Playing Against Lobbers
Also known as: playing against lobbers, how to beat a lobber, opponent lobs every ball, someone who lobs every ball, beating lobbers in pickleball, pickleball lobber
Against someone who lobs every ball, stand a half step off the kitchen line so you can turn and reach their lobs. Keep your shots deep or at their feet, so they have little time to set up. Put away short lobs, and send deep ones back high and deep or reset them.
Lobbers win by making you run backward. Most of their lobs come when they have time and a ball they can get under. Take that time away. Hit deep, hit at their feet and keep them moving.
Adjust your position. A half step off the kitchen line gives you a moment to turn. Move up again after each ball. Agree with your partner on who covers lobs over each player's head, and call it early.
Pick your reply by the lob's depth. A short lob is a chance to hit an overhead. A deep lob that you reach late is better sent back high and deep, or reset into the kitchen. Many lobbers also miss long, especially in wind. Watch the ball and let long ones go.
Tips by skill level
When a lob goes up, turn sideways and run. Let it bounce if you cannot get set for an overhead.
Watch for the lob cue. The paddle face opens and the swing starts lower. Read it early and you can be under the ball before it peaks.
Example
An opponent lobs every dink. You and your partner stand a half step off the line and keep dinks low at their feet. Their next lob comes up short, and you hit an overhead into the open court.
Why it matters
Constant lobs frustrate players who only like the soft game. A clear plan turns a lobber's favorite shot into chances for you.
Common mistakes
- Backpedaling for every lob instead of turning and running
- Smashing deep lobs from off balance
- Retreating to mid-court, where drops land at your feet
- Playing slow, high balls that give the lobber time
Frequently asked questions
How do I play against someone who lobs every ball?
Stand a half step off the kitchen line, keep your shots deep or at their feet, and agree with your partner on who covers lobs. Put away the short ones.
Should I back off the kitchen line against a lobber?
A little. Stand a half step back so you can turn and reach their lobs, then move up after each one. Don't drop back to mid-court.
Related terms
- Lob Defense (Pickleball)To chase down a lob, turn and run back at an angle with crossover steps instead of backpedaling. Backpedaling is slow and risks a backward fall. Track the ball over your shoulder and let it bounce if you can't set up an overhead. Then reply with a lob or a drop.
- LobA lob is a high-arcing shot hit over the opponents' heads, forcing them off the kitchen line and back toward the baseline.
- OverheadAn overhead is a high-contact smash hit above the head, usually in response to an opponent's lob, aimed at ending the point with pace.
- Third Shot LobA third shot lob is a high, arcing third shot by the serving team, instead of the more common drop or drive. It is aimed over the returning team as they move up to the kitchen line.
- Switch in DoublesA switch is a doubles maneuver where partners trade sides of the court — one crosses to cover a shot the other cannot reach — requiring immediate verbal communication to avoid collisions.
Related guides & benchmarks
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