The Lesson Lounge - Tennis Warrior

Your Link to Professional Thinking!

Advancing to the net after the lob

In this lesson I will cover a scenario that occurs often. In doubles when you lob over someone's head and they're running it down you should advance to the net. Why? Well, remember they're running down a lob. Your opponents are in trouble! You should run up to the net and create extra pressure on them to make a good shot. Most players are so mesmerized by the good lob they hit they just stand there and watch it...never closing in on the net!

Most players will not run up after a good lob because they're afraid their opponent will lob over their head. Do not be guilty of either one of these infractions. First, learn to move into the correct position after hitting the lob over your opponents head. Stop standing there watching the magnificence of your last shot. Besides, you can still watch where your ball is going as you're advancing to the net. You can move and see at the same time! You do this all the time when you're driving a car....It may take a little practice, but it will pay huge dividends in the long run. Practice moving into position as you're watching your shot go over your opponents head.

Second, Do not think because you advance to the net behind a good lob that your opponent will lob back over your head. Instead, think they're going to hit a short lob. Thinking this way is offensive and positive minded. Although some of the return lobs may go over your head, if you stick with it, you will get your share of high short lobs to put away. With this mind-set you are making your opponent hit good shots in order to beat you. Always challenge your opponent to make those difficult shots under pressure.

Now, if you are going to attempt to run to the net once you lob over your opponents head, here's one piece of advice you should remember. Make sure the lob you hit first bounces behind your opponent before you begin running to the net. Too many players begin running up when they think they've hit the ball over their opponents head only to find out they were wrong and ended up running into a powerful overhead hit right at them. Remember, you have plenty of time, so make sure the ball bounces behind your opponent before you run forward.