High Lob Guide: Creating Space to Win More Points

The high lob is a valuable shot in pickleball, especially for intermediate players looking to improve their defensive game. It's more than just hitting the ball high; it's about creating space and time to recover. When your opponents are pressing you at the non-volley zone (NVZ) line, a well-executed high lob can push them back, disrupting their attack. This gives you a chance to reset, get back to the NVZ line, and regain control of the point. Learning to control the height, depth, and spin of your lobs will add a new dimension to your strategy and make you a tougher opponent.

Key Takeaways

• The high lob is a defensive shot that creates space and time to recover, especially when opponents are at the NVZ line.
• Use a continental grip and an open stance for a smooth, upward swing, focusing on height and depth rather than speed.
• Avoid lobs that are too shallow or lack sufficient height, as these allow opponents to maintain their advantage.
• Strategically use the high lob to control the pace of the game, exploit opponent weaknesses, and create opportunities to reposition.
• Practice drills focusing on consistent height, depth, and placement to improve lob accuracy and effectiveness.
• The primary benefit of the high lob is gaining time to reposition, allowing players to recover and return to the NVZ line.
• Mitigate the risks of a poorly executed lob by focusing on consistent depth, height, varying spin, and strategic use.

Fundamental Techniques of the High Lob

A solid high lob starts with the basics. Here's a breakdown:

Grip

Use a continental grip. This grip allows for wrist flexibility, which is key for generating the upward lift needed for a successful lob.

Stance

Adopt an open stance, facing the net diagonally. This allows for a wider range of motion and better balance as you swing.

Swing Motion

The swing should be smooth and upward. Think of brushing the ball upwards, using your legs and core to generate force. Avoid hitting the ball too hard; the goal is height and depth, not speed.

Court Position

If you're at the baseline, you have more time to prepare for the lob. However, you'll need to generate more force to get the ball deep. When your opponents are at the net, aim the lob over their heads, forcing them to retreat and giving you time to advance.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The high lob can be tricky. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:

Too Shallow

A lob that doesn't go deep enough allows your opponents to stay at the net and potentially volley the ball for an easy put-away. To avoid this, focus on extending your swing fully and aiming for the back of the court. Think about adding topspin to help the ball drop within the lines.

Not Enough Height

If the lob doesn't have enough height, your opponents might be able to reach it and hit an overhead shot. Make sure to get under the ball and lift it high enough so it clears their reach comfortably. Practice judging the right amount of upward force needed for different distances.

These mistakes defeat the purpose of creating space. A shallow or low lob gives your opponents the advantage, keeping you on the defensive.

Advanced Strategies for the High Lob

Once you've mastered the basics, you can use the high lob more strategically:

Controlling the Pace

The high lob slows down the game, giving you time to recover and reposition. If the pace is too fast, a well-placed lob can disrupt your opponents' rhythm and allow you to regain control.

Exploiting Weaknesses

If your opponents struggle with overheads or have difficulty moving backward, the high lob can be a very effective weapon. Target the lob to their weaker side or to a spot where they have to move a long distance.

Creating Space Strategically

Don't just lob randomly. Use it when you're out of position or when your opponents are aggressively at the net. The goal is to push them back and give yourself time to get back to the NVZ line.

Think about using a Drop Shot

If your opponents are consistently anticipating the lob and moving back quickly, surprise them with a drop shot. This change of pace can catch them off guard and win you the point. The drop shot works best when they are expecting the lob, and are moving back.

Drills to Improve Your High Lob

Here are a couple of drills to help intermediate players refine their high lob:

High Lob Practice Drill

Have a partner feed you balls from the baseline. Focus on consistently hitting high, deep lobs to the opposite baseline. Start with aiming for the middle of the court, and then progress to targeting specific areas, like the corners. Repeat this drill for 10-15 minutes, concentrating on form and consistency.

Lob Placement Drill

In this drill, your partner stands at the NVZ line. They will indicate which side of the court you should lob to (left or right) just before you hit the ball. This helps you practice directing your lobs accurately under pressure. The goal is to land the lob within the designated area consistently. Do this for 10-15 minutes.

Benefits and Risks of the High Lob

The high lob offers a significant advantage: it buys you time to reposition.

Gaining Time to Reposition

The primary benefit of the high lob is that it gives you valuable time to recover. When you're caught out of position or under pressure at the baseline, a well-executed lob allows you to get back to the NVZ line and prepare for the next shot.

Risk Factor: Medium

The high lob isn't without risk. If the lob is too short or doesn't have enough height, your opponents can attack it aggressively. Also, a predictable lob can be easily anticipated and countered.

Mitigating Risks

To minimize the risks, focus on consistent depth and height. Vary the spin on the ball to make it harder for your opponents to predict. Use the lob sparingly and strategically, not as your default shot. When playing defensively, make sure your lob is high enough to give you ample time to recover, even if it means sacrificing some depth.

Conclusion

The high lob is a valuable tool in pickleball, especially for intermediate players. It's not just a defensive shot; it's a strategic weapon that can disrupt your opponents, buy you time, and create opportunities to attack. By practicing the techniques and strategies outlined here, you can add a new dimension to your game and become a more well-rounded player.

Expert tip: Always aim for the back of the court with your lob. This pushes your opponents back and gives you more time to get to the net.