A well-placed lob can turn a doubles point around without requiring a winner. It sends the opposing net player back toward the baseline, gives your team time to reset, and can expose a gap between the opponents. The best doubles lobs are not simply high shots: they combine good height, depth, and timing.
Use a lob when the net player is crowding the net, when your team is under pressure, or when your opponents are leaving space behind them. Knowing when to lift the ball—and how your partner should respond—makes the shot far more effective.
Why the Lob Works in Doubles
Doubles teams often rely on one player at the net to cut off returns and volleys. That player can make the court feel small, especially when standing close to the service line. A lob takes away that forward position. The net player must turn and chase, while their partner has to decide whether to cover the ball or leave it for them.
That moment of uncertainty is part of the tactic. Even if your lob does not win the point outright, it may give you time to move into a stronger position. A high, deep lob can push both opponents back and let your team take control of the net.
When to Hit a Doubles Lob
- The net player is close: If an opponent is leaning forward or moving across to poach, lift the ball over their reach.
- You are stretched or off balance: A controlled defensive lob can buy time to recover. Aim high enough to avoid an easy overhead.
- Your opponents are both near the net: There may be open space behind them. A deep lob can force one player to retreat and disrupt their formation.
- Your opponents favor the overhead: Use the shot selectively and change its direction or height. Repeatedly feeding a strong overhead hitter is risky.
Watch the opponent, not just the open space. A lob that looks available may be a poor choice if the net player has already turned, is waiting underneath it, or has a partner positioned to cover the overhead.
Choose the Right Kind of Lob
Defensive lob
A defensive lob is usually high and gives you time to recover. Use it when you are pulled wide, reaching low, or unable to make a firm groundstroke. Height matters more than sharp placement: a rushed, shallow lob can become a simple overhead put-away.
Offensive lob
An offensive lob is lower and more precise, designed to land near the baseline or in a corner. It can catch a net player by surprise, but it leaves less margin for error. Try it when the opponent is moving forward or has committed to poaching.
Crosscourt or down the middle?
A crosscourt lob can travel over the net player into the deeper part of the court, but the diagonal path gives your opponents more time to chase it. A lob down the middle can create confusion about who should take the overhead. Agree on a call before the match so you and your partner know who covers a ball between you.
| Lob choice | Best use | Main risk |
|---|---|---|
| High, deep lob | Defending or resetting the point | Gives a skilled opponent time to get underneath it |
| Low, accurate lob | Surprising a net player who is moving forward | Can land short or go long if your aim is off |
| Lob down the middle | Creating uncertainty between opponents | May set up an overhead if they communicate well |
How Your Partner Should Respond
A lob is a team decision, even when only one player hits it. After your partner lifts the ball, do not stand still and watch. If the lob is deep and gives you time, move forward together to reclaim the net. If the opponents are preparing an overhead, split-step and get ready to defend rather than charging in.
Keep the middle covered. If your partner is pulled wide before hitting the lob, shift toward the open space behind them. If the opponents hit an overhead, both players should be ready to move back or to the side based on the hitter’s position. Avoid turning your back and running blindly; stay balanced when possible and track the ball.
Use short, clear calls such as “Mine,” “Yours,” or “Switch.” If your partner hits a lob over the net player and that opponent turns to chase it, call “Switch” if you intend to change sides. The call matters: crossing without warning can leave the court open or cause a collision.
Reading the Opponents and Setting Up the Lob
Look for clues before you lift the ball. A net player who creeps toward the service line is more vulnerable behind them. An opponent who keeps poaching may be leaving the opposite side open, but a lob over that player can be a better answer than trying to thread a groundstroke past them.
You can also set up a lob with a few shots first. Hit low and firmly at the net player’s feet, then lob when they crouch to volley or move closer to the net. Changing the pattern is important. If you lob every time the same player approaches, they can hang back and wait for the overhead.
For example, imagine your team is serving and the receiver’s partner is standing close to the net. If the return comes softly, your opponent may step in to intercept your next shot. A controlled lob over that player can force them to retreat while your serving partner moves forward to cover the reply. The lob works best when the other player is ready for the next ball, not when both teammates admire the shot.
Doubles Lob Rules to Know
- The doubles alleys are in during a rally. A lob may land in either alley and still be good. The wider doubles court applies once the serve is in play.
- The serve is different. A serve must land in the correct diagonal service box. The doubles alley is not part of that service box, so a serve landing there is a fault.
- A lob is an ordinary shot. You may hit it during a rally from anywhere on your side of the court, provided you do not touch the net or cross over illegally.
- If the ball hits an opponent before bouncing, your team wins the point. If it lands out without being touched, your opponents win the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lob legal in doubles tennis?
Yes. A lob is a legal shot during a rally. It can land anywhere inside the opponents’ doubles court, including the alleys.
Should I lob every time an opponent comes to the net?
No. Mix lobs with drives and low shots. If opponents expect the lob, they can stay back or prepare for an overhead.
Where should I aim a doubles lob?
Aim high and deep when you need time to recover. For a more attacking lob, target the space behind a net player, often near a corner or down the middle where the opponents may hesitate.
What should my partner do after I hit a lob?
Your partner should cover the space you leave, watch for an overhead, and move with you when it is safe to approach. Use clear calls if you need to switch sides or take the next ball.
Final Thoughts
Strong doubles lob strategy is about more than getting the ball over an opponent’s head. Read the net player’s position, choose a defensive or attacking trajectory, and make sure your partner knows how to cover the next shot. A well-timed lob can break up a formation, create confusion, and give your team the chance to take control of the point.
