The lob is one of the most strategic strokes in padel, but its true potential is often underestimated. The lob can become the best ally, but the reality is that, for this, you have to look for the right moment to be able to make the decision of when to throw it because, otherwise, it can also be your worst ally. In this article, we will dig deeper into how to execute a perfect lob, from the basic technique to the most common mistakes and how to avoid them. This way, you will be able to master this essential stroke and turn it into one of your greatest strengths on the court.
Why is the lob key in padel?
A good lob buys you time when you are under pressure. Imagine a match where your opponents are constantly attacking you; a high, well-placed lob will give you those extra seconds you need to reorganize and regain control of the point. In addition, the lob is a fundamental tool to break your opponents’ attack: it forces the players near the net to move back, weakening their offensive position and giving you the opportunity to move forward. Finally, an effective lob allows you to regain the net. When your opponents are forced back, it opens up the perfect space for you and your partner to move forward and take control of the most dominant area of the court.
The technique for a perfect lob
Preparation
First, you need a good preparation. It is important to separate your feet to have a low center of gravity and be almost at the height of the ball. Stability is key to execute a good lob. Make a short preparation, opening the face of the racket (depending on the difficulty of the ball, you can change the grip) with the aim of getting under the ball. A successful lob starts with a solid and stable base, allowing you to adjust your positioning according to the trajectory of the ball.
Performance
The impact should be made when the ball is descending, ideally at waist height or slightly below. Hitting the ball at the right moment will give you more control and allow you to direct it precisely to the desired point. Make a smooth upward motion, following the trajectory with the racket. This upward motion, when performed at the correct speed and angle, can generate a perfect parabola that keeps the ball out of the opponents’ reach.
The key is to be precise with the direction and height of the lob: it should be high enough to overpower opponents at the net or look for a quick lob, with the aim of not giving the opponent time to move comfortably and forcing them to hit awkwardly so you can look to counter-attack next. Execution requires a combination of technique, finesse and decisiveness, as a lob too low can result in an easy return, while one too high could go out of court and lose the point.

Common mistakes with the lob and how to avoid them
Not all lobs are effective, and mistakes can sometimes be costly. Let’s review some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them to improve your game.
- Hitting in a hurry: One of the most common mistakes is to hit the lob without the proper preparation, which makes that lob generally bad and either miss it or leave a very easy stroke for the opponent. Make sure you have a good balance and a good setting before hitting the ball. Patience is key to make a good decision on when to throw the lob and what type of lob.
- Not adjusting the body position: Another common mistake is not adjusting the body position. Many times, players hit the ball from an uncomfortable position or too far away from the body, which reduces control over the stroke. The solution is to move with small steps and position yourself comfortably before hitting. This will allow you better contact and more control.
- Low height in the stroke: A lob that doesn’t overpower your opponents is an invitation for them to finish you off easily. To avoid this, concentrate on hitting an upward stroke with greater amplitude and without tension. Don’t be afraid to raise the ball higher than necessary; it is better if it is high and allows you to regroup than if it is too low and jeopardizes the point. Always visualize a trajectory that makes the ball go clearly above the opponents’ level, and don’t hesitate to give it a little more height if you are in doubt.
- Power overrun: Hitting too hard can cause the ball to go off the back of the court. The key is to reduce force and focus more on accuracy than power. An effective lob doesn’t need speed, it needs placement. The feeling of wanting to impress with a strong stroke can work against you; instead, prioritize control and placement. Stay calm and avoid using more force than necessary, as this can lead to mistakes that opponents will take advantage of.
- Bad use of the lob under pressure situations: Finally, another mistake is to use the lob without evaluating if it is the best option at that moment. Throw the lob only when you really need it, either to buy time or to regain good court position. If you are in a situation that requires you to keep the ball low, the lob could be a bad choice and leave you vulnerable to a counterattack.
Advanced tips for strategic lobs
Once you have mastered the basics of the lob, you can begin to apply more advanced strategies to get the most out of this stroke.
Play with the angles
Directing the lob to the corners of the opponent’s court forces opponents to move further back and increases the chances of errors. Taking advantage of the angles also makes your return more difficult and gives you time to recover the net. By using angles correctly, you not only move your opponents away from the net, but you also force them to move laterally, increasing the difficulty of their stroke.
Use the defensive lob
When under pressure, a high, deep lob can be your best way out. If you’re up against the wall and under attack, a high lob not only gets you out of trouble, but also gives you a chance to reposition yourself. Don’t underestimate the value of a good defensive lob to neutralize an attack. The idea is to create time and space to rebalance your court position to prepare for the next stroke.
Combine lobs with other strokes
Don’t become predictable. Alternate between lobs and low strokes to confuse your opponents. The key is not to let them get used to a single strategy. A good padel player must be unpredictable; if your opponents know that you will always hit lobs in certain situations, they will be able to anticipate. Combine the lobs with other types of strokes (body balls, chiquitas, faking the lob but coming out from below) and even look for different types of lobs to make your opponents’ strokes more difficult.
Analyze your opponent
Watch your opponents. If you notice that they are having difficulty backing up or that their strokes are not very effective, the lob can become your best weapon to wear them down and force them to make mistakes. A constant analysis of your opponent’s game will allow you to identify patterns and weaknesses. If you see that an opponent has problems with lobs, be sure to use that resource whenever possible to take advantage of that weakness.
Practical exercises to improve your lobs
Practice is essential to master the lob. Here are some exercises that can help you improve your accuracy and consistency.
- Depth control: Place cones in different areas at the bottom of the court and practice lobs that land in those specific spots. This will help you improve your control and accuracy. Try to adjust each stroke to reach different heights and distances, simulating the different situations you might encounter in a real match.
- Pressure game: Simulate real situations in which you have to launch a lob from the back court, adding difficulty with fast or awkward balls. This drill will prepare you for the most stressful moments in the match. The more uncomfortable the situation is in practice, the better prepared you will be for the real challenges during a match.
- Constant height: Practice lobs with different trajectories, making sure that all of them comfortably overtake the opponents. Maintaining a consistent height will allow you to minimize the risk of a bad stroke. Focus on making each lob high enough to eliminate any chance of being intercepted at the net.
- Rally with lobs: Train with a partner by alternating lobs. This drill will help you work on accuracy and control under pressure, and will allow you to learn how to handle consecutive lobs. Continued repetition will give you the confidence you need to make effective lobs in all circumstances of the match.
Conclusion
Mastering the technique of the lob not only raises your level of play, but also makes you a more strategic and versatile player. A well executed lob is not only a defensive stroke, but a key tool to regain control and destabilize your opponents. It is a resource that, well used, can make the difference in the most crucial moments of a match.
Remember: practicing regularly and learning to read match situations is key to turn your lob from a basic resource into one of your best weapons on the court. Try it out in your next match and apply these tips – you’ll see how your game improves and you’ll feel more confident mastering the lob! Next time you’re under pressure, remember the power of a good lob. Not only will it buy you time, but it will allow you to change the dynamics of the point and put your opponents in trouble. It’s time to take your lob to the next level and enjoy the satisfaction of turning a defensive stroke into an opportunity to win the point!