ART-0613: The Lob Volley — Deceptive Net Play
Executive Summary
The lob volley is a volley hit with backspin or topspin that arcs over the opponent's head, combining the forward positioning of a net approach with the defensive/attacking trajectory of a lob. It is one of tennis's most deceptive shots because the preparation is identical to a regular punch volley — the opponent has no warning that the ball will sail over their head. Mastering the lob volley adds a devastating surprise element to the net game.
Technical Execution
The lob volley preparation is identical to a standard punch volley — compact backswing, continental grip, body position square to the net. The deception is maintained by the same preparation. At contact, the racket face opens significantly (approximately 45-60 degrees) and the swing path is upward rather than forward. For a topspin lob volley, the racket brushes up the back of the ball (closed face with upward path). For a backspin lob volley, the racket face is open with a lifting path. The contact point is the same as a punch volley — 12-18 inches ahead of the front foot.
Topspin vs. Backspin Lob Volley
The topspin lob volley dips after clearing the opponent's reach and bounces away from them — it is an aggressive, attacking shot. The backspin lob volley floats over the opponent's head and dies after the bounce — it is a softer, more defensive shot. The topspin version is preferred when you are in good position at the net and want to finish the point. The backspin version is used when you are slightly off-balance and need time to recover. Both are devastating when disguised.
When to Use the Lob Volley
The lob volley is most effective when: (1) the opponent is leaning forward expecting a hard volley, (2) the opponent is positioned close to the baseline (less distance to cover), (3) you have been hitting punch volleys consistently (the opponent anticipates another), and (4) the wind is behind you (helps carry the ball deeper). Do not use the lob volley when the opponent is already behind the baseline (they can run it down), when there is a headwind (the ball will fall short), or when you are below net height (insufficient upward angle).
Disguising the Lob Volley
The key to the lob volley is disguise. Use the exact same preparation as a punch volley — same backswing, same body position, same initial swing direction. The upward acceleration happens in the last 6 inches of the swing, invisible to the opponent until the ball is already in the air. Some players add a "shoulder fake" — rotating the shoulders as if hitting cross-court while actually lobbing down the line.
Common Lob Volley Errors
Opening the face too early (telegraphing the shot). Hitting the lob too hard (the ball lands beyond the baseline). Hitting it too softly (the ball falls short and the opponent can smash). Telegraphing with a different preparation or body position. Using the lob volley too often (eliminates the surprise element). Hitting the lob volley from below net height (insufficient angle to clear the opponent's reach).
Tactical Application
Use the lob volley to: (1) surprise opponents who are cheating forward on their return, (2) neutralize opponents who are running down every volley, (3) change the rhythm after a series of hard punch volleys, (4) exploit a headwind situation (the wind helps carry the lob), and (5) win points outright when the opponent is caught flat-footed. In doubles, the lob volley is particularly effective against a net player who is leaning forward to poach.
The Lob Volley from Mid-Court
A variation is the lob volley hit from mid-court (10-15 feet from the net) on a ball that arrives at chest height. This is more difficult because the upward angle must be greater to clear the opponent's reach, but it is also more surprising because the opponent expects a drive volley from this position. The topspin lob volley is the preferred version from mid-court because the topspin helps pull the ball down into the court.
Lob Volley Drills
The "disguised lob" drill requires the player to alternate between punch volleys and lob volleys with identical preparation. The "lob target" drill rewards lob volleys that land in the opponent's backcourt. The "reaction lob" drill has a coach call "lob" or "punch" as the player prepares, forcing quick decision-making. The "lob volley rally" drill incorporates lob volleys into cooperative net play.
Summary
The lob volley is the ultimate deception shot at the net. Its effectiveness depends entirely on disguise — the preparation must be identical to a punch volley, with the upward trajectory hidden until the last moment. Used selectively, it catches opponents off guard and wins easy points. Overused, it becomes predictable and can be punished.
Diagnostic & Training Matrix
| Observation | Failure | Result | Corrective Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lob volley lands short | Insufficient upward acceleration | Attacking smash for opponent | Increase upward swing path, open face more |
| Lob volley goes long | Face too open, excessive lift | Ball out of court | Reduce face angle, add backspin |
| Opponent reads lob volley | Telegraphing with different preparation | Easy return, lost surprise | Use identical preparation to punch volley |
| Lob volley lacks deception | Shoulder movement, body language give it away | Anticipation by opponent | Freeze upper body, only racket changes |
| Lob volley from low position | Attempting from below net height | Cannot clear opponent's reach | Only lob volley from chest height or above |
Practical Application: "Hide the Sky"
On a lob volley, imagine hiding the sky from the opponent. The racket face opens and lifts the ball upward in the last fraction of a second, invisible to the opponent. The ball appears to be a punch volley until it sails over their head. Surprise is your greatest weapon.