Contraglobo (Counter-Lob)
Also known as: contraglobo, contra globo, contra-globo, counter lob padel, counter-lob padel, lob from the net padel, should I lob back from the net
Sometimes. A lob back from the net, the contraglobo or counter-lob, works when the opponents have rushed the net behind their own lob. It can also catch a pair crowding the net in a volley battle. Use it as a surprise, not a habit. A short counter-lob gives them an easy smash.
Contraglobo is Spanish for counter-lob. It is a lob you play back over the opponents when you are at or near the net. Usually you play it off their lob, instead of smashing it or running back.
It works best when both pairs are at the net. If the opponents follow their lob forward, your counter-lob catches them moving the wrong way. It can also break up a fast volley exchange.
The risk is height. From the net you have less time and less court to work with. A lob that is short or low sits up for a smash. Use soft hands, lift the ball high and aim deep into the corner.
Tips by skill level
If the ball is above your head and you are not sure, play a bandeja. Save the counter-lob for when the opponents are close to the net.
Disguise it. Set up as if to block a volley, then open the face late and lift the ball over the player on the side with the weaker overhead.
Example
Both pairs are at the net trading volleys. Eva opens her racket face and lifts a contraglobo over the right-side player, who has to turn and chase it.
Why it matters
The counter-lob adds a surprise option at the net. It stops opponents from crowding in, because they must respect the ball over their heads.
Common mistakes
- Counter-lobbing short and gifting an easy smash
- Using it on every ball until the opponents expect it
- Lobbing back when a simple volley or bandeja was on
- Swinging hard instead of lifting with soft hands
Frequently asked questions
Should I lob back from the net in padel?
Only now and then. A counter-lob works when the opponents are close to the net, but a short one gives them an easy smash.
What is a contraglobo in padel?
It is a counter-lob: a lob played back over the opponents, usually from at or near the net.
Sources
Related terms
- LobA lob is a high, deep shot over the opponents at the net that pushes them back. It is padel's most important defensive weapon for winning back a losing rally.
- GloboGlobo is the Spanish term universally used in padel for any lob. A high arc shot hit over the net opponents — and is arguably the single most important shot in the sport.
- Defensive LobA Defensive Lob is a high, flat or slightly underspin lob hit from a difficult position to reset the point and force opponents away from the net, prioritising height and depth over power or spin.
- Net ControlNet control means a pair holding the front of the court, padel's dominant attacking position. They volley down and smash, while the back pair can only defend and lob.
- Attacking a Short LobAttacking a short lob means hitting a smash, rulo, or aggressive overhead on a lob that lands inside the service line. It is padel's clearest attacking window.
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