Pickleball Tips - 4.0 To Pro, A Pocket-Sized Pickleball Podcast 54: Lob ‘Em Till They Cry: Mastering the Most Annoying Shot in Pickleball
Oct 8, 2025
This week delves into the mischievous world of the lob in pickleball. Learn when and why to lob, including defensive tactics and offensive flicks that catch opponents off guard. Discover the psychology behind lobs and how they disrupt gameplay. Explore partner strategies, the art of disguising lobs, and the chaotic effectiveness of the lob-drop-lob combo. Plus, hear fun camp anecdotes and a lively debate on whether both partners should retreat during a lob. Get ready to elevate your game with height and strategy!
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Lob As A Strategic Disruptor
- Lobs have become a chaotic, strategic weapon at high levels and can be used frequently to disrupt opponents.
- The mere threat of a lob forces opponents to adjust positioning and decision-making.
Perfect Opening Lob Story
- Mike describes a match-opening lob that landed perfectly in the corner and set the tone immediately.
- He notes the down-the-line back-shoulder lob is especially effective against lefty-righty teams.
Use Defensive Lobs To Reset
- Use a soft, high, cross-court lob when you're badly out of position to buy time and reset.
- Aim toward the center of the court and factor wind direction to keep the ball in play.