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As pickleball players improve, the lob shot becomes a go-to weapon for opponents trying to keep you on your heels. It can be frustrating to deal with if you're unprepared, but with the right strategy and technique, defending against lobs can become a strength in your game. Here’s how to turn those high, floating shots into opportunities to dominate the court.

1. Anticipate the Lob

The best defense starts with anticipation. Pay close attention to your opponent’s body language and positioning. Players often telegraph a lob with an open paddle face and by leaning slightly back before striking the ball.

Coach’s Tip: If your opponents are pinned near the baseline or under pressure, they’re more likely to attempt a lob to reset the rally. Be ready for it!

2. Position Yourself Correctly

Your positioning can make or break your ability to defend a lob. Stand a step behind the kitchen line during rallies to give yourself a little more time to react without sacrificing your ability to attack volleys.

Coach’s Tip: Avoid being too close to the net unless you’re certain a lob isn’t coming. Staying balanced and slightly back keeps you prepared for anything.

3. Work on Your Footwork

Quick and efficient footwork is essential for defending lobs. Practice backpedaling safely and quickly while keeping your eyes on the ball. If the lob is deep, use a crossover step to cover more ground.

Coach’s Tip: Never turn your back to the net while retreating. Instead, shuffle or pivot to stay oriented and ready to strike.

4. Master the Overhead Smash

A well-executed overhead smash is the ultimate counter to a lob. Once you’ve tracked the ball and positioned yourself under it, focus on making solid contact at the highest point possible.

Key Points for the Smash:

• Keep your non-dominant hand pointed at the ball to improve tracking and balance.

• Use a full follow-through to generate power and control.

• Aim for an open space on the opponent’s court, or go for their feet to make the return difficult.

5. Communicate with Your Partner

In doubles, clear communication is critical for defending lobs. Decide in advance who will cover lobs down the middle and call “Mine!” or “Yours!” to avoid confusion during the point.

Coach’s Tip: If you’re the stronger player at handling lobs, take charge and let your partner know you’ve got it.

6. Stay Patient

Sometimes, lobs are simply too good to smash. In those cases, focus on resetting the rally. Return the lob with a controlled shot that keeps your opponents at the baseline.

Coach’s Tip: A deep return with topspin can push your opponents back and regain control of the point.

7. Practice Lob Drills

Defending lobs requires practice, just like any other skill. Incorporate specific drills into your training sessions to build confidence and consistency.

Drill Example:

• Have a partner lob the ball repeatedly while you practice tracking, positioning, and smashing. Alternate between resetting the ball and hitting aggressive overheads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcommitting to the Net: If you’re too eager to stay at the kitchen line, you’ll struggle to recover against lobs.

• Misjudging the Ball: Take your time to track the ball’s flight path. Rushing often leads to missed smashes or poor resets.

• Lack of Communication: In doubles, failing to communicate leads to confusion and missed opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Defending against lobs is all about preparation, positioning, and practice. By anticipating your opponent’s intentions, maintaining strong footwork, and refining your overhead smash, you’ll turn the tables on anyone who tries to catch you off guard. Remember: every lob is an opportunity to show off your skills and take control of the game.

Now, hit the courts and practice these techniques. The next time someone tries to lob over you, you’ll be ready to respond with confidence and precision!