The pickleball lob and overhead smash, with drills
When to lob in pickleball, how to hit a good offensive lob, how to put away an overhead, and three drills, from beginner to 4.0+.
For players rated 3.0+
When to use it
A lob sends the ball high over opponents at the net so it lands deep. Used sparingly and well disguised, it pushes them back and can win the point outright.
An overhead (smash) is how you punish a short lob. Turn sideways, move back with shuffle steps, and hit down with control rather than all-out pace.
1.Overhead feed
With a partner2.5–3.0Builds a safe overhead with good footwork.
- Stand at the kitchen line. Your partner, at the baseline, feeds gentle lobs.
- Turn sideways, point at the ball with your free hand, and shuffle back.
- Hit down into the court at three-quarter pace, then return to the kitchen line.
Reps: 3 rounds of 10
2.Lob from the dink
With a partner3.5Trains disguising the lob within a dink rally.
- Dink with your partner. You may lob any ball you can reach early and low.
- Use the dink set-up for the lob, lifting the paddle face late.
- Score if the lob lands in the back third and your partner can't smash it.
Reps: Games to 7, then switch
3.Lob defence
Four players4.0+Trains the team response to a lob: who takes it and who covers.
- Play dink games where either team may lob.
- On a lob, the player behind whom it lands chases it; the partner switches sides.
- Practise calling 'mine' and 'switch' every time.
Reps: Games to 11
Watch it
Common mistakes
- Lobbing from far back or off a hard ball. Lob from close in, early, when they're leaning forward.
- Lobbing short. A short lob is a free point for the other side.
- Backpedalling for an overhead. Turn sideways and shuffle so you don't fall.
- Smashing at full power. Placement wins; most missed overheads are overhit.
What to work on at your level
| 2.5–3.0 | Learn to turn and shuffle back for overheads; lob rarely. |
|---|---|
| 3.5 | Put away short lobs, and lob only when opponents are crowding the net. |
| 4.0+ | Disguise the lob and use it to push opponents back; smash to the feet or between players. |
Paddles that help
A power paddle with more mass behind the ball helps overheads finish and lobs carry deep without a big swing.
Best Pickleball Paddles for PowerCommon questions
- Is lobbing good in pickleball?
- Used rarely and well, yes. A good lob pushes the other team back. A short or predictable lob usually loses the point.
- Where should I hit an overhead?
- Down at the feet or between the opponents. Height and power matter less than placement.
- Who takes a lob in doubles?
- Usually the player the lob went over chases it, or the partner crosses behind if they can get there first. Call it early and switch sides.
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