Cover the Lob Position

Covering the lob is as much about positioning as it is about overhead technique. When you're at the net and lob threats are present, your positioning must account for the possibility of needing to retreat rapidly. This changes your ready position and depth.

When facing a lob threat, position yourself deeper than your standard net position—perhaps 12-15 feet from the net instead of the standard 8-10 feet. This deeper position gives you space to retreat and take a lob overhead rather than turning and running. It also reduces the height of the lob needed to go over your racket.

Your body position should emphasize back-foot readiness. Instead of leaning forward aggressively toward the net, maintain a more neutral posture that allows rapid backward movement. Your eyes should be tracking the ball constantly, anticipating the lob setup before it's hit.

The key to covering lobs is recognition and quick decision-making. The moment you sense a lob might be coming—if the opponent is setting up from deep court, if they're taking a high backswing, if the ball is bouncing high—you should begin backing up. Don't wait until the lob is in the air; anticipate.

After hitting an overhead, immediately recover to your cover-the-lob position. This prevents the opponent from hitting a follow-up lob that catches you out of position. Recovery is critical because successful overhead shots often demoralize opponents, but a poor recovery can lead to another lob opportunity.

In team situations, your baseline partner should also adjust when you're in lob-cover position. They should edge forward slightly, supporting your deeper net position and ready to cover baseline if you retreat for an overhead.