Lob Volley
Also known as: lob volley, lob volleys, volley lob, lobbing off a volley, touch lob volley
Hit a lob volley when you and your opponents are all close to the net and trading quick volleys. A soft, lifted volley over their heads forces them to turn and chase. It works best when they are leaning in and you have a ball at a comfortable height.
A lob volley is a volley you lift softly over an opponent's head instead of punching it through. It is a touch shot. It shows up most in doubles, when all four players are at the net and the volleys are fast and close.
Use a continental grip and keep the swing very short. Open the racquet face under the ball and lift it with a soft hand. Do not swing hard. The ball needs only enough height to clear a reaching racquet and land deep. A little backspin helps it sit down after the bounce.
Pick the moment. The lob volley works when opponents crowd the net and lean forward to cut off volleys. It works badly against tall players or when they are already deep. If your lob volley is short, expect an overhead. That is why it is a surprise shot, not a staple. After you hit it, move forward with your partner to take the net.
Tips by skill level
Practise from the service line with a partner. Have them feed soft volleys and try to land lifts just inside the baseline.
Show a normal punch volley first and open the face late. Aim over the opponent's backhand shoulder, where an overhead is hardest.
Example
All four players are at the net in a fast volley exchange. The opponents creep closer each shot. She opens her racquet face and floats a lob volley over the net player's head. Both opponents turn and run, and her team closes in.
Why it matters
A lob volley breaks up a fast volley exchange that you might lose. It punishes opponents who crowd the net.
Common mistakes
- Hitting it too low, which sets up an easy overhead
- Swinging at the ball instead of lifting it softly
- Using it against opponents who are already back
- Standing still after the shot instead of moving in
Frequently asked questions
When should I use a lob volley?
When all four players are at the net and the opponents are crowding in. A soft lift over their heads makes them turn and chase.
How do you hit a lob volley in tennis?
Keep a continental grip and a very short swing. Open the racquet face under the ball and lift it softly, with a little backspin, over the net player's head.
Related terms
- LobA lob is a high, arcing shot meant to clear a net player's reach. On defense it buys time; on offense, a topspin lob near the baseline can win the point.
- Volley TechniqueVolley technique is the mechanics of striking the ball before it bounces. It uses a short, firm punch action rather than a full groundstroke swing.
- Two-Up Formation (Doubles)Two up, with both partners at the net, is usually the strongest position in doubles. This is because volleys are easier to put away from there and the other team has less time. Move forward together on a short ball, stand around the middle of your service boxes slightly staggered, and cover the middle first. The main risk is the lob, so do not crowd the net.
- Drop VolleyA drop volley absorbs the pace of an incoming ball at the net, redirecting it with backspin so it barely clears the net and dies close to it — an extreme touch shot that exploits an opponent deep in the court.
- Net Player in DoublesWhen your partner serves, start about halfway between the net and the service line, near the middle of your service box. Shift with the ball, cover your alley when it comes down your side and poach weak crosscourt balls you can reach. When your partner returns, start near the service line and move forward once the return gets past the opposing net player.
Related guides & benchmarks
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