High lob defense: body position and racket face

Smash2:26Jul 7, 2024

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I defend against a very high lob?

Keep your racket face open and use the ball's natural momentum instead of trying to hit it hard. Shift your body position early so you aren't looking directly into the sun.

What this lesson covers

Handling high lobs requires adjusting body orientation to avoid looking directly into the sun. Instead of receiving the ball from above, shift your feet to change the angle of impact. This simple movement prevents the sun from blinding your vision during the contact phase.

When the ball drops from a great height, keep the racket face open to meet the ball cleanly. Support your weight on the back leg and guide the ball forward with a gentle motion. Avoid adding extra power, as the ball's natural gravity provides sufficient speed. Focus on a solid impact rather than attempting complex spin or aggressive smashes, which often lead to timing errors.

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Original video

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Skill level

Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate

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