The Lesson Lounge - Tennis Warrior

Your Link to Professional Thinking!

Who covers the lob over your head in doubles?

You are playing in a one-up one-back formation and you are at the net. Your opponents lob over your head. Who should cover this lob? The answer is YOU! There’s a common tennis myth going around that says your partner, who is back, should cross over and return all lobs. This is only partly true. Your partner should cover the lob only if he realizes you are unable to reach it.

As the net person you should not cross over the moment a lob is hit. This is a bad habit that many players have developed. You should turn and make an attempt to hit an overhead. This SHOULD be your first reaction to a lob and will mentally gear you with the proper response. I have seen many intermediate and advanced players fail to cover lobs that would have hit them on the head if they had not moved!!! Instead of attempting an overhead, they have conditioned themselves to IMMEDIATELY cross to the other side. Just one or two steps backward and they would have had an easy overhead. One or two steps - that’s all! These players are mentally conditioned in the wrong direction.

The next time a lob comes your way, condition yourself to attack! If you find yourself unable to reach the ball, then cross over. Do NOT immediately cross to the other side and automatically assume your partner will cover the lob.

This lesson is important to the development of your future overheads. You will find learning to cover your own lobs at the net advantageous for singles or doubles. Remember, your first priority is for you to cover the lob over YOUR head. If all fails...then run for shelter!

Tom Veneziano