Lob
Also known as: overhead lob, defensive lob
A lob is a high-arcing shot hit over the opponents' heads, forcing them off the kitchen line and back toward the baseline.
The lob is pickleball's reset-and-reposition weapon. When used offensively, it catches opponents leaning forward at the net and sails over them for a winner or to buy time. Defensively, it breaks up a losing kitchen exchange and resets court position. A good lob clears the outstretched paddle of the net player by at least two to three feet while landing inside the baseline. Overhit lobs hand opponents an easy overhead; underhit lobs are put away at the net.
Example
During a dink exchange, a player notices both opponents crowding the kitchen line and lifts a lob over their heads that lands near the baseline.
Why it matters
The lob is a change-of-pace weapon that resets pressure. SwingVantage identifies the paddle angle and follow-through arc that separate a winning lob from a smashed-back overhead.
Frequently asked questions
Is the lob legal if it goes over the post?
No — unlike the around-the-post (ATP) shot, a lob must travel over the net. A ball that flies around the post and lands in is an ATP, not a lob.
Related terms
- OverheadAn overhead is a high-contact smash hit above the head, typically in response to an opponent's lob, aimed at ending the point with pace.
- Kitchen Line PositionKitchen line position refers to standing as close to the non-volley zone line as legally possible, which maximizes net coverage and offensive angle while minimizing the court area opponents can attack.
- DinkA dink is a soft, controlled shot hit from near the kitchen line that arcs just over the net and lands in the opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit up.
- LobA lob is a high, deep shot hit over the opponents at the net to push them back off their attacking position — one of the most important tactical shots in padel.
- Follow-ThroughThe follow-through is the path the racquet takes after contact. A complete finish confirms the swing was not decelerated before the ball was struck.
Related guides & benchmarks
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