9 Ways to Counter a Lobber
1. Develop an Awesome Overhead!
After hammering the first two or three lobs for winning overheads, you will send a clear message to your opponents not to lob in the future.
2. Use the Slice to Bring the Lobber in
Slice the ball short to bring the lobber to mid-court. The lob is now difficult to execute because of the shorter distance involved.
3. Hit to the Lobber’s Partner at the Net
When returning, hit to the net player to discourage the lobber from becoming involved. Make sure your partner is aware of the plan so she can be ready to cover the middle.
4. Put Pace on the Ball
Putting pace on the ball deters the lob. A ball coming at high speeds is tough to lob because the lobber must both reduce the speed and change the height of the ball. Your best opportunities to put pace on the ball are on the serve and return of serve. However, look for chances to add pace anytime during a rally.
5. Poach
To avoid the lobber getting into a rhythm, poach and finish the point off quickly.
6. Stand at the Service Line
Stand at the service line when your partner is serving, rather than close to the net. This strategy discourages the opponent from lobbing, since you can easily cover their attempted lob.
7. Position Both Players Back when Returning the Lobber’s Serve
Move both players to the baseline when returning to give the lobber no target to hit over.
8. Use the Approach Volley
Take the lob in the air as a volley and move towards the net. This strategy avoids getting involved in a long lobbing exchange with your opponent.
9. Bring the Server’s Partner Back to the Baseline
Use this strategy as a last resort because you lose some of your advantage to serving – as there is no partner at the net to finish off the point. However, now the lob is well defended when both players are back.
© Greg Fowler