Defending the Lob Without Losing the Net

Every lob is a decision. Make it early.

Decide in the First Half Second

Bandeja, vibora, smash, or let it go to the glass. Hesitation is what turns a good lob into a lost point.

Communicate

Whoever calls first takes it. Silence means both of you swing or neither does.

The Cross-Step

Turn and cross-step back rather than shuffling. It is faster and keeps your balance for the overhead.

Let the Glass Help

Deep lobs are often best left to bounce off the back wall and played from a comfortable height.

Reset, Do Not Panic

A defensive lob of your own is a perfectly good answer. Getting the ball high and deep buys you the net back.

Move Back Together

If one of you retreats and the other stays, you have opened a gap through the middle.

Practise Under Pressure

Ask your coach or partner to lob you repeatedly for five minutes. It is dull and it works.