Bandeja technique for high lobs

What this lesson covers

High lobs often cause players to lose focus and struggle with the timing of the swing. The physics of the impact depends on the angle of the racket face, where a closed face directs the ball downward, while a more open face, similar to a tennis forehand grip, helps lift the ball back over the net. Rapid, concise preparation is essential for precision when the ball falls from a great height.

Keep both arms high during the preparation and balance the body weight on the back foot. The primary goal is to land the ball anywhere in the opponent's court to maintain net position. Advanced options include aiming for the opponent's feet or the corners to force a double wall bounce. If the lob is not deep, let the ball bounce and adjust the feet to get behind the ball, allowing the body to move forward into the shot. Disrupt the opponent's comfort by playing faster balls to their feet or using short shots to force them forward, preventing them from setting up the high lob in the first place. For amateur players, the best approach is to keep the return simple and ensure the ball lands safely to keep the point alive.