What is it?
The lob is primarily a defensive shot (though it can also be used in attack), that is played high and soft on the front wall to create time and alleviate pressure.
Why do we use it?
There is a big open space high above the squash court that can be brought into play very effectively with the lob. it’s a tough shot that requires delicate hands and control over your ‘weight of shot’ so that the ball doesn’t fly off out of court, but used properly it can be a great way to switch defense into attack in an instant.
You can watch Jesse’s guide to the lob in the video here.
The key focus on the lob should be a short, low backswing that allows you to hit up underneath the ball in an effort to get the ball hanging in the air for as long as possible. Your focus should be on height and making sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the T.
A good tip for beginners is to start by going for height with less focus on width. As you become more proficient you can try to hit the sidewall as well as generating height on the ball.
The lob is a shot that is often played off a drop or a boast and can be used in conjunction with a counter drop once you become proficient at both shots. However when getting started primarily focus on keeping things simple and hitting up underneath the ball.
How to practice
The lob is a difficult shot to practice on your own with any real rhythm or consistency. You are better off working with either a coach or a partner, with one person hitting a drop or boast and the other hitting a lob.
Here is an excellent routine for practising lobs, boasts and volleys.
You can also check out our Zero to Hero pairs practice here, for a full lob focused session.
Additional useful content
The game’s best lobber teaches you all you need to know
Common Amateur faults and self-diagnosis
- Hitting the ball out: If you find yourself constantly hitting the lob out of court, work on softening your hand on the shot – the lob is very much a ‘feel’ shot in the same way the drop is, it needs to be hit without stiffness or tension and really ‘floated’ as opposed to hit hard.
- Not getting the ball high enough: If your issue is the opposite and you find your lobs are too easily cut off by your opponent’s volley, focus on really opening your racket and hitting your lob as close to the out of court line on the front wall as you can. A lot of players don’t hit high enough on the front wall and instead, rely on simply trying to angle the ball up and over their opponent.
- Lacking consistency: If you lack consistency in your body position, then you’ll lack consistency in your shot. Work on developing a strong, stable lunge position – this will allow you to hit the lob with more control and confidence, and avoid so much variation in your results.
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