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The Lob: the most important shot in padel

The Lob wins you back the net. High over your opponents, deep to the back wall, then forward. Here is how to play it right.

Shots from the backBeginner

By Yves Richel ·

If you are at the back, you are at a disadvantage. The Lob is the shot that changes that: you play the ball high over the opponents at the net so they have to go back. While they run to the wall, you and your partner move forward and take over the net position.

How to play the Lob

  1. 1Open racket face, contact slightly underneath the ball.
  2. 2Swing from low to high and forward, with your arm following the ball.
  3. 3The ball should fly over the outstretched hand of the net players and bounce deep at the back.
  4. 4Both of you run forward as soon as the Lob goes over your opponents.

Height and depth

A good Lob bounces behind the opponents’ service line, near the back wall. Too short and your opponent smashes; too long and it goes straight into the fence.

Play the Lob a little too high rather than too flat. A high ball gives you more time to get forward.

AB
A lobs high over the net players, then A and B move to the net together.Your pairOpponentsBallMovementBounce

Common mistakes

  • Playing the Lob too short: your opponent gets an easy Smash.
  • Staying at the back after the Lob: the chance to take the net is gone.
  • Playing the Lob only with your wrist instead of your whole arm.

Drill: Lob and move up

  1. Two players stand at the net, two at the back.
  2. The players at the back play only Lobs and move up to the net after every good Lob.
  3. Whoever takes the net gets a point. Swap after 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Lob cross-court or down the line?

Cross-court is safer because the distance is longer. Down the line surprises, but forgives less.

Why is the Lob so important?

Because the pair at the net wins most points. The Lob is the best way to get to that position.

Still have a question about technique? Pal, our AI assistant at the bottom right, answers from these pages.