Fake Lob Guide: Deception to Win More Points

As an intermediate pickleball player, you're likely looking for ways to improve your strategy and gain an edge over your opponents. One shot that can significantly improve your game is the fake lob. This deceptive tactic involves mimicking the motion of a lob, but instead hitting a different shot, often a drive or a dink. The goal is to confuse your opponent, disrupt their positioning, and create opportunities for you to win the point. By learning the fake lob, you'll add a new dimension to your game, turning it into a mind game that keeps your opponents guessing.

Key Takeaways

The fake lob is a deceptive shot that mimics a lob but results in a different shot, like a drive or dink, to confuse opponents.
Key techniques include using a continental grip, a ready stance, and a swing motion that initially resembles a real lob.
Common mistakes include telegraphing the fake and failing to follow through, both of which reduce the shot's effectiveness.
Advanced strategies involve using the fake lob to control pace, exploit weaknesses, and set up opponents for different shots.
Drills like the Fake Lob Practice Drill and Deception Timing Drill can help improve technique and timing.
The main benefit is creating space, but the risk is hitting a weak shot if the fake is anticipated.
Success depends on disguise, timing, follow-through, and having alternative shot options.

Key Takeaways
Fundamental Techniques of the Fake Lob
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Advanced Strategies for Effective Use
Drills to Improve Your Fake Lob
Benefits and Risks of the Fake Lob
Conclusion

Fundamental Techniques of the Fake Lob

The fake lob relies on mimicking the early stages of a real lob to deceive your opponent. Here's a breakdown of the key elements:

Grip

Use a continental grip, which allows for versatility in shot selection. This grip provides a good balance between strength and control, important for both lobs and drives.

Stance

Adopt a ready stance, with your weight balanced and knees slightly bent. This allows you to move quickly and react to the ball. From the baseline, your stance should be slightly open to the court.

Swing Motion

The key to a successful fake lob is the swing. Begin your swing as if you're going to hit a high lob. Bring the paddle back and up, using a similar motion to a regular lob. The deception comes at the point of contact. Instead of lifting the ball high, change the angle of your paddle face at the last moment to hit a drive, a dink, or another shot.

Court Position and Opponent Placement

Your position on the court, particularly the baseline, affects the fake lob. If your opponent is near the net, a fake lob followed by a drive can be very effective. The change in pace and direction can catch them off guard. If they are further back, a fake lob followed by a soft dink can pull them forward and create an opening.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The fake lob can be tricky, and players often make mistakes that reduce its effectiveness. Here are two common pitfalls and how to correct them:

Overcommitting to the Fake

Mistake: Some players telegraph their fake lob by exaggerating the initial swing motion. This makes it obvious to the opponent that a lob isn't coming, negating the deception.

Solution: Keep your initial swing smooth and natural, just like a real lob. The change in paddle angle should be subtle and occur at the last possible moment. Think of it as a slight adjustment rather than a dramatic change.

Failing to Follow Through

Mistake: Players sometimes stop their swing short after the fake, resulting in a weak or inaccurate shot.

Solution: Even though you're changing the shot at the last moment, maintain a full follow-through. This ensures that you generate enough strength and control to execute the chosen shot effectively. A complete follow-through also helps to mask the change in direction, further enhancing the deception.

Impact on Deception

Both of these mistakes directly undermine the deception aspect of the fake lob. Overcommitting makes the fake obvious, while failing to follow through reduces the quality of the follow-up shot, making it easier for your opponent to react. By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll make your fake lob more believable and effective, keeping your opponent guessing and improving your chances of winning the point.

Advanced Strategies for Effective Use

Once you've learned the basic technique, you can use the fake lob to implement more advanced strategies:

Deception and Misdirection

The primary purpose of the fake lob is to deceive. Use it to set up your opponent for a different shot. For instance, if they anticipate a lob and move back, a quick drive down the line can catch them completely off guard.

Controlling the Pace

The fake lob can help you control the tempo of the match. By mixing it with drives and dinks, you can disrupt your opponent's rhythm and prevent them from getting comfortable. If they like a fast-paced game, use the fake lob to slow things down. If they prefer a slower game, use it to create opportunities for quick attacks.

Exploiting Weaknesses

Observe your opponent's tendencies and weaknesses. If they struggle with shots to their backhand, use the fake lob to create an opening for a shot to that side. If they tend to rush the net, the threat of a lob, even a fake one, can make them hesitate and create opportunities for passing shots.

When a Quick Cross-Court Shot is Better

While the fake lob is a valuable tool, it's not always the best option. If your opponent is positioned poorly or leaves a large opening on the opposite side of the court, a quick cross-court shot may be a more direct and effective way to win the point. Don't become predictable; mix up your shots and strategies to keep your opponent guessing.

Drills to Improve Your Fake Lob

Here are a couple of drills specifically designed to help intermediate players like you refine your fake lob skills:

Fake Lob Practice Drill

Objective: To develop the correct swing motion and disguise the fake effectively.

Setup: Have a partner feed you balls from the opposite baseline.

Execution: Practice your lob swing, but at the last moment, decide whether to hit a real lob or change the paddle face and hit a drive. Focus on making the initial part of the swing identical for both shots. Aim for consistency and control.

Deception Timing Drill

Objective: To improve your timing and ability to deceive your opponent with the fake lob.

Setup: Play a regular game of pickleball, but with a specific focus on incorporating the fake lob into your strategy.

Execution: Try to use the fake lob at least a few times in each game. Pay attention to your opponent's reactions and adjust your timing accordingly. Experiment with different follow-up shots after the fake, such as dinks, drives, or even a short lob to the opposite corner. This drill helps you to apply the fake lob in real-game situations and refine your decision-making.

Benefits and Risks of the Fake Lob

The fake lob offers several benefits, but it's also important to be aware of the risks involved:

Key Benefit: Creating Space

The main benefit of the fake lob is that it creates space and opportunities for more effective shots. By making your opponent think you're going to hit a lob, you can force them to move back, opening up the court for a drive, a dink, or another strategic shot. This can give you a significant advantage in controlling the point.

Risk Factor: Medium

The fake lob carries a medium level of risk. If your opponent anticipates the fake or you execute it poorly, you could end up hitting a weak or easily attackable shot. This can put you on the defensive and give your opponent the upper hand.

Mitigating Risks and Maximizing Benefits

To mitigate the risks and maximize the benefits of the fake lob, focus on the following:

Disguise: Make your initial swing motion as similar as possible to a real lob.
Timing: Choose the right moment to use the fake lob. It's most effective when your opponent is expecting a lob or is out of position.
Follow-Through: Even though you're changing the shot, maintain a full and controlled follow-through to generate strength and accuracy.
Alternative Options: Be prepared to adjust your strategy if the fake lob isn't working. Have alternative shots in mind, such as a quick cross-court shot or a drop shot, to keep your opponent guessing.

By carefully considering these factors, you can use the fake lob as a valuable tool to outsmart your opponents and gain a competitive edge in pickleball.

Conclusion

The fake lob is a valuable asset in any intermediate pickleball player's arsenal. It adds a layer of deception to your game, allowing you to control the pace, exploit weaknesses, and create opportunities for winning shots. While it comes with some risk, learning the technique and knowing when to use it can significantly improve your overall game and make you a more unpredictable and challenging opponent.

Expert Tip: Remember, the key to a successful fake lob is believability. Ensure your body language suggests a lob, from your stance to your initial swing motion. This will make your fake more convincing and increase your chances of catching your opponent off guard.