Mastering the Art of Deception: Pickleball Lob

Pickleball is a fast-paced game that needs you to move around a lot. You need a good pickleball paddle and wear the proper pickleball attire. You also need to know the basic rules of pickleball to be able to play properly.

When playing pickleball, strategy is important to win. You have to be familiar with every pickleball shot and strategize on how and when to use them to your advantage. One of the best shots to learn for beginners is the lob. The lob is one of the shots that can be used when playing defensive and offensive in pickleball.

What is the Pickleball Lob Shot? 

A lob in pickleball is a high, arcing shot that clears the net and is intended to land deep into your opponent’s court. This shot is often referenced as a deceptive shot because it sometimes looks like you're doing another shot instead of it. For example, if you're near the kitchen, you may make it seem like you're dinking and then surprise them with a lob and send them back to their baseline.

This shot is used to catch your opponent off guard and send them back towards the baseline. The lob is a versatile shot that can be used in different ways.

Types of Pickleball Lob

Defensive Lob

The defensive lob is used to recover from a difficult shot. A good example of this is when your opponent hits a powerful smash.  Properly doing a lob can neutralize the smash and allow you to go back to position and prepare for the next shot.

You can also use the defensive lob to reset a point. Resetting a point is when you're put on the defensive, lose momentum, or make a mistake. The defensive lob is very useful for resetting a point by:

There’s a saying in pickleball that whoever controls the net, controls the pace of the game. Are you familiar? So basically, if you push your opponent back to their baseline, it gives you time to regain your position near the net and control the pace of the game.

A defensive lob that’s done properly can catch your opponent off-guard and disrupt their rhythm, making it more difficult for them to attack aggressively or offensively.

Offensive Lob

While the defensive lob is used to recover from a difficult shot, an offensive lob is when you’re near the NVZ and hit it unexpectedly. This is a perfect shot for setting up an opportunity for an attack. The offensive lob is used for the following:

By forcing your opponent back to the baseline, it creates an opening for a volley or drive.

With your opponent being deep in their court, you can put pressure on their backhand until they make a mistake.

How to Do a Pickleball Lob?

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and maintain a balanced stance.
2. Use a continental or semi-western grip. 
3. Keep your eyes on the ball and adjust from where you’re standing as needed.
4. As the ball approaches, draw your arm back and hit the ball upwards. Hit the ball as if you’re tossing it up.
5. Use your wrist to generate a backspin.

Tips on a Good Pickleball Lob

• Master the backspin. This will cause the ball to land sharply after clearing the net.
• Practice. The more you practice, the better you will be at it. Try different scenarios so that you can practice both defensive and offensive lobs.
• When practicing for a lob, try tossing it up like in a softball pitch. This is similar to how a lob is hit, only with a pickleball paddle.
• Don’t stick to one place when hitting a lob. You can try it around the court, whether you’re near the baseline or the NVZ. This is, after all, called the deceptive shot. 
• Try different shots with a lob to mix it up and keep on surprising your opponent.
• Control your power. This isn’t like a pickleball overhead smash where power is a must. With a lob, you don’t want to hit it too hard. You want to hit it just right so it will go overhead and clear the net.
• Watch your opponents. If they struggle with deep lobs, you can use it more often.
• Learn from others. You can watch professional pickleball players like Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters to get more tips on using the lob. You can search for their matches on YouTube or try the websites of some major tournaments like the PPATour or the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. They usually post old matches on their website.

The Best Pickleball Paddles to Use for a Pickleball Lob

For a pickleball lob, you want to choose the best pickleball paddle for control with large sweet spots. Here are some suggestions you may want to consider.

101 Pickleball Zen Control

The 101 Pickleball Zen Control is the best control pickleball paddle you will encounter. This paddle is lightweight and focuses on control and touch, which is needed for executing a backspin and placing the ball where you want it.

Master your game with 101 Pickleball’s Zen Control. Experience unmatched control and accuracy on every shot. Don’t miss out and order now!

Engage Encore Pro

The Engage Encore Pro has a textured surface that focuses on control and touch, perfect for doing a lob.

Onix Evoke Premier

The Onix Evoke Premier is the best pickleball paddle for control and power. Besides providing balance, the paddle’s surface also provides a good feel, suitable for hitting lobs.

Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro C

The Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro C focuses on spin, control, and touch, perfect for placing the ball where you want it to.

Gamma Needle

The Gamma Needle pickleball paddle is more on the elongated paddle side, perfect for reaching. This paddle also focuses on control, which is important when doing lobs.

The lob is a deceptive and versatile shot. This shot is perfect for when you’re trying to neutralize your opponent or recover from difficult shots, also called playing defensively. You can also use this shot to play offensively like when you’re trying to create opportunities and push your opponent back. The pickleball lob is a very useful shot, as long as you know how and when to use it. Don’t forget to warm up before playing pickleball to avoid pickleball-related injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pickleball Lob

1. What is a Pickleball Lob, and When Should I Use It?

A pickleball lob is a high, arcing shot intended to clear the net and land deep in your opponent’s court. This shot is often used strategically to push your opponent toward the baseline, giving you time to reposition or set up an offensive play. The lob is versatile and can be used in both offensive and defensive scenarios. In offensive situations, it’s great for catching opponents off-guard, especially when they are at the net. Defensively, a lob can help you recover from challenging situations and regain control of the game.

2. How Do You Execute a Successful Pickleball Lob?

To execute a successful pickleball lob, start with a balanced stance, feet shoulder-width apart. Use a continental or semi-western grip to maintain control. As the ball approaches, draw your arm back and strike upwards, similar to a toss. The key is to use your wrist to generate backspin, which will help the ball land sharply after clearing the net. Always keep your eyes on the ball and adjust your position as needed to make contact at the right angle.

3. What Are the Differences Between Defensive and Offensive Lobs?

Defensive lobs are used to recover from difficult shots, like a powerful smash, and help reset the point. This type of lob allows you to regain control and disrupt your opponent's rhythm. In contrast, offensive lobs are executed when you're near the net and aim to catch your opponent off-guard. Offensive lobs create openings for subsequent shots, putting pressure on your opponent to respond quickly.

4. What Are Some Tips for Mastering the Lob Shot?

To master the lob shot, focus on a few key strategies:

• Master the Backspin: This will cause the ball to land sharply after clearing the net, making it more difficult for your opponent to return.
• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become. Try out various scenarios to improve both defensive and offensive lobs.
• Vary Your Shots: Don’t stick to one type of shot; mixing it up keeps your opponent guessing.
• Control Your Power: Unlike a smash, a lob doesn’t require excessive power. Aim for a gentle yet effective touch.

5. How Can I Identify When to Use a Lob During a Match?

Watch your opponent's position and behavior. If they are positioned close to the net or seem to be anticipating a fast shot, it might be an ideal time to use a lob. Additionally, if you find yourself on the defensive after a challenging rally, a well-timed lob can help reset the point and provide you with a better opportunity to regain control.

6. What Are the Best Pickleball Paddles for Executing a Lob?

When choosing a pickleball paddle for lobbing, look for paddles that emphasize control and have a large sweet spot. Some recommended paddles include:

• 101 Pickleball Zen Control: Lightweight and designed for precision.
• Engage Encore Pro: Known for its textured surface that aids control.
• Onix Evoke Premier: Offers a good balance of control and power.
• Paddletek Tempest Wave Pro C: Focuses on spin and control.
• Gamma Needle: An elongated paddle perfect for reaching.

7. How Can I Learn More About Using Lobs Effectively?

To improve your lob shot, consider watching professional pickleball players like Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters in action. Analyze their techniques during matches to understand how they incorporate lobs into their gameplay. Additionally, participating in clinics or lessons can provide hands-on experience and expert tips to refine your skills.