The Art of Lobbing

Lobbing in pickleball is a bit like adding a twist to a familiar tune: unexpected, strategic, and occasionally controversial.

Whether you’re playing a fun doubles match with friends or tightening up your tactics in a local tournament, the lob can be both a lifesaver and a head-scratcher.

Love it or hate it, the lob deserves a place in your toolkit.

Taking a closer look at the "why," "when," and "how" of the mysterious arc known as the lob can start here for you.

Why Players Choose to Lob

At its core, the lob is a shot designed to go up and over your opponents’ heads, ideally landing deep in the court or pushing them back from the kitchen line.

But why lob at all?

Changing the Rhythm

Pickleball is a game of tempo and control. When rallies get tight and fast at the kitchen line, everyone’s focused on dinks, reflexes, and keeping the ball low. A well-timed lob disrupts that flow. It forces your opponents to move, adjust, and sometimes panic.

Punishing Aggression

If your opponents are crowding the kitchen with their paddles up and noses forward, a lob can be the perfect counter. It exploits their positioning, punishing overly aggressive stances and reminding them that the backcourt still matters.

Buying Time

Sometimes you just need a moment. Maybe you're out of position or maybe your partner's recovering from a tricky exchange. A lob can give you those precious extra seconds to reset, regroup, and prepare for the next shot.

Going on the Offensive (Yes, Really!)

Not all lobs are defensive. A purposeful, well-placed offensive lob can catch players flat-footed and put you in control of the point. More on that below.

When to Lob

Timing is everything with a lob. Hit it too early, and your opponent is ready. Hit it too late, and you're probably getting smacked with an overhead. So when is the right time?

When your opponent is leaning in. If they're creeping forward with their weight on their toes and their paddle low for a dink exchange, they’re vulnerable.

When your opponents are slow to turn. Not everyone has practiced the art of the quick pivot. A lob against someone who doesn’t like moving backward can be gold.

After a few consistent dinks. If you've built a pattern and your opponents are lulled into that rhythmic soft game, a lob can be a great surprise play.

When the sun is your partner. If you're playing outdoors and the sun is behind your lob, that can turn an average shot into a nightmare to return. I really don’t enjoy being lobbed with the sun in my eyes nor do I try and purposely lob in this situation, but the reality is that it happens, you may as well be prepared for it to happen to you.

Pro Tip: Avoid lobbing when your opponent is already back at the baseline or clearly expecting it. Lobs are about surprise, not routine.

Offensive Lobbing or Lobbing Off of a Volley

Most players think of lobbing as a retreat tactic. But lobbing doesn’t always have to be a defensive scramble. Offensive lobs - especially those launched from close to the kitchen line - can flip the script.

Lobbing off a volley can be a great way to catch your opponents off guard. Picture this: You’re at the net, exchanging volleys, and rather than continuing the hands battle, you subtly open the face of your paddle and lift the ball high and deep.

With your opponents expecting something sharp and flat, a lob in that moment is disorienting and tough to counter.

Offensive lobs have to be precise. They require a gentle touch, excellent placement, and good vision.

You're aiming to place the ball just over your opponent’s reach, ideally landing deep near the baseline, far enough to avoid an easy overhead, but not so far that it sails out.

Remember, it’s about finesse, not brute force.

The Dreaded 3rd Shot Lob

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the third shot lob.

For most players, the third shot is a time-honored opportunity to drop the ball softly into the kitchen and begin moving forward.

But some players dare to go high instead. The third shot lob is part mind game, part chaos, and - when executed well - can be a bold strategic choice. So, should you try it? It depends.

The third shot lob can be a legitimate tool if:

-> You notice your opponents consistently rushing the net after the return.
-> They’re not comfortable with overheads.
-> You're confident in your placement and the lob doesn't float too short.

But proceed with caution. If your lob is too high or lacks depth, your opponent’s overhead is likely coming back faster than you can say, “bad idea.”

Are Lobs Making a Comeback?

Let’s be honest - no one likes getting lobbed and for a while the game had evolved to less lobbing.

However, these days I am seeing lobs occur more and more, as it forces movement, causes confusion, and can lead to awkward overheads or botched footwork. In doubles especially, the lob can stir up blame and frustration.

“That was yours!” “You’ve got to call that!”, we’ve all been there.

But despite the groans and eye-rolls, lobs are making a bit of a comeback at recreational and competitive club levels. Players are realizing that a good lob isn’t “cheap” or “lucky”, it’s smart.

It requires timing, control, and strategic insight.

Plus, with more players mastering the soft game and dinking longer than ever, the lob has become a way to inject some unpredictability into otherwise methodical exchanges.

So yes, expect to see more lobs. And if you're on the receiving end? Rather than cursing the sky, learn to chase it down.

Check out an older article of mine about chasing down the lob.

To Wrap Things Up

Lobbing is more than just a bailout shot. It's an art form - one that requires precision, patience, and a little bit of nerve.

Whether you’re mixing it into your dinking game, using it as a surprise off the volley, or experimenting with a third shot lob, remember this: a good lob isn’t just about going high - it’s about going smart.

And if your opponent gives you a look after you send one sailing over their head? Just smile.

That’s the art of lobbing.

This article was taken from our 'Control the Kitchen' Newsletter, if you're interested in receiving more content like this, please feel free to sign up using the subscribe section located at the bottom left of this page (or underneath the article if you're on mobile), thanks!