Lob technique: arm-driven control and deception

What this lesson covers

This technique prioritizes shoulder and arm movement over vertical body motion when hitting a lob. By dropping the racket head and using the arm for power, the player gains control and height without needing to push upward with the legs. The setup involves a semi-open stance with the knuckles positioned near the inner thigh. This specific preparation hides the intention, making it difficult for the opponent to distinguish between a high lob and a chiquita until the moment of contact.

Drills focus on maintaining this compact preparation while standing near the back glass. By keeping the racket at the side of the body rather than lifting it high, the player remains ready to disguise the shot. This method works best on balls where the player has sufficient time to set up. It serves as a tactical resource when standard lobs fail to neutralize aggressive net play, effectively forcing opponents to guess the trajectory.