How to Hit an Offensive Lob in Tennis

It's a great feeling to hit that perfect offensive lob for a winner!

The lob in tennis is most often a defensive shot. It prevents an opponent from beating you at the net and allows you to re-position yourself on the court. But the lob can also be used as an offensive weapon. It can be a direct winner if placed properly.

Instructions

1. Try the offensive lob when an opponent is rushing the net. If your opponent is racing in, make up your mind to hit an offensive job that won't allow her to reverse course and reach the ball in time.

2. Remain unafraid to hit an offensive lob when your opponent is already at the net. Though her momentum won't be heading the other way, an offensive lob hit low and deep in the court will still be effective.

3. Hit an offensive lob only when you're balanced. If you are running off the court to reach a shot, hit a high defensive lob that will push your opponent back and give you time to run back to the middle of the court. An offensive lob is almost impossible to hit when you're in a full sprint.

4. 

   Take your backswing back only halfway. Touch and placement are everything on an offensive lob. Bend your knees slightly and turn your racket up about 30 degrees.

5. 

   Aim the ball just over your opponent's reach. Don't hit it so high that your opponent will have time to run back and get it. Follow through so you hit the ball deep in the court.

6. Rush the net if successful. Your opponent will be well out of position to hit an effective return if you have hit a low and deep offensive lob. Establish position a few feet toward the side of the court from which your opponent will be hitting her shot to cut off angles both down the line and cross-court.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice hitting a topspin both on your forehand and backhand. A topspin makes your offensive lob far more effective because it takes a sharp bounce away from your retreating opponent when it lands.

• Offensive lobs are disastrous if they are hit short. They will either be struck as an overhead if hit right to your opponent at the net, or as an easy forehand or backhand if easily reached by your opponent around midcourt.