The third shot lob is especially effective when both opponents are at the NVZ line . In this photo , Kim , who is in the in the forecourt , has not closed into the NVZ line . A third shot lob is not necessary when you can drive the ball at the opponents ’ feet . It is primarily effective when the opponents are in good volley position at the net . It adds an option to the third shot drop and the third shot drive . Photo by Bruce Yeung ; IG : @
bruceyeungphotography . com .
In the early years , lobs were often defensive . They were a last resort in a tough exchange . Then came the offensive topspin lob that sent the NVZ line-huggers scrambling . Topspin lobs hit and kicked back beyond the baseline , giving the lobber and partner plenty of time to take over the NVZ line themselves . The offensive lob gained acceptance because it was not a “ sissy ” shot ; it was aggressive . Enter the third shot lob . The server drives a serve , the receiver drives the return and rushes to the NVZ line to join his partner at the net , expecting a third shot drop or a drive . He closes in tight . Now the server and partner have to stay back and let the ball bounce . They are in a defensive position and the opponents are good enough to take advantage of their position of control . The server and partner can choose to have one or the other rush to the net ( the person hitting the ball has to let it bounce ), but then they leave a hole in the middle . Usually , they choose to advance together depending on the quality of the third shot drop or drive . Regardless , they are in a defensive position .
At the USAP Nationals in Indian Wells , California , in November , I saw good players repeatedly lobbing the third shot to take away the strong NVZ line offensive stance of their returning opponents . The deep lob forced at least one player back to the baseline , allowing both players on the serving / third shot side to move up to the NVZ line . Obviously , you do not want to hit a short lob . You want to hit a high , deep lob . It can be offensive topspin or defensive slice , but its purpose is to gain position rather than win the point outright .
On television we see the tennis players playing singles driving groundstrokes side to side to open up the court laterally for winners . Because the pickleball court is so much smaller , those hard drives are easier to counter in pickleball , particularly in doubles . Position in pickleball means more than power . It is not so much about blowing someone off the court as it is being king of the mountain . Being at the net gives you greater options and the ability to hit those options earlier . It is difficult to drive your way to the net when the other team is already at the net . It is possible , however , especially if they hit short . But , if you are on the baseline and they are at the net , you have very few good options .
It is time to try a third shot lob . Think “ position ” not “ winner .” Make your opponents scramble . Open up the court vertically . Add a new dimension to your game . We think short ( dink ) and long ( drive ). We think side to side ( angles ). Add the upper reaches of the court to your repertoire . When you play outside , using the vertical dimension can also add the sun and the wind as factors your opponents may not enjoy . But , most of all , the third shot lob is worth developing because everyone else is getting better and more versatile . You have to step up or you will fall behind . •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the ‘ 60s . She ’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional . As a 4.5 pickleball player , she won gold in Huntsman , NSGA Nationals , US Open , and USA Pickleball events around the country . Alice is an IPTPA member , SSIPA founding board member , Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain , Italy , and Germany .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | MAGAZINE 25