Pickleball might seem like an easy sport at first glance, but once you start playing it for yourself, you will see that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.
You need to learn how to strategize and work as part of a team, and there are plenty of different methods and techniques you will need to use in order to win a game.
One of these techniques is called the “lob shot” and when you know how to use it in a game, it can really improve the way you play. But what is a lob shot? How do you do it? And why is beneficial to learn?
We will be going over everything you need to know about lob shots in pickleball, and by the time you finish reading, you will understand it so much better!
What Is A Lob Shot In Pickleball?
The lob shot goes by many different names, some of which include sky shot, pop up, sky ball, moon ball, high floaty ball, so if you have heard one of the other names before, this is what it’s referring to!
In short, the lob shot is basically a deep and high-lofted hit that you can only gain access to when you open the face of the pickleball. It is usually used at times when you want to push your opponents off of the kitchen line and move them toward your baseline.
It’s a great technique to use when you want to catch your opponent off guard and give you and your teammate a better chance of gaining the upper hand in a match.
How Do You Hit A Lob Shot?
It does take a bit of technique and you will have to practice it in order to perfect it, but once you have it drilled into your head, hitting a lob shot isn’t too difficult!
To hit a lob shot you need to have a hammer-like grip, but you need to hit the ball with a soft touch. It’s quite similar to a dink!
Start by putting your body into a low squat position and then lift and push the ball out as you start to stand up. Then you need to make sure both your elbow and wrist are steady.
Your shoulders and legs are going to be the main force and you need to aim the shot over your opponent’s weaker arm/shoulder. You are aiming to land the ball in your opponent’s baseline area.
Is A Lob Shot Good?
Overall, a lob shot can be good in a pickleball game, but there are some circumstances in which it’s actually a bad thing. It really depends on how you use the shot.
The biggest issue with lob shots is that the margin for error is incredibly slim, and if you do mess it up, it’s going to put you and your teammate at a disadvantage.
When you get it right though, it can really put you and your teammate at a high advantage, and it’s a great way to throw your opponent off.
When it’s used correctly, a lob shot can really interrupt your opponent’s flow, and it can mess their strategy up, leaving them scrambling to recover. But this is only the case when you actually land the lob shot correctly.
This is why it’s important that you practice the lob shot, and only use it in situations where you are more sure that it will work rather than fail.
There will be times when you attempt a lob shot and it doesn’t work out the way you want, but that is all a part of the experience of pickleball!
When Should You Use A Lob Shot?
The best time to use a lob shot is both on the offensive and on the defensive, so you can use it in any of these times, but you have to time it and plan it correctly.
When you are playing offensively, the best time to use the lob shot is when your opponent is too committed to their kitchen area. Other times include when they are standing in a poor stance or even more simply when they are not looking forward.
You can use it defensively too, but this should only be in situations where you are left with no other option. Defensive lob shots are a lot harder to plan and control, and they have a greater chance of failing and putting you at a disadvantage.
There is a lot more planning and strategizing when it comes to using a lob shot, but always try to use it when you are on the offensive. If you need to use it on the defensive, just make sure that you have no other option before you attempt it.
Can You Counter A Lob Shot?
Be warned, if you know about lob shots, there’s a very high chance that your opponent does too! This means you could be hit with an opposing lob shot at any time, but don’t worry! There are ways you can counter a lob shot from your opponent.
There are two main methods when it comes to countering a lob shot and they are using a drop shot to send the ball back to your opponent and the other option is really smashing the ball back in a volley.
You will have to react quickly when countering a lob shot, so be prepared for the possibility ahead of time.
Conclusion
Lob shots can be incredibly handy in pickleball and when you know how to implement them into a game properly, they can seriously put your opponent at a disadvantage.
There isn’t much room for error when it comes to a lob shot, so it’s in your best interest to practice it as much as possible before you start using it in serious games.
And remember: always aim to use it on the offensive rather than the defensive, but if you do have to use it on the defensive, think about it first!
Pickleball has been played for decades, and it is a great way to let off some steam, engage in friendly competition, and improve your fitness levels.
Hi, my name is Joe Polls and my family and I are keen pickleball players. My parents actually met on a pickleball court, and the rest is history.
I have always loved pickleball, no matter how many times I hear that it’s not a real sport. It has helped me get through some challenging times in my life - whether that be a breakup, finals, or even bereavement. The reason I made my website is so that I can teach more people about the wonders of pickleball, and maybe even get them interested in playing.
Pickleball could always use more players, so what are you waiting for?
Please, enjoy my website and I hope it teaches you something of use. Who knows, maybe I’ll catch you out on the court one day!
