing your opponent rushing in and then lobbing them straight back again.
Only use the lob volley as a last resort as its right at the top in the tennis worlds hardest shot list.

The Lob is a great way of bringing diversity into your game. It can be a surprise tactic at a critical time; a standard in your play list and a tester for any hot shot that’s hanging over the net like an octopus.

Best tennis related phone message: Sorry I can’t come to the phone because I’m out chasing lobs. Paul Smith Mission Hills USA