The Padel Lob: Padel's Most Important Shot
Why the lob matters
Quick take. The lob is how you win back the net. Prepare early, open the racket face, swing from low to high and aim for the ball to land just past the service line, before the back glass. A short lob is a gift for the other pair, so height and depth matter more than anything.
In tennis a lob is a rare surprise. In padel it is one of the most played shots of all, because most points are won by the pair at the net. If the other pair is up there and you are at the back, the lob is the cleanest way to swap places.
When to lob
- They own the net. A lob over the net pair pushes them back and gives you time to move forward.
- You need time. Against a hard shot, a high lob slows the rally down so you can recover.
- They're tired. A run of deep lobs wears out even fit players, especially in Bangkok's heat.
How to hit it
- Prepare early. Turn side-on with the racket back as soon as you read the ball.
- Open the face. Point the strings slightly up at the sky.
- Low to high. Start the racket low, bend your knees and push up through the ball, finishing above your head.
- Aim deep. The ball should bounce just past the service line and before the back glass. That makes it hard to smash and it won't bounce up off the glass for an easy return.
- Go cross-court when in doubt. It is the longest line on the court, so you have more room.
Common mistakes
- Too short. The ball lands near the net pair and gets smashed.
- Too low. It doesn't clear the opponents' rackets.
- Not following it. After a good lob, move up to the net with your partner; that is the point of it.
The two-up, two-back drill
The LTA suggests a simple game for four. Two players at the net, two at the back. The net pair feeds a ball, the back pair must lob, and you play out the point. Swap roles every two points; first pair to ten wins. It is a perfect drill for an Americano warm-up.
Then learn what to do when the lob comes back at you: our guides to the bandeja and the vibora.
Tell us your best lob story: join the Bangkok Padel Community on Facebook.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
When should I lob in padel?
When the other pair is at the net and you are at the back. A good lob pushes them back and lets you and your partner move forward to take the net.
Where should a padel lob land?
Just past the service line and before the back glass, high enough to clear the net pair. Cross-court gives you more room for error.
Is the lob a defensive or attacking shot?
Both. It gets you out of trouble, but a deep lob also wins you the net, which is where most points are won.
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