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They read every high lob. What do you do with the next one?
When they read your lob, take away time rather than adding height. Flatter, faster, still deep.
Their net player is comfortable under every lob you hit and keeps playing easy bandejas. What do you change about the lob itself?
When they read your lob, take away time rather than adding height. Flatter, faster, still deep.
Why
A very high lob hangs, and hanging is exactly what a comfortable overhead player wants: seconds to move back, turn side-on and set up. The flat lob does the opposite. It clears their reach by less and arrives sooner, so they are still travelling at contact, and an overhead hit while moving backwards without a set base is a defensive shot no matter who plays it. The trade is margin, you have less room over their racket, which is why it is a change-up rather than a default.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Get the high lob deep and reliable first. The flat lob is a fine adjustment on top of a shot you already own.
Intermediate
Practise it as the same swing with a slightly more closed face and a longer follow-through towards the back fence.
Advanced
Alternate deliberately. Two high ones then a flat one over the same shoulder is far more effective than the flat lob on its own, because the timing change is what actually hurts.
Common questions
Their net player is comfortable under every lob you hit and keeps playing easy bandejas. What do you change about the lob itself?
Flatter and faster, just over their reach. When they read your lob, take away time rather than adding height. Flatter, faster, still deep. A very high lob hangs, and hanging is exactly what a comfortable overhead player wants: seconds to move back, turn side-on and set up. The flat lob does the opposite. It clears their reach by less and arrives sooner, so they are still travelling at contact, and an overhead hit while moving backwards without a set base is a defensive shot no matter who plays it. The trade is margin, you have less room over their racket, which is why it is a change-up rather than a default.
Why not shorter, to make them move forward?
A short lob is a free smash. Whatever you change, do not change the depth.
What should a beginner do here?
Get the high lob deep and reliable first. The flat lob is a fine adjustment on top of a shot you already own.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Alternate deliberately. Two high ones then a flat one over the same shoulder is far more effective than the flat lob on its own, because the timing change is what actually hurts.
Puzzles like this one
Both of them are at the net. What is the highest-percentage ball?
Only the lob moves a net pair backwards. Everything else invites them forward.
intermediateWhat do you do with the return of serve?
The return lob is how the receiving pair steals the net. Aim over the player who is still moving.
advancedThey are camped at the net and you cannot lob. What now?
If you cannot lift it over them, make them lift it for you. The chiquita is a slow ball at their feet.