How to perfect the lob in padel

How to perfect the lob in padel

 

 

How to Perfect the Lob in Padel: Technique, Targets & Strategic Tips (Intermediate)

Intermediate player quick answer: The “perfect” padel lob isn’t just high - it’s high enough to clear the net team comfortably and deep enough to push them off the net. Aim over the outside shoulder of the stronger net player, land near the back glass, then move forward as a pair to reclaim position.

The lob is the reset button of padel - and at intermediate level, it’s also your fastest route back to the net. The difference between a “nice lob” and a point-winning lob is simple: height + depth + timing. Nail those three and you’ll stop gifting volleys, buy time under pressure, and force opponents into awkward overheads.

Coach’s cue: If your lob doesn’t make them turn and retreat, it isn’t defensive - it’s an invitation.
Think: high window, deep landing, then advance together.

Why the Lob Wins Matches at Intermediate Level

  • Breaks net control: Net teams win points; lobs are how you make them give it up.
  • Buys time under pressure: A deep lob resets chaotic rallies and lets you recover shape.
  • Creates predictable replies: Many players reply with a bandeja; you can read it, defend it, then counter.
  • Lets you take the net again: The goal isn’t the lob itself - it’s what you do after it.

The 3 Types of Lob You Must Own

1) Defensive Lob (Survive & Reset)

Use this when you’re late, stretched, or absorbing pace. Prioritise safe height and deep landing near the back glass to remove smash angles.

2) Neutral Lob (Rebuild Position)

Use this when the rally is stable but you’ve lost the net. Target deep middle or deep to the opponent’s weaker overhead side and advance as a pair.

3) Attacking Lob (Force the Error)

Use this when opponents are too close to the net or leaning forward. Go slightly flatter (still safe) and place it behind their outside shoulder to make the turn harder and the overhead weaker.

Perfect Lob Technique: The Non-Negotiables

Footwork & Setup

  • Early adjustment steps: Get under the ball - don’t reach.
  • Stable base: Knees flexed, hips quiet, head still.
  • Open face, relaxed grip: Think “lift”, not “hit”.

Contact Point

Contact slightly in front of your body, around waist to low chest height. If you contact too late, you’ll float it short; too early, you’ll pull it and lose depth.

Trajectory & Depth (The “Window + Landing” Rule)

  • Window: Clear the net team with comfortable margin (especially when they’re tight to the net).
  • Landing: Aim for the last third of the court, ideally close to the back glass.
  • Shape: Smooth upward swing; avoid a jabby wrist flick.
Shortcut cue: Pick a “window” (height over the net team) and a “landing” (near back glass). If you only pick one, you’ll miss under pressure.

Where to Aim: The 4 Highest-Percentage Targets

  • Behind the stronger net player’s outside shoulder: forces the turn + weak overhead.
  • Deep middle: creates indecision (“mine/yours”) and reduces angles.
  • Deep to the backhand overhead side: many players defend bandeja better than vibora - test them.
  • Back glass corner (last metre): safest vs smash, toughest timing on the drop.

When to Lob (And When Not To)

Lob when…

  • you’re being rushed and need time to recover
  • both opponents are established at the net
  • you get a slower ball you can get under comfortably
  • you want to transition forward as a pair

Don’t lob when…

  • the ball is too low (you’ll float it short)
  • you’re off-balance and can’t control height
  • your opponents are already retreating (use a drive or chiquita instead)

If you’re unsure, default to the deep neutral lob. It’s the lowest-risk option that still changes the rally.

Common Lob Mistakes (And the Fix That Works)

Mistake What Happens Fix (1 Cue)
Too flat / too low Intercepted volley or easy smash “Higher window.” Clear the net team with margin.
Too short Opponents hit overhead from comfort zone “Land by the back glass.” Visualise the last third.
Rushing the swing Spray errors, inconsistent height “Lift, don’t hit.” Smooth upward path.
Reaching instead of moving Weak contact, poor direction “Small steps first.” Get under the ball.
No follow-up movement You stay pinned back and lose the point anyway “Lob + advance together.” Transition as a pair.

Drills to Build a Match-Ready Lob

1) Window & Landing Drill (Fastest Improvement)

Put a target (cone/towel) in the last third. Your job: clear a “window” over the net players and land near the target. Track 10-ball streaks — consistency beats power.

2) Two-Speed Lob Drill

Alternate a high defensive lob (maximum safety) with a slightly flatter attacking lob (still safe). This teaches control under different rally speeds.

3) Pressure Lob Game

Start every point from defence. You can only move to the net after landing one successful deep lob. This forces the correct habit: lob → transition.

Advanced Strategy: The Lob That Sets Up Your Next Ball

  • Lob to create a predictable bandeja: sit deeper, defend the bandeja, then counter with a low ball or chiquita.
  • Attack the weaker overhead: repeat lobs to the player who turns slower or drops quality late in the match.
  • Change direction late: show middle, then lob slightly cross to the back glass corner.

Want the perfect follow-up? Pair this with our net play guide: How to Master the Volley in Padel.

Premium FAQs: Mastering the Lob in Padel

When should I choose a lob over a low drive or chiquita? +
Choose the lob when the opponents are set at the net and you can get comfortably under the ball. If they’re already retreating or you’re late and the ball is low, a controlled low drive (or chiquita if you can execute it) is often safer than floating a short lob.
How high should my lob be at intermediate level? +
High enough to clear the net team with margin and still land deep. Think “safe window” first, then depth. If you’re being intercepted or smashed, raise the window. If they’re hitting comfortable overheads, add depth so it lands near the back glass.
Why do my lobs keep getting smashed? +
Usually it’s one of two things: the lob is too low (easy to attack) or too short (overhead from the comfort zone). Fix it by choosing a bigger window and aiming to land in the last third, ideally close to the back glass.
Where should I target the lob: middle or corner? +
Middle is the safest default because it reduces angles and creates communication problems. Corner is great when you can hit deep to the back glass. For a higher win rate, aim behind the stronger net player’s outside shoulder and keep it deep.
What should I do immediately after I hit a good lob? +
Advance together with your partner. Don’t sprint blindly — move as a pair to take space, then split-step as the opponents play their overhead. The lob isn’t complete until you’ve used it to improve your court position.
How can I practise lobbing under match pressure? +
Use a scoring constraint: you can only win the point if you land one deep lob first, or you lose the point if your lob lands short. Pressure rules create pressure habits — and that’s exactly what transfers into matches.

Conclusion

At intermediate level, the lob is your tactical lever: it resets pressure, breaks net control, and gives you the simplest pathway back to attacking position. Focus on window + landing, lob with purpose (defensive, neutral, or attacking), and always follow it with the right movement. Do that consistently and you’ll feel rallies slow down — while your win rate climbs.

 

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