This week we revisit the lob…as an option for your service return. The lob return is a great option for a serve to your backhand, especially against serve and volley players, and if your backhand return is a little weak. The stroke is pretty simple but lets look at a couple of focus points.
- Move your feet- you still have to get in position to hit the shot(since it’s not a full swing, many people just stand flat-footed and “poke” at the ball)
- Keep your eye on the ball-the serve is coming at you with different spin and speed and from a different height than a ground stroke. So don’t take making good contact for granted. If you frame this shot to the net man, he’s going to make you or your partner eat it.
- Lob the net man-if the server is coming in he’s going to have to change direction to track the lob down, or the net man will have to run it down himself.
See “What to focus on when lobbing” for more on how to hit an effective lob.
Mix in the lob return to throw your opponents off balance and put your team on the offensive. See “Where to go after the lob” for more on making an effective lob pay off.