Our Badge team faced a player last Saturday who relied heavily on lobs in response to our ground strokes, and she was very skilled at it. Unfortunately, our players started to play into her strategy, shifting away from our usual aggressive doubles game.
Timing a ground stroke when returning a lob can be tricky, even for experienced players. The challenge mainly comes from the shallow angle of the bounce and the need for early preparation. Normally, players can rely on the predictable angle of a standard bounce, which provides a good margin for error—except in windy conditions, where the ball’s trajectory can become unpredictable.
When dealing with a lob, the ball often produces a shallow bounce, leaving you with less margin for error. Unlike a regular ground stroke where the ball comfortably rises into your strike zone, a shallow bounce forces you to adjust, often taking the shot out of your preferred hitting zone. This awkward contact point increases the risk of mistiming your shot or sending it into the net.
The key to managing this situation effectively is early preparation. As soon as you recognize that the lob will produce a shallow bounce, you should start your back swing immediately and wait patiently for the ball. Any hesitation can lead to a rushed shot, where you’re likely to “slap” at the ball instead of delivering a controlled, fluid swing. This rushed approach can throw off your timing and balance, both of which are essential for a successful shot.
Additionally, the shallow bounce disrupts the usual rhythm and timing of your ground stroke, requiring adjustments in both stance and swing mechanics. That said, with proper training to prepare early for all types of shots, this becomes less of an issue.
In summary, returning a lob with a shallow bounce is challenging if you’re not prepared early. By focusing on early backswing preparation and maintaining your balance, you’ll greatly improve your ability to handle these tricky shots—and more importantly, you’ll stay in control of the game, rather than letting your opponent dictate the pace.
