How to Hit a Lob in Pickleball: Basic Technique for Beginners

September 29, 2026

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A lob is a high defensive shot that sends the ball over your opponent at the net. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, swing the racket upward from below with an open face at about 45 degrees, and follow through smoothly. The goal is to land the ball deep in your opponent's court, well out of reach of their smash.

What is a lob and when to use it

A lob is a defensive stroke where you hit the ball high over the net, allowing it to travel with enough height to clear your opponent standing aggressively at the net. It's one of the most important shots to learn because it gets you out of trouble and resets the point in your favor.

You use a lob for two main reasons: first, to buy yourself time when you're in a poor position, and second, to push your opponent back to the baseline so they can no longer control the net. A well-executed lob forces them to retreat quickly, which breaks their advantage and often leads to a weaker return ball that you can attack.

At the beginner level, many players aren't accustomed to tracking high balls, so a good lob often results in an error or a weak comeback that you can put away.

Footwork and stance for the lob

Begin with your feet about shoulder-width apart, with your weight on the balls of your feet. If the ball is coming from your right, slide your left foot slightly forward, and vice versa. This position gives you stability while allowing smooth body rotation.

Your knees should be slightly bent, never locked. This helps you adjust your height as the ball arrives at different elevations. Don't end up with a closed stance or feet crossing your body — this leaves you off-balance and reduces control.

It's critical to get low as the lob approaches. Many beginners stand too upright and then have to swing up hard from there. If you start low, you only need to lift the racket gently without forcing it.

Grip and racket preparation

Use a continental grip or eastern forehand grip for your lob. Continental grip is most versatile because it lets you change the racket angle without changing your hand position. Hold the racket with a relaxed grip — full tension makes it hard to control.

Prepare by bringing your racket to the side of your body with your elbow bent at roughly 90 degrees. The racket should be behind your body, not in front. This gives you time to react and room to generate a smooth swing.

Your contact point should be in front of your body, slightly above waist height. If you let the ball come too far to the side or behind you, you lose control of the angle.

The swing motion: low to high

Start with the racket low, at your hip. As you initiate your swing, bring the racket down slightly (not way down), then rise in one smooth, continuous motion toward the ball. This is different from a drive, where you swing flat — here, your racket path rises from low to high.

The racket angle is critical. For a lob, your racket face should be open by about 40–50 degrees from horizontal, striking the ball upward and forward at the same time. If the racket face is too flat, the ball flies too far and too low. If it's too open, the ball goes high but doesn't carry distance.

The swing should come from your elbow and shoulder, not just your wrist. Your wrist stays firm but relaxed. Push through the ball rather than swinging hard — a lob is about placement and height, not speed.

Follow-through and balance

After contact, your racket should continue upward and across your body, finishing with your hand in front of your face or slightly above your opposite shoulder. Don't stop the swing abruptly — a full follow-through gives you better control and prevents elbow strain.

Stay balanced after the shot. Take a small reset step to position yourself ready for the next stroke. If you're running away or losing your balance, you won't be ready to react quickly.

Keep your eyes on the ball through contact, then track the ball's path over the net. This helps you judge whether your lob has enough height or if it will land in or out.

Target: where to place your lob

The primary goal is to land the ball far back, close to your opponent's baseline, ideally near the service line area. The line is your target zone — not too deep (it's out), not too close (it's not effective). A lob that lands a foot or two inside the baseline is ideal.

If you lob down the middle, it's harder for your opponent to move laterally. If you lob to the side where your opponent is farther from the net, they have to run farther. As you improve, you'll adjust your target based on where your opponent is positioned.

As a beginner, focus on consistency first — successfully landing lobs with the right height and distance. Precision comes later.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Swinging too hard: Beginners often want the ball to go far and swing aggressively, but this makes the ball sail erratically. A lob is about control, not power. Use moderate tempo and let the open racket face do the work.

Hitting the ball too low: If the ball hasn't reached your ideal hitting height and you strike it anyway, you get a short ball that's easy for your opponent to smash. Wait for the ball to reach the peak of its arc or drop slightly, then hit it with an upward angle.

Stiff wrist: A locked wrist makes it hard to adjust the angle as the ball moves or arrives unexpectedly. Keep your wrist relaxed yet stable.

No follow-through: Stopping your swing too early results in inconsistent balls. A full follow-through ensures you complete the motion correctly.

Poor footwork: Standing still and reaching for the ball leaves you off-balance. Always take a few small steps to position yourself directly under or near the ball before you strike it.

Drills to improve your lob

Lob vs. wall: Find a wall or backboard and practice lobbing against it. Start close and gradually back up. The goal is to hit the ball high enough to bounce off the wall and return to you in a hittable position. This builds confidence without needing a partner.

Lob with partner at net: Have your partner stand at the net while you stand at the baseline. Your partner calls 'lob' or signals with their hand, and you must lob. This teaches you to lob on command and under real-time pressure.

Lob with a target: Place a cone or marker in your opponent's service box or baseline area. Try to lob near that target. Start with a large target, then shrink it as you improve.

Game rally with defensive focus: Play a mini game where you're only allowed to lob—no drives or smashes. This forces you to master one shot and learn how to use it strategically.

When to lob vs. other shots

A lob is best used when your opponent is already at the net and ready to attack. If they're still at the baseline, consider a safe, deep drive or an offensive shot instead. If they're far from the net, a lob may be unnecessary — you can target them directly with a deeper drive.

Use a defensive lob when you're in a poor position and need time to recover. Use an offensive lob (launched more aggressively from your own baseline) when you want to shift momentum and push your opponent back.

Don't lob every time your opponent is at the net — they'll learn the pattern and begin waiting for it. Variety is key. Mix lobs with passing shots or drop shots to keep your opponent guessing.

Frequently asked questions

How high should my lob be?

Your lob should be high enough that your opponent can't smash it downward past the net. As a general rule, your lob should clear your opponent's head by at least 1–2 meters when they're standing at the net with their racket up. As you advance, you can experiment with height to make timing harder for the smash.

What is the difference between a lob and a lop?

In pickleball, the standard term is 'lob.' There is no standard shot called a 'lop.' However, there is a 'topspin lob,' which is rarer and more advanced — you brush the ball to add spin, making it harder to smash. As a beginner, focus on the basic lob first.

Should I use a backhand or forehand for my lob?

Use whichever feels more comfortable and gives you the best access to the ball. Most beginners are stronger on the forehand, but the backhand lob is an essential shot to learn as well. Practice both. The core technique remains the same—a low-to-high swing with an open racket face.

What if my opponent smashes my lob?

That's part of the game. If their smash lands, well-played — that was a good shot. However, a well-placed lob forces your opponent to move back quickly and gives them less time to set up. If you find your lobs are being smashed consistently, lob higher, deeper, or vary it more so they don't anticipate every lob.

Can I practice the lob without a partner?

Yes. Practice against a wall or backboard. If neither is available, practice footwork and swing mechanics with an imaginary ball at home. When you're ready to play, start with a friendly partner and focus on consistency rather than trying new techniques during competitive play.