The Secret to Returning Lobs

Have you ever tried ripping a winner off of someone's topspin lob while you were eight feet behind the baseline? Trying to hit a slow-paced high bouncing ball for a winner is only asking for trouble.

When you're pinned behind the baseline retrieving a lob, remember this, one good lob deserves another.

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In a world of tennis players who want to rip every ball like the pro players, we need to remember? that oftentimes there is a better shot selection for us non-ATP players. In the middle of a point when your opponent throws up a lob, the dynamics have just changed.

You now have a ball that will most likely bounce higher than your head and have absolutely no pace on the ball what so ever.

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So how do you return such a lob, assuming you can't get underneath it to hit an overhead? Return a lob with a lob. It's a safe shot.

Trying to hit a winner off of the lob is almost an impossible shot.

First of all, you have to generate all the power because the ball is moving slow. Secondly, the ball is going to bounce really high. And finally, you'll most likely be too far behind the baseline to hit the ball offensively.

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Here's what I propose. Throw back another lob, but make it more of an offensive lob if you can.

Hit the lob with some topspin so the ball with bounce high and with some pace, almost more of a moon ball rather than a lob. This will allow you time to get back into position and wait for the return. Your opponent will struggle to get under the ball to hit an overhead.

By throwing up an offensive lob, you're increasing your chances of getting a short ball in return, which will allow you to attack.

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You also can throw up an offensive lob and sneak into the net if you feel you have the time and are in the right position to do so.

By throwing up an offensive lob/moon ball you give yourself time to get back into position and play the percentages.

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About the Author

Scott Baker

Scott Baker is a singles and doubles expert based in central Ohio. To learn more from Scott, visit Tennis4You.com.
Scott Baker is a singles and doubles expert based in central Ohio. To learn more from Scott, visit Tennis4You.com.

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