Gale Leach

The Pickleball Lob – the Rodney Dangerfield of PB

Jeff

The lob often gets little respect. It is not an easy shot to execute well because if it is too short, your opponents will have you at slam city. If it is too long, it is an easy fault for your opponents. So, why use the lob?

There are times when both opponents are at the net and it is difficult to get the ball by them. Perhaps your drop shot has abandoned you and your hard drives are coming back fast and furious. This might be a good time to lob the ball.

The lob can provide an opportunity to move your opponents away form the net (offensive), i.e. the non-volley Zone (NVZ) and it can be a defensive move if the opponent’s shot forces you out of position. Lobbing the ball high and deep will provide time for your team to move to the NVZ and recover from a previous good shot by the opposing team. The point is, it must be well executed.

In doubles play, the person to “get” the lob should be the person opposite of the court in which the shot will land. If the ball is going to land in your partner’s court, you need to get it. At that point, yell “switch” which signals your partner to cover your previous court while you finish the point in their original court.

Don’t sell the lob short (no pun here). When used appropriately, it can be a valuable tool in your pickleball arsenal.

Read the entire article below (which includes some “how to advice”) to help improve your lob game. The lob can be a valid shot when used strategically.

Via – The Wretched Lob by Gale Leach – author of The Art of Pickleball.

Ten Essential Pickleball Tips

Jeff

Gale Leach has written about Pickleball and is an avid fan of the sport.** She has a newsletter which includes hints and strategies about the game (see below).

In a recent email to her subscribers, she included the graphic below with Ten Essential Tips for Pickleball.

10 Essential Pickleball Tips

You can download the small size here or the full-sized image here.

In the newsletter, Ms. Leach explains a bit about each of the elements in the graphic:

  • 1. Get your serve in the box. If you miss the serving box, you lose your chance to make a point.
  • 2. Keep the ball in play. Let others make the errors. If you keep putting the ball over the net inbounds, you will win the rally.
  • 3. Get to the net quickly. If you are serving, use the third shot to get there.
  • 4. Communicate with your partner. Talk ahead of the game about strategies. Call shots and out balls. Tell her when she makes good plays. Keep the bond between you strong.
  • 5. Keep your eye on the ball.
  • 6. Stay fit physically and mentally. Warm up before play. If injured, take time to rest. Keep your mind clear and don’t dwell on poor performance. Be positive.
  • 7. Don’t run backward. That is the easiest way to be injured. Instead, turn and run to get in position or shuffle sideways.
  • 8. Anticipate outbound balls. Then let them go, and call them for your partner.
  • 9. Use the soft game. Be patient before breaking out. The right moment will present itself if you wait.
  • 10. Stay calm and focus. Don’t psych yourself out. Concentrate on the ball; use a mantra; find a focus and don’t let your mind wander.

    • **Gale Leach is the author of The Art of Pickleball which presents an A-Z compendium for the sport. For many of the elements of the game, she explains a variety of strategies with the understanding that different players may benefit from each one. To read excerpts and reviews, visit the site linked above.

    Thanks to Gale Leach for allowing me to share this on my blog!

    I hope you found this helpful and I hope to see you on the courts!