Hitting a topspin lob in tennis can be an effective way to confuse an opponent and extend a point. But, it is crucial that you know when and why to employ this shot.
Lobs should be employed when facing off against an opponent who cannot attempt a groundstroke passing shot.
Getting the right grip
As soon as a player begins playing a topspin lob, the first thing they must do is secure an adequate grip on the ball. This step is essential because topspin lobs require close hits of the ball with the ground; otherwise it won’t have any spin at all!
Proper grip will also assist in creating the desired amount of topspin. A low to high swing should be employed, starting below and finishing above the ball for maximum topspin effect and brushing motion that results in higher bounce back on impact with the ground.
An important tip when playing topspin lob tennis is striking the ball with an open racquet face, as this will allow them to generate more spin and create additional angles. Furthermore, hitting deep will keep opponents off balance.
A well-executed lob shot can win points and send a clear message to opponents that the player possesses an arsenal of shots they are not afraid to use. Indeed, lobs may sometimes prove more effective than volleys as they force opponents into misses or an overhead smash which may otherwise be among their weaker shots.
Therefore, players should practice their lobs regularly in a variety of scenarios. For instance, they can practice lobbing against an opponent at the net by hitting short groundstrokes before lobbing over their heads; this will force them to think twice before coming close and will put them into an advantageous defensive position.
Alternately, they could try lobbing when an opponent has just played an ineffective volley at the baseline and is backpedalling due to poor technique; this will cause them to backpedal further and leave themselves vulnerable for an overhead smash that will be difficult for them to return.
Getting the right speed
Topspin lobs are one of the best ways to keep an opponent off of the net whether you are attacking or defending, yet require high levels of skill to execute consistently. One way you can enhance your topspin lob shot is to add more speed into it by hitting higher and following through after contact; practicing hitting with higher trajectory may help add topspin to the ball as well.
Finding the appropriate speed when playing the lob is key to creating consistent shots that remain in play, which can be particularly difficult without proper speed. Furthermore, spinning can add even more speed after it has bounced and make it more challenging for opponents to return it.
Another factor when playing the lob is your target distance. This will dictate what kind of lob you need to hit; defensive lobs tend to be short and cross the net while offensive ones should land near it.
A quality lob requires quick wrist action, so it is essential to build wrist strength by doing stretching and drills prior to practicing this shot. Furthermore, enough height must be available in order for you to lob the ball over your opponent’s head with enough power and accuracy – something which many players find challenging.
Your target should be to aim the lob at its peak as it prepares to drop, and hit it just before touching down. Hitting too soon or too late could result in less topspin, making the lob less effective; professional players’ techniques can also provide useful insight.
A well-executed lob is an invaluable weapon in doubles tennis. A powerful one can force an out-of-position opponent to miss or attempt an overhead smash – usually one of their weaker shots.
Getting the right height
One reason that players don’t practice lobs as often is due to its difficulty of reaching an acceptable height. To counter this problem, players need to focus on using topspin with every shot they hit. Topspin occurs when contact between player and ball occurs with enough force that causes forward momentum that causes it to bounce higher than if without spin.
When playing the topspin lob, a player should strike the ball just above their opponent’s head and aim it deep into their backcourt. This creates space and gives time for them to prepare a volley before returning it; also making it hard for their opponent to return it themselves. Achieve the appropriate height when hitting topspin lobs is essential to any tennis player’s game.
Note when hitting a topspin lob is to strike it with enough power for it to go over the net, usually using similar body mechanics as when hitting regular groundstrokes. Leaning back or opening up your racquet face could potentially telegraph the shot directly to your opponent and lessen its effectiveness.
A lob can be used either defensively to buy yourself time to get into position, or offensively as part of an effective combination of shots designed to mislead an opponent and freeze them at the net. Furthermore, its purpose can also be expanded when an opponent plays a volley at the net and create extra space between you.
To practice their lob shot, players should begin by having a partner stand at the net and feed balls while they aim for the back court. Players should repeat this drill several times until they can consistently hit it during points. Doubles players may use an altered version of this drill where one partner stands at the net while their partner sits behind the baseline.
Getting the right spin
When playing a topspin lob, it is critical that the ball be given the appropriate spin in order for it to land deep within your opponent’s court and not easily be returned by them. Furthermore, this ensures that it isn’t hit too long and ends up hitting back at you instead.
One effective strategy to create the necessary spin is hitting your lobs with a backhand grip, which will impart lots of topspin onto the ball and heighten its trajectory. Furthermore, fast wrist action may help maintain high racket head speeds when hitting lobs.
An additional way to maximize the success of a lob shot is using it as the last shot in a two-shot combination. This strategy is especially beneficial against serve and volleyers as it prevents them from reaching the net. Benchmark players may use a lob to disrupt their rhythm by hitting it low across the net followed by short groundstroke.
An effective time and place to use a lob is when your opponent is at the net but has not reached the service line yet. This will allow you to get the ball over their heads and into the court before they have time to return it. Also make sure your lob hits with maximum power and height to make it difficult for your opponent to catch it!
Though lobs can be challenging for any player to hit successfully, practicing it regularly is crucial for improving your game and creating an effective offensive strategy. When executed well, lobs provide a unique advantage that allows players to outmaneuver opponents and score more points.
To practice lobs with your coach, create a drill. Have the coach stand at the net and feed a simple drop shot; once hit by the player, hit a deep backhand lob off it using backhand spin or height control; if unable to hit at desired height and spin levels again repeat until desired results.