Imagine you are playing that dreaded team that lobs, lobs, and lobs some more. To defeat the lobbers, try the following strategies:

1. Good Communication – Have a good game plan with your partner. Communication is key. Know whether you are, or your partner is, going to go and get the lob before the lob is even put into the air. Remember, usually, the player with the better mobility and/or the player with the forehand toward the middle should take priority.

2. Look for Clues – Most players telegraph their shots, including the lob. If you see your opponent compress under the pickleball with an open paddle face toward the sky, be wary of the lob. Your opponents will not be able to lob with a closed paddle face, so look for clues or subtle tells like an open paddle face to anticipate your opponents’ shots.

3. Pre-Prepare and Take a Step Back – If you are consistently being lobbed shot after shot by your opponents, and your mobility is a weakness of yours, consider pre-preparing and taking a small step back off of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. This will give you a small head start on tracking down the lob.

4. Proper Overhead Mechanics – Do not chase down a lob by backpedaling. Use the proper overhead mechanics, which include turning and shuffling sideways. If you use the proper overhead mechanics, you will be able to track down most lobs within just a few steps.

Key Takeaways:

1. To defeat the lobbers:

a. Communicate and have a plan with your partner;

b. Look for clues of when the lob is coming;

c. Consider taking a step back off of the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line when you think the lob is coming; and

d. Use proper overhead mechanics.