High lob tactics: shot selection and positioning

What this lesson covers

Handling high lobs requires an immediate assessment of depth and opponent positioning. If the lob lands short, attack the ball before or after the bounce. When the lob is deep and risks bouncing over the back fence, block the ball before it hits the glass. If the ball stays in the middle of the court, use a controlled bandeja to maintain the net position. Partner communication is vital to determine if opponents are at the net or back, as this dictates the target area.

When opponents rush the net after a lob, aim for the corners or the center to exploit open space. In competitive matches, targeting the body of a net-rushing opponent limits their reaction time and discourages further aggressive movement. Regardless of the chosen shot, maintain racket preparation and hit with clear intention to project confidence. A controlled smash directed into the corners or toward the fence often proves more effective than raw power, allowing the player to reclaim the net position consistently.