Defending the Lob in Pickleball
Defending the Lob in Pickleball: Strategies to Turn the Tables
I recently had a humbling experience in a DUPR match. I’m a big guy with limited mobility due to old foot injuries, and my partner shares similar challenges. One opponent quickly capitalized on that by launching a series of precise lobs that left us scrambling. It felt like we spent more time chasing balls than actually playing strategically. At that moment, I felt the need to figure out Defending the Lob in Pickleball.
This article is the result of my deep dive into all the best ways to defend the lob in pickleball. I already knew backpedaling was the wrong approach, but I wanted to discover proven methods to neutralize these high arcing shots, even if my feet don’t move like they used to. Let’s talk about how to flip the script and turn those lobs into opportunities.
Why Lobs Can Feel Overwhelming
At the 3.0 to 3.5 rec level and beyond, a skilled lobber can turn every rally into a footrace. When you’re not especially mobile, or dealing with nagging foot issues, lobs can feel impossible to track down. Rather than reacting and feeling frustrated, let’s make the lobber regret their own plan.
How To: Defending the Lob in Pickleball
Defending the lob in pickleball isn’t just about hitting a decent overhead. It’s about positioning, anticipation, and seizing the advantage. We’ll delve into various tactics, from neutralizing a lobber’s comfort zone to turning their own strategy against them.
- Disrupt Their Comfortable Setup
A lobber thrives on time, balance, and positioning. With these elements in place, they can place the ball just inches from your baseline.
Hit to Their Feet: Forcing low contact points keeps your opponent from smoothly lifting the ball. A low drive or rolling dink at their feet is harder to elevate. This tactic takes away the stable “launchpad” they need for a perfect lob.
Speed Up the Game: If they want to lob, they need a moment to set up. Push them out of their comfort zone with faster, lower shots. Driving the ball with topspin is a great way to rush their shot, causing them to mishit the ball or pop up a short lob you can smash.
Move Them Side to Side: Make them work laterally. A lobber standing still is far more accurate than one who must slide or shuffle quickly. If you force them to move before they attempt a lob, it often ends up short or sails out. - Use Their Own Weapon Against Them
Many pickleball players who love to lob don’t enjoy defending deep lobs themselves. They often lack the same footwork or speed they rely on you not having.
Lob Them Right Back: An occasional deep lob can catch them off guard. They’ll find themselves scrambling, especially if you place the ball just over their dominant shoulder.
This approach introduces doubt. They might start wondering if they’ll get lobbed next, making them hesitant to lob freely at you. - Exploit the Midcourt Trap
The midcourt is the worst place for a lobber. Hitting an effective lob from “no-man’s land” requires balance and height, which are tough to execute in transition.
Drop Shots into the Transition Zone
If they have to move forward and then lob, their accuracy plummets. A well-placed drop near the midcourt line forces them into a position where they’re neither at the baseline nor at the net.
Attack the Body
Another way to force a midcourt lob is to drive a shot right at their chest. They’ll likely pop the ball up, giving you a chance for an easy overhead.
Slice Dinks That Die
As Tyson McGuffin explains, a controlled slice dink can force an opponent to lift the ball. When you mix in a push dink approach with some spin, the lob becomes extra tricky to hit cleanly from a compromised stance.
Pro Tip from Tyson McGuffin: “Use a three-to-nine ‘clock face’ motion for your slice dink. Stay within your hips and avoid over creating spin. A little slice goes a long way.” - Anticipate the Lob Early
A solid lobber won’t abandon their favorite shot just because you’ve returned a few successfully. To minimize panic and rushed movements, anticipate when they’ll lob.
Watch Paddle Angle & Court Position
An open paddle face is a clear giveaway that a lob might be coming. Also, pay attention if they’re at the kitchen line and dipping low. That’s a common setup.
Start Moving Back Early
As soon as you see the telltale signs of a lob, pivot sideways. It’s safer than backpedaling. By the time the ball is airborne, you’ll be ready to run back with your eyes on the ball’s flight.
Intercept Lobs in the Air
If you can catch a lob while it’s still rising or before its peak, you remove the lobber’s advantage of time. This overhead interception can be a momentum shift. Just be sure you’re balanced enough to avoid net faults or foot fouls. - Deny Their Reset Lobs
Some pickleball players lob to buy themselves time. They’re hoping to reset the point or recover from a defensive position. Don’t let them get away with it.
Step Inside the Baseline
If they lob from way back, move slightly forward so you can take their shot out of the air. This deprives them of the bounce they’re counting on.
Angle Your Overheads
Smashing straight down is fine, but if you can place overheads into sidelines or open court, you’ll make them work even harder to return. Overheads angled off the court often win points outright or force weak replies. - Break Their Confidence
Lobbers love dictating pace. If you keep them guessing, they’ll become hesitant, which leads to errors.
Vary Your Return Speed
They may expect a big, booming overhead. Occasionally, hit a soft overhead or even a well-placed lob in return. It’s like a changeup pitch in baseball—throws them off-balance.
Play Off Speed Overheads
A skyhook or a more controlled overhead can be surprisingly effective, especially if your mobility is limited. A short, controlled swing can still put them on the defensive if placed correctly.
Force Them to Win with Something Else
If they keep lobbing, keep forcing them to move. If they remain persistent, make them prove they can do something other than lob. Target their partner if one of them struggles with net play.
Sooner or later, the lobbing opponent will sense that their go-to strategy isn’t yielding the same easy points. The mental shift in their confidence can be huge.
Overhead Mechanics & Safety
Never backpedal if you can avoid it. Dangerous falls and injuries often happen when players move backward while looking up. Instead, pivot on your non dominant foot, get sideways like a quarterback, and shuffle to the ball.
Pivot, Point, and Replace
For a proper overhead, pivot quickly, point your non dominant hand (or elbow) at the ball, and load your paddle behind your ear. Replace your paddle with your guiding hand, making contact high in front.
Keep your head up, don’t pull it down prematurely, or you’ll likely hit the ball into the net. If you’re short on time or space, a skyhook overhead or a high backhand flick can keep you in the point.
Plan B and Plan C: Drop or Lob if Overhead Is Impossible
Sometimes, even if you’re vigilant, you just can’t get behind the ball to smash it. That’s when you should deploy Plan B or Plan C.
Plan B: Drop Shot
Pivot and sprint to where the ball bounces. Curl around so your weight shifts forward as you make contact. If you feel stable, hit a soft drop shot. This forces your opponents to keep dinking or drive from a tough angle.
Plan C: Return Lob
If you barely get to the bounce, consider lobbing back. That gives you precious seconds to move up or reset. It’s not always ideal, but it’s better than a desperate shot that floats an easy putaway to your foes.
Turning Lobs into Attackable Shots
When a lob is consistent and deep, it can be tough for bigger, less mobile pickleball players. But if the lob is slightly off or short, you can intercept at apex. This changes everything:
- You remove the bounce that lets the ball climb higher.
- You force your opponent to scramble or retreat.
- You deny them the relief and momentum they seek.
Even if your overhead isn’t explosive, place it with angles or hit it softly and short, making them run forward while off balance. Anything you do to wrestle away control can tip the momentum in your favor.
My Personal Take: Big Guy Perspective
I’ve learned these lessons the hard way. In my recent DUPR match, I discovered that knowing not to backpedal doesn’t always translate to doing it right under pressure. My partner and I both have foot issues, so pivoting and running down lobs can be intimidating.
Yesterday I decided to test and apply these strategies, standing a step back after hitting particularly vulnerable dinks, anticipating the lob, and focusing on controlled overheads, I saw immediate results. Opponents started second guessing their lobs. Suddenly, I was the one dictating the flow.
Defending the Lob in Pickleball FAQ
Turn sideways to avoid backpedaling, watch your opponent’s paddle angle for early cues, and move quickly to where the ball will land. A controlled drop or timely overhead is key.
If you want to reduce your opponent’s reliance on lobs, limit their time and positioning. Attack their feet, speed up the game, and keep them off-balance with side to side movement.
Force them into bad spots. Keep them guessing with your returns, lob them back occasionally, and make them work hard for every shot.
If it’s in overhead range, smash it early. If not, sprint behind the bounce and drop the ball or lob back to buy time. Avoid backpedaling at all costs.
Quick Summary Table
| Strategy | Key Focus | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Disrupt Their Setup | Low drives, quick pace | Prevents easy, high arcing lobs |
| Lob Them Back | Deep shots over their head | Causes indecision, disrupts rhythm |
| Stay Alert for Midcourt | Force them into transition | They lose accuracy and power |
| Anticipate & Pivot | Avoid backpedaling | Increases safety & readiness |
| Use Varied Returns | Drop shots, angles, soft overheads | Breaks their confidence & momentum |
Defending the Lob in Pickleball
Whether you’re a big guy like me or simply want to improve your defensive game, these strategies can transform your approach to lobs. Keep in mind that your goal is to control the pace and force errors from the lobber.
Ready to take the next step? Build your confidence by drilling overhead footwork, practicing slice dinks, and perfecting your lob returns. If you commit to these tactics, you’ll find yourself dictating rallies, seizing momentum, and shutting down those pesky lobs that once seemed unbeatable.
Remember: it’s not about eliminating lobs entirely, it’s about ensuring they’re no longer a free pass for your opponents. Try these tips in your next session, and watch how quickly the tables turn. For more insights on dominating the court, explore our Pickleball Strategies section. Share your progress with friends, and visit often for weekly tips that spark your pickleball success.
