The Topspin Lob

Mastering the topspin lob requires not only learning how to put excessive spin on the ball, but combining this spin with enough height and depth, as well as the ability to hit it left, right or down the middle.

Learn the topspin lob using a progression made popular by Dennis Van der Meer, president of the USPTR and professional coach. You will need a partner to do this drill.

Step #1
Get very close to the net and turn sideways, as if you were going to hit a forehand groundstroke. Sandwich a ball between the net chord and the string bed of the racquet.

Step #2
With a quick, upward motion, ending with the racquet (or right elbow) behind your right ear (for right-handed players), spin the ball straight up, to get the feel for putting extreme topspin on the ball. Repeat several times.

Step #3
Take three steps back and again, turn sideways to the net, as if you were going to hit a forehand groundstroke. Bounce the ball with your left hand, then repeat the quick, upward stroke, with the racquet again finishing behind your right ear, or behind your right shoulder. You should now be adding height to the ball, which was not possible in step #1. You should be getting the ball over the net at this stage. Repeat this step several times.

Step #4
Repeat Step #3, but with their racquet face slightly open, to add more height and depth.

Step #5
Players move back to the service line and repeat Step #4, but now your partner stands directly in front of you (across the net). Your partner holds his or her racquet as high as possible and you must be able to clear your partner's racquet.

Step #6
Repeat Step #5, but you must now begin aiming for the back of the court. Repeat several times.

Step #7
Your partner tosses or hits an easy feed to you, and you must now execute the stroke off a live ball. Repeat several times.

Step #8
Move back to the baseline, and continues to practice hitting topspin lobs from the baseline, deep to the opposite court. Repeat several times.

Step #9
Begin practicing the new skill in the context of a point, hitting one or two groundstrokes, then hitting the lob. Doubles players should practice in the context of hitting against two opponents, who are either both at the net, or who are in a one-up, one-back position.

This drill can be repeated on the backhand side.

One mechanic players naturally use to make any lob easier is to lean backwards, which opens up the racquet face. The problem with this, however, is that it telegraphs the shot to their opponent. Watch to make sure you are disguising you lobs by setting up for the shot with the same body balance you use for a normal groundstroke.