How should you play someone who just lobs?

[grimmbomb21]

I played a tournament today and had a second round opponent that lobbed every groundstroke. I didn't play well at all, and lost 4 and 4. Even when I hit a short ball to bring him in, his approach was a lob. The last time we played was in the morning during a different tournament. The sun wasn't overhead yet, being 8am, so I didn't have much trouble and won 3 and 1. But today was quite another story. It started driving me nuts. He was like a track and field star with the ground strokes of a 70 year old lady playing doubles.lol Can't say too much. I did lose.

If anyone has had success with a player of this type playing in these conditions, can you tell me what you did?

Thanks

[RoddickAce]

When he apporaches, topspin lob over him; see how HE handles the sun xD.

[grimmbomb21]

He was wearing shades and had no problem with it.:sad:

I don't wear sunglasses because it feels like it throws off my timing. Scratch that. It does throw off my timing.

[skuludo]

Does your opponent have a super backhand lob on the backhand side when he or she takes it at head height? Does it sit up on that side?

[thehustler]

Hit the ball back with some topspin or at an angle. Force him to move around. He can't make every shot a perfect lob. Be patient and eventually he's going to hit short and you can open up the court with an angled shot. He'll start missing his lobs or you're going to start getting a bunch of smashes. You can also throw in a slice or a nice short ball. If you force your opponent to move around a lot they will get tired and their shots will not be as effective as they once were. This will allow you to put pressure on him and make your match that much easier. Good luck.

[jmjmkim]

Man, I hate those . . . opponents who bring out the worst in me.

[Mick]

if you hit short balls and bring him to the net, wouldn't this derail his lobbing strategy? i have never seen/played anybody who would lob the ball when he is up at the net.

[imalil2gangsta4u]

ive played maybe people like this, and it drives my crazy. i just try to bring them foward and pass them. all you can do really.

[Nadalfan89]

Lob back or hit slices.

[Nellie]

So - what's wrong with moving to the service line and hitting overheads back?

[grimmbomb21]

First, this is the only person I have seen throw up a lob when they are inside the service line. He would only attempt to volley when he was right on top of the net. And he would only come right up to the net when his lob was deep enough. I did hit quite a few winners off of short balls, but even some good shots he would still get a racket on and lob. And oddly enough, he spent most of the rallies in no mans land. If I hit at his feet he would step back and hit a lob again. Oh and the times I was at the service line the lob was going over my head. And I think I mentioned that the sun was directly overhead, so overheads were not working well.

To make matters worse, most of his volleys were framed and just dropped over. That was really annoying. And I did lob back sometimes, but I was not just going to have a lob match with him. Losing is bad enough. Losing and playing like a ***** and lobbing everything is something I'd rather not do.

[MarrratSafin]

Smash.

10 chars

[BreakPoint]

Step in and take his lobs in the air with a full swinging forehand or backhand volley to take time away from him. Run him from side-to-side like this until he can't get to the last ball.

[Grizvok]

Step in and take his lobs in the air with a full swinging forehand or backhand volley to take time away from him. Run him from side-to-side like this until he can't get to the last ball.

Exactly this. I have a power baseline type of game and absolutely love playing pushers and crazy moonballers (at least when I used to play them). Hitting on the rise is a skill you need to learn and it will really help you beat these type of disruptive players. Not to mention it's just another way to rob your opponent of time. EXACTLY the same result as hitting the ball harder.

[Jay_The_Nomad]

That's tthe thing about intermediate level tennis...

Players really struggle with deep high boucing lobs... not so much for more advance players.

The only solution is to improve your game and be a better player.

With that playing style of his, he will never improve beyond intermediate. He will be lobbing for the rest of his life.

So when you play these players, don't get into a lobbing match. You can take the ball on the rise or hit it high to high with lots of topspin and net clearance and move the ball from side to side (as opposed to a lob). I'll suggest against hitting a driving volley on every single shot.. even pro players don't do it.. they usually just hit a topspin shot back and restart the point.

[Grizvok]

That's tthe thing about intermediate level tennis...

Players really struggle with deep high boucing lobs... not so much for more advance players.

The only solution is to improve your game and be a better player.

With that playing style of his, he will never improve beyond intermediate. He will be lobbing for the rest of his life.

So when you play these players, don't get into a lobbing match. You can take the ball on the rise or hit it high to high with lots of topspin and net clearance and move the ball from side to side (as opposed to a lob). I'll suggest against hitting a driving volley on every single shot.. even pro players don't do it.. they usually just hit a topspin shot back and restart the point.

Good idea. Staying back and hitting high clearance and high topspin (and therefore somewhat penetrating) forehands is a really good idea and one I employ recently often since I play with my brother in law. It's good to mix up waiting for the ball to come back down and hitting on the rise.

[Mr. Hokey]

I've encountered a lot of players like that throughout high school and one of my most effective strategies was to first negate their deeper moon balls with one of my own. Usually I'd hit a reverse forehand whip that would get plenty of clearance and topspin but still have some decent pace to them. Once this disrupted their lobbing style and they drop something short, I'd step in and chip it sharp away from them. I used to be pretty comfortable at net so I'd be able to finish off from there. With a good enough chip, the low ball will make it really difficult for them to hit a controlled topspin lob or moon ball and they'll be forced to hit either an easy sitter for a put away volley or smash; or if they have fantastic touch and depth perception, they'll pull off a miracle slice/flat lob over your head. If they manage that, give them a hand because that's too good.

Essentially, do whatever it takes to keep yourself comfortable. Play level headed tennis because they win when they can disrupt your concentration and playing style. Don't fall into their pace (or lack thereof). They're gonna try to make you blast winners off of their lobs and hope that you make an error. You do the same, force them to pass you at the net and hit a winner with a lob.

[Ambivalent]

Chip and charge.
It's almost impossible to put up a good lob off a good slice.

[Grizvok]

Chip and charge.
It's almost impossible to put up a good lob off a good slice.

I agree, but you need to try and hit a low nasty slice that skids. These are normally rewarded with a weak lob reply (if they try it).

[Strateon]

If the lob isnt a topspin lob why can't your just let it bounce and hit an overhead of it?

[Josherer]

Slice more often and keep the ball low. It quite hard to hit a high topspin lob off a low, skidding ball.

[martini1]

Exactly this. I have a power baseline type of game and absolutely love playing pushers and crazy moonballers (at least when I used to play them). Hitting on the rise is a skill you need to learn and it will really help you beat these type of disruptive players. Not to mention it's just another way to rob your opponent of time. EXACTLY the same result as hitting the ball harder.

I like that. Take it on the rise and hit with some pace. They can't harm u with u sitting behind the baseline and take it on the rise. Even if they lob u short u will have plenty of time to move to it. Then take it on the rise again with an angle shot. See how he can't run and lob all the time.

I am still learning the driving volley but it should be pretty good against lobs as well.

[Steady Eddy]

That's why you've got to work on your smash. Lots of people just rally. You've got to ask for short lobs so that you can practice that shot. If your hitting partner doesn't like doing this, be willing to return the favor.

If you don't have a dependable smash, you're pretty helpless against a lobber. You might beat them, but they'll be able to make you stay out on the court nearly all day.

[Jay_The_Nomad]

If the lob isnt a topspin lob why can't your just let it bounce and hit an overhead of it?

Probably cuz he's getting quite a few of those deep paceless balls that sit up high...

Too low to smash... but too high above the strike zone to kill it.

[Steady Eddy]

If the lob isnt a topspin lob why can't your just let it bounce and hit an overhead of it?

Probably cuz he's getting quite a few of those deep paceless balls that sit up high...

Too low to smash... but too high above the strike zone to kill it.
Why not smash it before it bounces?

[Frankauc]

Hit an approach shot with his first lob, come to net, smash his second lob.

or

Hit a drop shot, he comes to net and dosent know what to do. Pass him

[Skanavis]

Well how did you win those 8 games? There must have been a way to beat him because you beat him in 8 games.

[grimmbomb21]

Probably cuz he's getting quite a few of those deep paceless balls that sit up high...

Too low to smash... but too high above the strike zone to kill it.

Exactly. And the lobs that are really high that I could hit an overhead on, would put me hitting it at or behind the baseline. That's a fairly low percentage shot for me to hit over and over.

[grimmbomb21]

Well how did you win those 8 games? There must have been a way to beat him because you beat him in 8 games.

I was slicing short and passing or trying to hit him. That worked for the most part.

I was using a full synthetic string job which I have only used for about a week. So the ball felt really hard to control which resulted in some slices that would sit up for him to come in and lob. Then I would have to retreat back and send a weak ball that he could volley right at the net. Not to mention forehands sailed long quite a few times.

That was another problem. New racquet and string setup. I was hitting with an aeropro drive the first time we played. So all my forehands had massive spin and were pushing him to the fence, meaning I had a short put away volley every time. Now I'm using a AG 200 4D, which I hit well with for the most part, but my shots didn't have the same kick to them.

[Jay_The_Nomad]

Why not smash it before it bounces?

Because not good enough with the smash unfortunately to repeat it over and over again.

[3lowdown]

get to net. its seriously that simple.

[Sublime]

Exactly. And the lobs that are really high that I could hit an overhead on, would put me hitting it at or behind the baseline. That's a fairly low percentage shot for me to hit over and over.

The good news is you have a new shot to practice :)

In all seriousness, this is a shot you should look to add. Basically this guy was giving you the opportunity to serve every point and you don't even need to get it into a service box. You just don't get to toss the ball.

[grimmbomb21]

get to net. its seriously that simple.

LOL. No it was not. His lobs were over my head when I was just inside the service line. And overheads didn't work because the sun was directly overhead.

[Sublime]

And overheads didn't work because the sun was directly overhead.

How were you serving?

[bad_call]

LOL. No it was not. His lobs were over my head when I was just inside the service line. And overheads didn't work because the sun was directly overhead.

played a 4 star lobber/counterpuncher many years back. with the sun overhead, grind it out til u get a ball that u are comfortable with smashing back. either way pack a lunch cause you're most likely going to be out there a while. :-|

[DrumWizOHBD]

In preparation for the next time you must play a lobber:

1) Practice overheads until you can hit them with your eyes closed

2) Practice taking the lobs before they bounce with a swinging forehand

3) Practice low skidding slices

4) Patience is really the key, your opponent plans on staying out there a LONG time until you break down and "just can't take it anymore".<--Don't let this happen try some deep breathing during a point.

5) Plan on hitting an Ace everytime you serve

[grimmbomb21]

How were you serving?

Terrible. At least one df per service game. usually two. So two ue's when I did get a serve in was game.

[Jaewonnie]

typical pushers. My strategy is making them run. And don't always make them go side to side, you can always make them go forward or backwards. Tire them out. Once you get comfortable producing angles, add some heat to the strokes. Key thing is to make them move, jump, run etc.

[grimmbomb21]

typical pushers. My strategy is making them run. And don't always make them go side to side, you can always make them go forward or backwards. Tire them out. Once you get comfortable producing angles, add some heat to the strokes. Key thing is to make them move, jump, run etc.

I have played pushers before that just punch a no pace ball back over, at which point I can keep them on the run or come to net to finish the point. But in this case the lobs were high and deep enough that where ever I hit to, he had time to hit his lob, move back to center, we waited, pondered the meaning of life, read the paper, wondered if my feet would be burning so bad if I was wearing white shoes, oh, here's the ball. Restart point.

[gogeta087]

Bring Sunglasses!

[Element54]

I would say hit a penetrating slice. Extremely hard to create a deep-lob from a knee height shot (i.e. slice). I guess it depends whats his/her grip as well.

[Tennisman912]

Improve that serve and master that overhead. I find it hard to believe, especially at the intermediate level, that you are standing just inside the service line and you can’t hit the overhead out of the air starting that far back. No one lobs that well at the intermediate level or below.

Try this shot pattern: A high rolling lob as deep and high bouncing as you can hit. Get him way behind the baseline. Then hit a short shot like a bad drop shot. If it turns into a winner that is a bonus. When he comes barreling in, hit a lob over his head. It doesn’t have to be great, just over his head and preferably to his BH side. Give yourself some margin for error on these shots. Then repeat this pattern 3 or 4 times or until he barfs or gives up. Depending on how hard he had to chase the lob, you will get short ball in relatively short order. Be relentless. His only game plan is to take you out of yours. Make him play your way, not his way. It will be a miracle if he can go through this 4 times per point. He will give up soon. You are not taking any real chances and will break his spirit if you stick with it. As a bonus, it is very entertaining. Just don’t get greedy on your shots and he will fold like a tent soon enough.

Remember: high roller deep, very short shot, lob. Roller, drop shot, lob, drop shot, etc. You will get a ball you can put away if you stay patient and make him pay for his playing style.

Good tennis

TM

[grimmbomb21]

Bring Sunglasses!

I can't play with sunglasses. It affects my depth perception really bad.

[grimmbomb21]

Improve that serve and master that overhead. I find it hard to believe, especially at the intermediate level, that you are standing just inside the service line and you can’t hit the overhead out of the air starting that far back. No one lobs that well at the intermediate level or below.


TM

I had this conversation with a friend who has lost to this guy a couple of times. He said the guy didn't lob that good when they played, and I have said before that this guy didn't the first time we played( I won 3 and 1.) Maybe he just got lucky. My friend did point out however that my opponents lob only worked on his backhand. Then it hit me. He didn't hit a good forehand lob. He hit a lousy forehand lob. In fact, he did try to hit a regular forehand sometimes. A couple of times during the match I hit a short ball to the service T, and he ran around the forehand to hit a backhand lob! And it never ****in' clicked! All I thought was, "Man this guy just lobs every damn time!"

My morning match was against a guy that had a forehand and zero backhand. So I don't know if I had burned it into my brain to only hit to the backhand that day or what. Brad Gilbert would be ashamed...:(

So after thinking about or two matches, I remembered the first match happened to be during a time when I was hitting cross court fh's really well, which was probably the reason I won so easily. I was going to the weaker side. I always obsess over why I lose a match, but I didn't even think about why I won the first time going in. I just figured I won easily the first time, I'll win easily this time. Live and learn...

[kevsaenz]

Exactly this. I have a power baseline type of game and absolutely love playing pushers and crazy moonballers (at least when I used to play them). Hitting on the rise is a skill you need to learn and it will really help you beat these type of disruptive players. Not to mention it's just another way to rob your opponent of time. EXACTLY the same result as hitting the ball harder.
moonball=easy shot
full swinging volley= difficult shot
patience is usually the key, because when you rush by trying to take shots on a short hop or out of the air you'll probably start making more unforced errors than your opponent. The thing I usually do is keep the ball deep until they hit a lob that doesn't go very deep, then come in and try to dictate play and put him on the run. Its hard to hit a good lob on the run and the more you keep them running the better.

[Mick]

you have got to admit, it's interesting to play against people with unorthodox style of play because they force you to figure a way to beat them -- i once played a guy who would use the drop shot as frequently as people hitting their ground strokes :)

[grimmbomb21]

you have got to admit, it's interesting to play against people with unorthodox style of play because they force you to figure a way to beat them -- i once played a guy who would use the drop shot as frequently as people hitting their ground strokes :)

Interesting? Yes. Fun? Hellz no!:)

But, I guess there would be no strategy if we all played the same.

I still can't really respect a player who is afraid to try to win. Usually when I lose I just say that the other guy was better and work harder. But some fast dude that just comes out to block the ball back, I feel like, "Geez, grow a pair man."

[Strateon]

Exactly. And the lobs that are really high that I could hit an overhead on, would put me hitting it at or behind the baseline. That's a fairly low percentage shot for me to hit over and over.

I think you'll be surprised when your start practicing your overhead.

Balls that sit up high are really easy to hit an overhead off and the thing is you dont even have to blast it that hard. Just hit it away from the dude and you'll either get a winner/really easy putaway.

Once you get the hang of it you'll be making that shot 9/10 and the great thing is that you wont even have to hit that many cause every time u hit one, you basically win the point.

[Coaching]

I will pull this player inside with some short slice and wait for the next lob and peg him with your smash, do that a couple of times and you will see he will changed his tactics immediately :)

[BreakPoint]

Interesting? Yes. Fun? Hellz no!:)

But, I guess there would be no strategy if we all played the same.

I still can't really respect a player who is afraid to try to win. Usually when I lose I just say that the other guy was better and work harder. But some fast dude that just comes out to block the ball back, I feel like, "Geez, grow a pair man."
You've just described champions like Borg and Nadal, and look at how many trophies they have. :shock:

[BreakPoint]

I can't play with sunglasses. It affects my depth perception really bad.
Have you tried different sunglasses? Personally, I don't understand why sunglasses would affect someone's depth perception. I always wear sunglasses whenever the sun is out (which is like always around here) and I see better with them than without them when it's really bright out. Can't live without them. Not only to cut the glare but to protect my eyes from the harmful rays of the sun which can eventually damage your eyes.

[grimmbomb21]

You've just described champions like Borg and Nadal, and look at how many trophies they have. :shock:

LOL. I don't think those guys just block/blocked the ball back.

[grimmbomb21]

Have you tried different sunglasses? Personally, I don't understand why sunglasses would affect someone's depth perception. I always wear sunglasses whenever the sun is out (which is like always around here) and I see better with them than without them when it's really bright out. Can't live without them. Not only to cut the glare but to protect my eyes from the harmful rays of the sun which can eventually damage your eyes.

I have not tried too many. Maybe I need to try some of the oakley polarized sports sunglasses.

On a side note, I tried the ag200 4d again. I don't know if you remember me posting on your review thread that I thought it was sluggish, but I added a bit of lead to the butt cap. I ended up buying two...:mrgreen:

[Tennisman912]

Grimmbomb2,

I am glad you figured out a potential weakness (granted, after the fact). But don’t get too hung up on just one weakness. The next time you play he could be “in the zone” on the stroke you thought was his biggest weakness. It is also good to reflect seriously on what worked and what didn’t. That is good for your development. Most don’t even do that.

But don’t focus on any one strategy or weakness as your only game plan. People’s tennis game changes from day to day and yesterday’s weakness may be today’s strength, especially at intermediate and below. My point is you are like a boxer on the tennis court. Always probing, always searching for what TODAY’S weakness is. That could change as the match wears on. Think about what shot patterns will allow you to use your strengths against their weakness of the moment. If they don’t adjust, keep applying pressure to that weakness. No reason to change a winning strategy. Advanced players do this intuitively (ok, most of them). It might take a 2 or 3 shot sequence to set up a chance to exploit their weakness. This process SHOULD NEVER STOP until you shake hands at the end of the match. Brad Gilbert made a career around setting up his FH approach shot. That was his best and favorite shot if memory serves.

Good players think a lot more about what they are doing than it seems, even if it happens intuitively without conscious thought. The wheels are always turning on some level thinking about what the best way to expose a weakness is. Learn this lesson now and it will serve you well in your tennis future.

Good luck

TM

[Power Player]

The first thing I do now is don't let it get to me. I look at it as a fun challenge. This game is so mental that you have to stay relaxed.

The second thing I do is take the ball on the rise. This takes practice, but it will allow you to put pace and topspin on the ball.

The third thing I do is have more fun. I will slice the ball back..maybe put a dropshot on him..etc. What I am saying is that I will enjoy myself out there and not rush the point while also trying different techniques to see what gives him trouble.

[keepurpowderdry]

Exactly this. I have a power baseline type of game and absolutely love playing pushers and crazy moonballers (at least when I used to play them). Hitting on the rise is a skill you need to learn and it will really help you beat these type of disruptive players. Not to mention it's just another way to rob your opponent of time. EXACTLY the same result as hitting the ball harder.

(at least when I used to play them)

Thats exactly it. I want to find better players that drive the ball ! But it was hard just to find players in the first place so i guess I have to be thankfull Im playing tennis at all :( ...