Lobbing is one of those shots that can really save you
in a match. A good lob can not only keep you in the
point but it can allow you to hit an offensive shot
and take control of the net. If you watch the tour
players you probably have seen them hit these awesome
topspin lobs over their opponent. These are great and
once it makes it over the opponent it is rare that a
player can run it down and return it.
The problem with these topspin lobs is that they can
be a little difficult to execute if you don't have
good feel or you don't already have control over a
topspin groundstroke. My rule of thumb is "don't go
for a great shot when a good shot will win the point."
For many of your opponents, just getting the ball over
their head will win the point for you. It isn't
necessary to hit big topspin on most lobs because a
well placed lob over their head will get the job done.
I believe a good way to hit a lob is to keep your
wrist firm and just open the frame up and push
through and up. Your wrist will actually be similar
to the way you hit a volley. If you can learn to hit
a good lob that is relatively flat but lands halfway
between the service line and the baseline you will
probably be fine in most situations. Why try a risky
shot with lots of wrist unless it is really necessary?
Think about this scenario in doubles. You are
receiving serve on the deuce court and you throw a lob
over the net player. The server immediately has to
hit a running backhand of some sort (assuming he/she
is right handed). What a great way to take control
of a point! Many players only lob when they are in
trouble but good players know the value of being able
to run your opponents up and back as well as side to
side. Follow this lob return with your usual cross
court drive and you can really keep your opponent
guessing.
Keeping your wrist a little more firm can still allow
you to hit an offensive or defensive lob based on the
trajectory and height of your shot. A topspin lob
can be a very valuable tool but you need to make sure
that you have confidence in it and that it is
necessary to win the point. Practice keeping your
wrist similar to the way you volley and I bet you will
learn to love the lob.
