Lob Drills for Padel
Good lob drills teach more than lifting the ball. The useful lob has height, depth, timing, and a recovery decision after it leaves the racket.
Lob drill progression
Start with control before adding match pressure.
| Drill | Goal | How to do it |
|---|---|---|
| Deep target lobs | Learn depth. | Place cones or a visual target beyond the service line and hit ten controlled lobs. |
| Defensive reset lob | Buy time under pressure. | Feed a low ball, block up with height, then recover your defensive position. |
| Lob plus move forward | Take the net after a good lob. | If the lob pushes opponents back, both players step forward together. |
| Middle lob drill | Reduce risk. | Aim high through the middle instead of forcing the corner from a difficult ball. |
| Pressure score | Train decision-making. | Play points where a short lob loses two points and a deep lob earns a bonus. |
Train height and depth together
A high lob is not automatically a good lob. If it lands short, it gives opponents time to move under the ball and attack.
The first drill should feel boring: repeatable height, repeatable depth, and no attempt to win the point immediately. Once that is stable, add targets and movement.
Connect the lob to the next position
The lob is a transition shot. If it is deep enough to move opponents back, your team should usually move forward and claim space.
If the lob is neutral or short, do not sprint blindly. Recover your defensive shape and prepare for the overhead, bandeja, or ball off the glass.
FAQ
Deep target lobs are the best start because they teach height and depth without too much pressure.
Yes, but use them as reset drills. Do not expect a low emergency ball to become an attacking lob.
Start with deep middle targets, then add corners only when contact and height are stable.
Your lobs land deep enough to move opponents back and you recover earlier after contact.
No. Move forward after a good deep lob; recover defensively after a neutral or short lob.