The consensus among pros is that the lob is the most important shot in padel. For club players, improving this one shot can significantly boost match-winning consistency. The key to a better lob is dedicated training and adjusting your mindset to aim deep.
The Lob Training Trap
Most club players don’t train their lob effectively. The lobs hit during warm-ups are usually short to allow opponents to practice smashes, which establishes a bad habit for match play.
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Problem: Players often practice short lobs or only use the lob as a short feed for a partner’s overhead practice, leading to short lobs during matches.
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Solution: You must dedicate specific training time to the deep lob, even if it temporarily frustrates a partner who is trying to practice smashes (like the vibora or smash).
Overcome the Fear of the Glass
A major barrier for club players is the fear of hitting the ball too long (hitting the back glass), causing them to under-hit and leave the ball short.
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The Analogy: The pro approach is like aiming for a bucket. They might miss long initially, but they quickly find their range and become consistent. Club players, out of fear, often fall short every time.
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The Mindset Shift: Don’t be afraid to hit the glass. Missing a lob deep is considered a “good mistake,” whereas missing short virtually guarantees you lose the point.
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The Drill: Dedicate a session to practicing lobs where you intentionally aim to miss every lob long—not short. You’ll be surprised how quickly you find your range and how few lobs you actually miss deep. This mindset is even a reason pros elect to return first—to find their range with the lob early in the match.
When to Use and How to Hit the Lob
The lob should be used as both a defensive and an attacking shot.
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When to Use It:
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Use the lob at a sensible time when you know you have a high likelihood of hitting a good one.
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It’s particularly effective as an attacking shot when you receive a short ball. Instead of trying a difficult passing shot, hit a good, deep lob to give you and your partner time to take the net.
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Avoid using the lob as a “last resort” when you are stuck in a corner and just trying to survive the point, as these desperation lobs usually fall short.
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Technical Advice:
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Keep it simple (“the shovel” technique): Push the ball flat and high to achieve distance and accuracy.
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Avoid the tennis habit: Tennis players with a “wristy” topspin lob need to change their technique. In padel, you need to practice coming underneath the ball and hitting it flat (up-and-under contact) instead of hitting up the back of the ball.
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