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C How to defend against lobbing opponents
oach Mo’s Corner
in Pickleball
This the first in what is going
to be a quarterly contribution How to Defend Against Lobbing Opponents
from Coach Mo.
Y Pick a fast partner.
Coach Mo
In Pickleball the best Y If the wind is very fast.Try to keep it at your
offense is a good defense back because it will make their lobs sit in the
air and help you hit an overhead shot.
Y If both players are lobbing and you are losing
THE BEST OFFENSE IS A GOOD DEFENSE a lot of points then when your opponent takes
his eyes off of you to watch the ball; take two
AGAINST CERTAIN OPPONENTS or three steps back and hit an overhead.If a
ball should go over your head, watch and see
Size up your opponents before you play your how your opponent strokes the ball so you
match and decide if you and your partner are can anticipate how the ball will bounce so you
steadier then your opponents.(do they make more can catch up to it.If your opponent strokes
unforced errors ) If you feel that you are steadier, the ball from low to high then you must run
then be patient and keep the ball in play with about three steps past where the ball bounces
high percentage shots at their toes and down the because it will jump away from you and cause
middle of the court.Give your unsteady opponents an error.
a chance to lose. Do not over hit the ball using low
percentage angle shots and try to over power your Y If only one opponent is
opponents.Wait patiently for a high percentage lobbing then hit to the
high put away shot and take advantage and put it one that is not lobbing.
away low to their backhand at 80 percent of your
power. Use accurate and consistent shots. Give Y If both opponents are
yourself more leeway for error. lobbing good then check
and see if they only lob
If the other team is as steady as you and your from their forehand side.
partner, then you must be a little more aggressive. If they do then keep the
Use excellent shot selection and hit to high ball to their backhand. If
percentage places on the court. Work the point you see your opponent
and be patient. Unforced errors will lose an evenly drops the face of their paddle and is pointing
matched game. it towards the ground then it should warn you
that he is about to lob. Make a book on your
opponents and try to figure out where and
when they like lob so can have a jump on the
ball and not be surprised.
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