Lob
The lob is the single most important defensive shot in padel. It is a high, deep ball played from the back of the court to push opponents off the net and buy time to recover position. In Spanish-speaking padel the same shot is called a globo, and you will hear both terms used interchangeably on court. A consistent deep lob is the foundation of competent back-court play.
What is a lob?
The lob is the English term for a high, deep defensive shot played to push opponents off the net. In Spanish-speaking padel, the same shot is called a globo, and coaches use both words interchangeably.
The lob exists because the team at the net controls the point in padel - the only reliable way to dislodge them and reset the rally is to send the ball over their heads and deep into their court. It is the cornerstone of every defender’s toolkit.
When do you use it?
Play a lob any time opponents are at the net and you are under pressure at the back of the court. If a ball lands deep, a counter-attack is rarely on, so a lob is the safer choice.
A deep one forces the net team back, opens space for you to move forward, and gives you and your partner time to recover. In most points at intermediate level, the team that lobs better wins the net.
How to play it
Open the racket face, keep the grip relaxed, and swing low-to-high through the ball with soft hands. Make contact in front of the body and let the follow-through finish high.
Aim for depth rather than height - a lob that lands in the last metre by the back glass is unattackable, while a lob that drops at the service line is a smash invitation. Vary direction between cross-court and down the line so opponents cannot anticipate.
Coach tip: Practice the lob more than any other defensive shot. Pros hit hundreds per match, and a consistent deep lob is the foundation of competent back-court play.
Common mistakes
Three errors trip beginners up. The first is lobbing short - the ball lands mid-court and gets crushed by a smash. The second is lobbing only cross-court, which becomes predictable and lets the net team cheat their position. The third is ignoring the wind: an outdoor lob into a headwind needs more pace or it falls into the smash zone.
