Learning how to hit a great tennis lob requires learning the footwork, court position, grip, and stroke. You must also learn when to hit a lob and how to prepare for the next shot coming after you hit a lob.
Use The Proper Footwork For A Tennis Lob
Great footwork can put you in position and give you the balance necessary to hit an effective lob. The conundrum is you usually only need to hit a lob in a defensive situation where you are running or being moved around the court. Your best opportunity is to try to get to an open stance to hit a lob. Maintaining court vision will let you aim your shot and hit your target consistently. Getting to an open stance is not always possible. Maintain your upper body position turned slightly toward the net as much as you can. As you hit the shot, bring your back foot around and land with it pointed to the net. Stay on the balls of your feet as you hit the shot and as you land.
Be In Great Court Position
You’ll hit a lob when you are out of position and need time to get back into position. The question is, why were you out of position? What happened on the previous shot maybe put you out of position. Or you didn’t expect a certain shot from your opponent and it took you where you didn’t want to go. You will be out of position often in tennis. The key is always trying to get back into a good position. You want to have as much court coverage as often as possible. As the point flows so will your court coverage. It is your job to regain that coverage as often as you can, using knowledge of the current situation to influence your choice. You may need to stand closer to the duece court doubles alley if your opponent hit 90 percent of their shots there, and they are ineffective to the other side. It’s okay to drift back if your opponent can’t hit a drop shot but can blast that ball to the baseline and you need the extra room.
The Right Grip For A Good Tennis Lob
Forehand Topspin Lob
Use a semi-western grip for a forehand topspin lob. This leaves your racket head just slightly closed, meaning the face is pointed slightly toward the ground. This is counterintuitive, considering the ball is going to loop high in the air. The difference is in the stroke, as we’ll cover later.
Backhand Topspin Lob
Use a continental grip for a backhand topspin lob. This leaves the racket face parallel to the net, leaving your backhand options open.
Forehand Slice Lob
Use a continental grip for a forehand slice lob. The face will be parallel to the net, and again the stroke will make the difference.
Backhand Slice Lob
The continental grip is a versatile grip that works great for a backhand slice lob. Slice lobs will float, so when to hit it matters as much as any lob. An opponent moving forward can provide a great opportunity to surprise them with a floater that sails over their head.
When Should I Hit a Lob in Tennis?
A lob is a defensive shot meant to bail you out of trouble and give you an opportunity to stay in the point. It’s usually hit when you are on a full run and you know you will need extra time to get back in the court. It’s sometimes hit when an opponent hits a power shot and they are headed to the net. Very occasionally in these situations, an opportunity to use a lob as an offensive play comes about and can be capitalized on. It’s very unusual for it to work as an offensive shot more than once or twice in a match, so relish that moment and don’t repeat too much. An average opponent will catch on to a consistent lob strategy and prepare for it. It becomes a losing strategy at that point.
