A lob over the player at the net can look like a special doubles trick, but the basic rule is simple: it is a legal shot. If the ball clears the net, lands inside the opponents’ doubles court, and is not returned before its second bounce, the point continues—or ends in your favor.
The net player is allowed to turn and chase it, and their partner can cover the shot too. The interesting questions are usually about where the ball may land, who can play it, and what happens if it hits a player. Here is how the rules work, along with when this shot is worth trying.
Is a lob over the net player legal in doubles?
Yes. There is no rule requiring a ball to pass beside an opponent or preventing you from hitting over someone standing at the net. A lob is simply a shot sent in a high arc over an opponent, usually to make them turn and play the ball from behind them.
For the shot to be good, it must land inside the court lines. In a doubles rally, the doubles sidelines—including the alleys—are in. The baseline is also in if the ball touches it. If the lob lands beyond the baseline or outside the sidelines, it is out and your team loses the point.
The ball can clip the net on the way over and still be good, provided it lands in. Once it lands, the opponents may return it after one bounce. They can also hit it in the air, before it bounces, if they can reach it.
Who can return the lob?
Either opponent can play the ball. The player stationed at the net is not the only one responsible for it: their partner can move across and take the shot if that is the better option. Doubles partners often call “yours” or “mine” to avoid both chasing the same lob.
The net player may turn, retreat, and hit an overhead or another shot after the ball crosses the net. There is no special penalty for running backward or changing position during the rally. If the ball gets past that player, the partner has a chance to cover it, just as they would cover any other shot.
One important limit: if the ball hits a player or their clothing before bouncing, that player’s team loses the point. A lob that strikes the net player on the back or shoulder is not a successful winner for the player who hit it. The same applies if it hits that player’s partner.
Where should a doubles lob land?
A safe target is deep in the court, near the baseline but with enough margin to avoid sending the ball long. A high lob that drops short gives the net player time to turn and attack it. A deep one makes them cover more ground and may force a defensive reply.
In doubles, the alleys are part of the court during a rally, so you can use the full width. Still, aiming close to a sideline adds risk without always adding much value. A well-placed lob over the net player’s hitting shoulder or toward the open middle can be more effective than trying to paint a line.
A lob does not have to reach a particular height. The rules set no minimum arc. Its height and depth are tactical choices: a higher ball gives you and your partner more time to recover, while a lower, more attacking lob can pressure opponents who are leaning forward.
When is the lob a good doubles choice?
When the net player is crowding the net
A player standing close to the net can cut off fast shots and put away volleys, but that position leaves space behind them. If they are leaning forward or moving toward the middle, a lob over their head can exploit the gap. The aim is to make them turn and run rather than give them a comfortable overhead.
When you need time to recover
If your team is pulled wide or defending from behind the baseline, a higher lob may buy time to get back into a more balanced position. It is usually more useful when sent deep enough to keep the opponents from stepping in and smashing it. A high but short ball can give away the attack instead.
When both opponents are at the net
If both players have moved forward, a lob can send one or both of them back and create a chance to regain control. Before choosing it, check their balance and overhead ability. A strong overhead hitter who is already set may welcome a lob; a player moving backward or turning late may be much less comfortable.
For example, if your opponents are at the net and one has shifted toward the middle to cover a crosscourt volley, a lob over that player toward the open half can force a difficult chase. Your partner should be ready for a short reply rather than admiring the shot.
Common rule and tactics mistakes
- Assuming the net player must take it: Either opponent may play the lob. The partner can cross over if they have the better position.
- Calling a ball out too early: A lob is not out just because it looks long while it is in the air. If it lands on the line, it is in. Keep playing until the ball is clearly out.
- Trying to hit too close to the baseline: A lob that lands long loses the point. Leave a margin, especially when you are stretched or off balance.
- Giving the opponents an easy overhead: Height alone does not make a lob effective. If it is short and sits up, the net player may attack it.
- Forgetting partner coverage: After you lob, expect the opponents to return the ball. Your team should be ready for an overhead, a defensive shot, or a ball directed into the space you just left.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the net player hit a lob before it bounces?
Yes. The player may volley the ball before it bounces, including with an overhead, as long as they make contact on their own side of the net and do not otherwise break a rule.
Does a lob have to land in the singles court?
No. During a doubles rally, the doubles alleys count as part of the court. A lob landing in an alley is in, as long as it does not land outside the doubles sidelines or beyond the baseline.
What if the lob hits the net and then lands in?
It is still in play. A rally shot may touch the net while crossing, then count as good if it lands within the opponents’ court.
What if the lob hits the net player?
If the ball hits either opponent before it bounces, the team it hits loses the point. The point does not go to the hitter as a winner by default; it is won because the opposing team was struck by the ball.
Final Thoughts
A lob over the net player is legal in doubles and can be a smart way to punish a player who is crowding the net. The key rules are straightforward: clear the net, land inside the doubles court, and remember that either opponent can chase or volley the ball. Use enough height to get over the player, enough depth to make the recovery difficult, and stay ready for the next shot.
