ART-0677: The Volley Against the Return Overhead — Handling Lobs Over the Net Player

Executive Summary

Lobs hit over the net player are a standard defensive tactic in doubles — the returner lobs the ball over the net player's head, forcing a retreat and an overhead. When you are the net player facing a lob over your head, you must use the drop-step, retreat efficiently, and hit a reliable overhead smash. The lob over the net player is the most common way to neutralize an aggressive net player.

The Lob Over the Net Player

The lob over the net player: (1) is hit high and deep, (2) lands near the baseline, (3) forces the net player to retreat for an overhead. At the net, the lob over your head is a defensive shot by the returner — their goal is to push you back and buy time to recover.

Technique for Handling Lobs Over the Net Player

Against lobs over the net player: (1) drop-step immediately, (2) retreat with crossover steps, (3) track the ball with your non-dominant arm, (4) position yourself under the ball, (5) hit a full overhead smash. The key is early recognition and efficient backward movement.

Common Errors

Not drop-stepping (slow start on retreat). Not tracking the ball (poor overhead contact). Rushing the overhead (errors). Not communicating with your partner (confusion about who takes the overhead).

Summary

Lobs over the net player demand the overhead smash: drop-step, retreat, track the ball, and smash. Practice the overhead until it is automatic.

Diagnostic & Training Matrix

Practical Application: "Drop-Step, Track, Smash"

Against lobs over the net player: (1) drop-step, (2) track the ball with your non-dominant arm, (3) smash with a full overhead motion. Early recognition and efficient retreat are the keys.