A lob in tennis is a shot in which the player sends the ball high into the air with the goal of passing over an opponent who is positioned close to the net.
Embed from Getty ImagesPurpose of the lob and when to hit one in a tennis match
The lob is mainly used when the opponent has moved forward toward the net, leaving the back of the court exposed. A lob can be either defensive, when the player is under pressure and wants to gain time, or offensive, aiming to win the point with a well-placed and difficult shot to handle.
For example, when an opponent comes to the net, a well-executed lob can send the ball over their head and force them out of position. This then allows you to move forward to the net yourself, take control of the point, and finish it with a volley or smash. In this way, you not only exploit your opponent’s positioning but also take the initiative, turning defense into offense. A good lob can completely change the flow of a point and give you the advantage at critical moments.
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