When you are out of position against a hard hit ball, the instinct to panic is strong. A well executed lob buys you time, changes the shape of the point, and can even set up a counter-attack of your own.
When to Use a Lob
A lob is most useful when you are pulled well off the table or badly out of position and cannot safely play a controlled shot. Rather than rushing a weak return, a high, deep lob gives you time to recover your stance while forcing your opponent to smash from a distance, which is a harder shot than it looks.
Executing the Lob
- Get under the ball early, using your legs to drive the shot upward rather than just your arm.
- Aim for height and depth, a lob that clears the table by several feet and lands deep gives your opponent the least amount of time and angle to work with.
- Add spin whenever possible. A lob with topspin or sidespin is significantly harder to smash cleanly than a flat, spinless one.
Fishing: The Lower Lob Variation
Not every defensive shot needs to be a towering lob. "Fishing" is a lower, flatter defensive shot played from mid-distance that keeps the ball in play without giving your opponent a huge, obvious target to smash. It is a useful middle ground between a full defensive lob and trying to counter-attack from an unstable position.
Turning Defense Into Offense
Good defensive players do not just survive with the lob, they use it to set traps. A well placed, heavily spun lob often draws a rushed or overhit smash, giving the defender a clean opportunity to counter-attack on the next ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the lob only a last resort shot?
It is primarily a recovery shot used when you are out of position or facing a shot you cannot otherwise return safely, but skilled defenders also use it deliberately to draw a weaker smash and set up a counter-attack.
How do I add spin to a lob?
Brush across or up the ball rather than striking it flat, similar to a loop but with a longer, higher arc. Sidespin and topspin lobs are both common and make the ball harder to smash cleanly.