Tips for an Effective Lob Revisions

Simply lobbing to hit the table isn't good enough at the high level. Strong opponents will have the consistency to smash without error if you make it easy for them. Here are some tips for an effective lob that will make your opponents nervous:

1. Aim Deep. Don't aim to hit near the net; aim for the deepest part of the table. The further back the ball lands, the harder it is for the opponent to smash consistently. Close-to-the-net balls are very easy to smash, and also leave you open for a short drop shot. Attempting a drop shot on a deep ball will go longer and be less effective.
2. Add Lots of Topspin. Adding a lot of topspin to your lob makes it harder for the opponent to smash consistently.
3. In a Small Court, Lob Low. If you're playing in an area with not much space to back up and lob, you'll want to lob the ball lower, so the ball only bounces as high as the opponent's head or lower. High balls give the attacker the opportunity to smash further, whereas a ball that is only head-height cannot go as far.
4. Get Back Into Position. After lobbing the ball, make sure to get back into the optimal position to receive the next smash. If your lob goes to one side, you should stand more to the opposite side of the table (ie: if your lob is on the left side of the table when it is about to get smashed, move more to the right to receive the smash).
5. Watch for the Drop Shot. You'll likely get a drop shot every once in a while, so stay close enough to the table so you'll get back in time for the drop shot, and keep a close eye for the opponent showing signs that he is about to do it.
6. Apply Sidespin when Returning a Drop Shot. While the ball is low, add sidespin to the ball in either direction. Hopefully the smasher won't notice and will expect a straight ball and miss completely, or at least give a weak return so you can go on the attack. Also switch the direction of the spin so the opponent can't predict what you'll give. Also add deception to this return by not following through on the sidespin stroke (or immediately do a fake follow-through in the other direction to trick your opponent into guessing the wrong direction).
7. Be Patient. If you are confident in your lobbing abilities, don't feel pressured to try to attack at the first opportunity. If your lobbing is better and more consistent than the opponent's smashing, it is in your best interests to keep lobbing. Your opponent will get more tired than you exerting so much force in each smash.

Simply lobbing to hit the table isn't good enough at the high level. Strong opponents will have the consistency to smash without error if you make it easy for them. Here are some tips for an effective lob that will make your opponents nervous:

1. Aim Deep. Don't aim to hit near the net; aim for the deepest part of the table. The further back the ball lands, the harder it is for the opponent to smash consistently. Close-to-the-net balls are very easy to smash, and also leave you open for a short drop shot. Attempting a drop shot on a deep ball will go longer and be less effective.
2. Add Lots of Topspin. Adding a lot of topspin to your lob makes it harder for the opponent to smash consistently.
3. In a Small Court, Lob Low. If you're playing in an area with not much space to back up and lob, you'll want to lob the ball lower, so the ball only bounces as high as the opponent's head or lower. High balls give the attacker the opportunity to smash further, whereas a ball that is only head-height cannot go as far.
4. Get Back Into Position. After lobbing the ball, make sure to get back into the optimal position to receive the next smash. If your lob goes to one side, you should stand more to the opposite side of the table (ie: if your lob is on the left side of the table when it is about to get smashed, move more to the right to receive the smash).
5. Watch for the Drop Shot. You'll likely get a drop shot every once in a while, so stay close enough to the table so you'll get back in time for the drop shot, and keep a close eye for the opponent showing signs that he is about to do it.
6. Apply Sidespin when Returning a Drop Shot. While the ball is low, add sidespin to the ball in either direction. Hopefully the smasher won't notice and will expect a straight ball and miss completely, or at least give a weak return so you can go on the attack. Also switch the direction of the spin so the opponent can't predict what you'll give. Also add deception to this return by not following through on the sidespin stroke (or immediately do a fake follow-through in the other direction to trick your opponent into guessing the wrong direction).

Simply lobbing to hit the table isn't good enough at the high level. Strong opponents will have the consistency to smash without error if you make it easy for them. Here are some tips for an effective lob that will make your opponents nervous:

1. Aim Deep. Don't aim to hit near the net; aim for the deepest part of the table. The further back the ball lands, the harder it is for the opponent to smash consistently. Close-to-the-net balls are very easy to smash, and also leave you open for a short drop shot. Attempting a drop shot on a deep ball will go longer and be less effective.
2. Add Lots of Topspin. Adding a lot of topspin to your lob makes it harder for the opponent to smash consistently.
3. In a Small Court, Lob Low. If you're playing in an area with not much space to back up and lob, you'll want to lob the ball lower, so the ball only bounces as high as the opponent's head or lower. High balls give the attacker the opportunity to smash further, whereas a ball that is only head-height cannot go as far.
4. Get Back Into Position. After lobbing the ball, make sure to get back into the optimal position to receive the next smash. If your lob goes to one side, you should stand more to the opposite side of the table (ie: if your lob is on the left side of the table when it is about to get smashed, move more to the right to receive the smash).
5. Watch for the Drop Shot. You'll likely get a drop shot every once in a while, so stay close enough to the table so you'll get back in time for the drop shot, and keep a close eye for the opponent showing signs that he is about to do it.

Simply lobbing to hit the table isn't good enough at the high level. Strong opponents will have the consistency to smash without error if you make it easy for them. Here are some tips for an effective lob that will make your opponents nervous:

1. Aim Deep. Don't aim to hit near the net; aim for the deepest part of the table. The further back the ball lands, the harder it is for the opponent to smash consistently. Close-to-the-net balls are very easy to smash, and also leave you open for a short drop shot. Attempting a drop shot on a deep ball will go longer and be less effective.
2. Add Lots of Topspin. Adding a lot of topspin to your lob makes it harder for the opponent to smash consistently.
3. In a Small Court, Lob Low. If you're playing in an area with not much space to back up and lob, you'll want to lob the ball lower, so the ball only bounces as high as the opponent's head or lower. High balls give the attacker the opportunity to smash further, whereas a ball that is only head-height cannot go as far.

Simply lobbing to hit the table isn't good enough at the high level. Strong opponents will have the consistency to smash without error if you make it easy for them. Here are some tips for an effective lob that will make your opponents nervous:

1. Aim Deep. Don't aim to hit near the net; aim for the deepest part of the table. The further back the ball lands, the harder it is for the opponent to smash consistently. Close-to-the-net balls are very easy to smash, and also leave you open for a short drop shot. Attempting a drop shot on a deep ball will go longer and be less effective.
2. Add Lots of Topspin. Adding a lot of topspin to your lob makes it harder for the opponent to smash consistently.