Defending against the lob in pickleball can be challenging. However, with the right techniques, you can turn the tables on your opponent. As soon as you realize your opponent has hit an overhead lob, positioning yourself correctly is crucial.
Utilizing your paddle to track the ball’s trajectory and executing a high overhead shot is the preferred method for many experienced players. The tennis player who has transitioned to Pickleball demonstrates significant proficiency in this technique. However, for most recreational players, the overhead shot presents considerable difficulty. Often, we either hit the ball into the net or against the back wall. Let us examine three different strategies for those who encounter challenges with this type of shot when defending against the lob.
Open the Gate
You are at the NVZ and your opponent executes a perfect lob, the moment you see it coming your way, open the gate. When done correctly, your body mimics a gate swinging open. This method is the one we see used most often on the court.
Please, always remember, never ever backpedal to get a lob. Let the ball go and lose the point, do not injure yourself!
To properly execute the “Open the Gate” method, follow these steps:
- Pivot on the kitchen line, opening your hips with your non-dominant foot closer to the line.
- Locate the ball and determine its trajectory.
- Pivot again and run to the ball’s drop point. Avoid wasting steps.
- Let the ball bounce before returning it.
- Use small steps to position yourself slightly past the ball for a successful hit.
- Set your paddle to either return the lob with a drive shot or reset the rally with a softer shot.
Crosscourt and Switch
In doubles, effective communication is essential for handling lob shots, especially with the “Crosscourt and Switch” method. Without it, your partner might get hit. The player on the lobbed side decides who moves crosscourt and who switches. For lob shots to the even side, follow these steps; for the odd side, reverse them.
To properly execute the “Crosscourt and Switch” method, follow these steps:
- When executing a lob shot to the even side, the odd side player pivots right and yells “switch.”
- The odd side player runs crosscourt to the even side baseline while the even side player shifts left at the NVZ line. Coaches may suggest both players retreat together after the switch. Communicate and agree on who will take the lob before starting.
- The player who ran crosscourt will let the ball bounce.
- Set your paddle and be ready to return the lob with a controlled drive or a soft defensive shot.
This all happens extremely fast, so practice is key to properly executing this method.
The Banana
Bananas and pickleball may not share any obvious similarities; however, we will concentrate on the shape of the banana in this discussion. This technique, like others, demands swift and precise execution to be effective.
To properly execute the “The Banana” method, follow these steps:
- Upon executing the lob shot to either the even or odd side of the court, the player positioned on that side will pivot towards the outside boundary of the court.
- The player on the even side will lead with their right foot, whereas the player on the odd side will lead with their left foot. It is crucial to avoid leading with the opposite foot, as this may cause a fall and result in a missed shot.
- As the player steps out towards the boundary, they will turn and run in a crescent shape, resembling a banana, towards the back of the court.
- During the run, it is imperative to locate the ball in the air and ascertain its trajectory.
- Upon reaching the appropriate position, the player should set their paddle and prepare to either return the lob with a controlled drive shot or reset the rally with a softer defensive shot.
Understanding the mechanics and timing of your opponent’s lob shot and establishing communication with your partner will allow you to counter a lob more effectively. If you are proficient at an overhead powerful smash, go for it. If not, let the ball bounce and use a drive shot or a more strategic drop shot. With practice, defending against the lob can become a seamless part of your pickleball arsenal.