How do I Deal with Lob Shots in Pickleball?
Lob shots are a common defensive tactic in pickleball. They can be a challenge to handle, but with the right technique, you can easily return them and gain an advantage.
1. Maintain Positioning:
Stay close to the baseline to give yourself more time to react to the lob. Bend your knees and keep your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
2. Drop Back:
As the lob approaches, take a few steps backward to provide yourself with more recovery time. Focus on getting under the ball cleanly.
3. Use an Overhead Stroke:
For high lobs, an overhead stroke is the ideal response. Keep your elbow bent and swing upward with a smooth motion, making contact with the ball at its highest point.
4. Go for a Drop Shot:
For low lobs, a drop shot can be effective. Hit the ball softly with a downward motion, aiming it just over the net and into the opponent's court.
5. Angle the Return:
Angle your return shot towards empty spaces in the opponent's court. By forcing them to cover more ground, you increase your chances of winning the point.
FAQ:
- How do I handle lobs that are too high or too fast? Practice footwork and reaction time to improve your ability to cover the ball.
- Should I hit lobs back with topspin or backspin? Backspin can make the ball drop faster and reduce its bounce, giving you more control.
- How do I deal with lobs that land deep in my court? If the ball is too deep, you may need to volley it instead of hitting an overhead stroke.
- When should I return a lob with an overhead smash? When the opponent leaves an opening near the baseline or when you have a clear opportunity to end the point.
- How do I practice returning lobs? Set up a lob machine or have a partner feed you lobs to practice your technique and timing.
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