Lob technique: body positioning and full finish

Lob12:53May 26, 2026

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I hit a consistent lob under pressure?

Get low under the ball and use a full arm motion to finish the stroke. Do not rely on a wrist flick, as a complete follow-through provides the control needed to place the ball deep.

What this lesson covers

The lob requires a consistent finish with the full arm rather than a short flick of the wrist. Proper preparation involves getting low under the ball to maintain control and direction. Players should commit to the shot even after errors, as shortening the lob out of fear often leads to defensive vulnerability and loss of court position. A deep, high lob provides the necessary time to recover to the net or reset the defensive structure.

Disguising the lob is essential for effective play. Using the same initial preparation for both a drive and a lob keeps the opponent guessing until the last moment. When defending, the player should aim for the corners to force opponents to cover more ground and minimize their ability to attack from the center. Even when the ball is low or dead, the focus remains on the same full-swing technique to ensure the ball reaches the desired depth.

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Original video

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced, Professional

Court position

Backcourt

Play style

Defensive

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