Know the Difference: Offensive Lob vs Defensive Lob
The Situation
You are choosing when to lob and what kind of lob to play.
What To Do
Defensive lob: high, deep, played under pressure to reset the point and buy time. Offensive lob: flatter, faster, played when opponents are too close to the net — designed to land behind them and win the point.
Why It Works
Treating every lob the same is one of the most common intermediate mistakes. The defensive lob is about height and depth for recovery time. The offensive lob is about surprise and placement to catch opponents off-guard. Using the wrong type at the wrong moment either gives away position or fails to finish the point.
Court Positioning
Two lob trajectories shown — defensive high arc deep landing, and offensive flatter faster landing behind net players.
Court View
Bird's-eye view — attacking net position
Skill Level
Simplify Completely in a Tiebreak
The set has reached a tiebreak and you feel the pressure rising.
Use the First Game to Read Your Opponents
The match has just started.
Say One Thing to Your Partner After Every Point
You and your partner play mostly in silence and keep making the same positioning mistakes.