Start playing padel and a simple thing. We take pleasure quickly, we have fun, we share a friendly moment ... but the day arrives when we want to progress, play more complicated balls for our opponents and make fewer mistakes. In this tutorial, we will tackle the lob towards the center of the field.

When we watch the professionals play padel, we can notice that the use of the lob is very frequent. Why ? First of all to give yourself time and recover your position on the ground. Then to send the opponents back to the back of the field and allow us to attack the net. Finally, when the lob is very well done, to give our opponents a very complicated ball.

Today, I propose you to approach the lob the simplest possible for beginners or intermediate players, the lob in the center. For top level players, this well done lob will be a plus in your range of moves. By cons, otherwise will become an attacking ball for your opponents.

Why play a lob in the center?

First of all it is a zone of conflicts. Playing at the center can become a nightmare for our opponents when hitting the ball.

Then, this is the place of the track where you will make the least mistakes, since your margin of error is much greater than when you try a lob in the diagonal.

Finally, the realization of a lob in the center allows you to gain confidence. You quickly realize that you are making fewer mistakes. This blow will quickly become a blow where you are comfortable, on which you will be able to count.

How to realize it?

The important thing is the preparation. As soon as you know that you will have to play a forehand (this is the theme of the video), immediately put the racket backwards. The top of your racket will guide your shot. If the shaft-top of the racket is parallel to the ground, you will play a linear stroke, against if this axis is directed to the ground, you will achieve a lob.

Another important thing is the weather. Allow time for the ball to come to you. For the realization of a lob, the best is to play slightly in retreating. So wait for the ball.

Finally the height. Unless you play indoor and you are limited by the height, do not hesitate to lift the ball. Take the habit of making lobs high that will give you time to replace you and especially annoy your opponents.

Conclusion

The achievement of a lob can become a formidable weapon in your game. Build confidence with this lob in the center, then little by little, try to move it in the diagonal. Be careful not to abuse it because part of padel with only lobs looks like a game of badminton on a Sunday on the beach.

Julien Bondia

Julien Bondia is a teacher of padel in Tenerife (Spain). Columnist and advisor, he helps you play better through his tutorials and tactical/technical articles padel.