All levelsTechnique guide

Lob — Padel Drills

The lob is padel's most important defensive shot. When opponents are at the net, a deep lob to the back glass forces them back and resets the rally. Essential at every level.

Technique: step by step

Read the trigger

The lob is played when opponents are at or near the net and you're under pressure in the back third of the court. Recognise this situation early — don't wait until the ball is on you.

Low-to-high swing path

Start the racket below the ball and swing upward. Unlike a flat groundstroke, the upward path adds height and reduces pace. Topspin helps the ball drop quickly after clearing the net players.

Target deep, near the back glass

Aim to land the ball within 1–1.5m of the back glass. A lob that lands at the service line is dangerous — opponents can smash it cleanly. Deep = safe.

Height to clear the net players

The ball must clear the outstretched rackets of two net players. In doubles, they cover significant width — aim for at least 1m above the tallest player's extended reach.

Recover position after the lob

Don't watch the lob — move. Step forward from the back corner toward the centre baseline so you're ready if opponents return a smash. Good lobbers always move while the ball is in the air.

Coach tip

The defensive lob saves the point. The offensive lob wins it. Learn the defensive version first — it's the foundation of every padel game.

Drills by level

1.Height drill: hang a ribbon or string 2.5m high across the net (above the tape). Every lob must clear it. This trains the upward swing path without worrying about placement.
2.Target drill: place a cone 1m from the back glass centre. Aim every lob to land within 0.5m of it. Count consecutive hits from 20 attempts.

1.Under pressure drill: partner feeds a fast ball at your feet. You must play a lob — not a groundstroke. Simulates the real game condition where lobbing under pressure is the skill.
2.Backhand lob focus: most players' backhand lobs are weaker. Drill 3:1 backhand-to-forehand ratio until the backhand lob is equally consistent.

1.Offensive lob drill: from mid-court, play a lob with disguise — same preparation as a passing shot. Aim for the corner between the side glass and back fence for a direct winner.
2.Lob-counter drill: after a good lob, opponent counter-smashes. You must recover and lob again. Play 5-ball sequences where every shot must be a lob. Builds positional endurance.

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Technique: step by step

Read the trigger

The lob is played when opponents are at or near the net and you're under pressure in the back third of the court. Recognise this situation early — don't wait until the ball is on you.

Low-to-high swing path

Start the racket below the ball and swing upward. Unlike a flat groundstroke, the upward path adds height and reduces pace. Topspin helps the ball drop quickly after clearing the net players.

Target deep, near the back glass

Aim to land the ball within 1–1.5m of the back glass. A lob that lands at the service line is dangerous — opponents can smash it cleanly. Deep = safe.

Height to clear the net players

The ball must clear the outstretched rackets of two net players. In doubles, they cover significant width — aim for at least 1m above the tallest player's extended reach.

Recover position after the lob

Don't watch the lob — move. Step forward from the back corner toward the centre baseline so you're ready if opponents return a smash. Good lobbers always move while the ball is in the air.

Drills by level

1.Height drill: hang a ribbon or string 2.5m high across the net (above the tape). Every lob must clear it. This trains the upward swing path without worrying about placement.
2.Target drill: place a cone 1m from the back glass centre. Aim every lob to land within 0.5m of it. Count consecutive hits from 20 attempts.

1.Under pressure drill: partner feeds a fast ball at your feet. You must play a lob — not a groundstroke. Simulates the real game condition where lobbing under pressure is the skill.
2.Backhand lob focus: most players' backhand lobs are weaker. Drill 3:1 backhand-to-forehand ratio until the backhand lob is equally consistent.

1.Offensive lob drill: from mid-court, play a lob with disguise — same preparation as a passing shot. Aim for the corner between the side glass and back fence for a direct winner.
2.Lob-counter drill: after a good lob, opponent counter-smashes. You must recover and lob again. Play 5-ball sequences where every shot must be a lob. Builds positional endurance.

Lob — Padel Drills

Technique: step by step

Read the trigger

Low-to-high swing path

Target deep, near the back glass

Height to clear the net players

Recover position after the lob

Drills by level

Get SmashIQ video analysis

Related drills

Lob — Padel Drills

Technique: step by step

Read the trigger

Low-to-high swing path

Target deep, near the back glass

Height to clear the net players

Recover position after the lob

Drills by level

Get SmashIQ video analysis

Related drills