Getting lobbed repeatedly can turn a fun pickleball game into an exhausting day at the courts. For players over 50, handling lobs starts with giving opponents fewer opportunities to hit them.

In this video, Coach Tony Roig explains how shot selection, anticipation and safe movement can help you defend against persistent lobbers.

Keep the ball away from their strengths

First, identify who’s doing the lobbing. If one opponent consistently sends balls over your head, you might want to consider directing more shots toward their partner.

After you’ve identified the lobber, notice which side produces their best lobs. Someone who loves a forehand lob may struggle to execute the same shot on the backhand. Make them work from that less comfortable position.

Sign up for a Tony Roig Pickleball Camp today!

TRP Camps offer a transformative camp experience designed to tap into your pickleball game at a deeper level. Take your next step forward and let the TRP Coaching Team show you the way.

Find a list of all upcoming camp opportunities here.

Use code “KITCHEN” at checkout for 10% off your camp enrollment.

Stop feeding their favorite ball

Against players who like to hit a lob on the third shot, a high, floating return often gives them time to lean back, get underneath the ball and lift it over you.

Against a committed lobber, try to execute lower, firmer returns. Another option is a shorter return that forces them to reach forward, making the lob harder to execute.

This is a specific adjustment for habitual lobbers. Your usual high, deep return remains a useful default against other opponents.

Read the setup and adjust

Watch for an opponent leaning back or opening their body to lift the ball.

When you recognize those cues, turn sideways and take a controlled step back before contact. That head start reduces the space available for a successful lob behind you.

Retrieve safely and give yourself time

When a lob clears you, turn and move toward the ball instead of backpedaling. Coordinate with your partner so your paths stay clear.

If you reach the ball deep in the court with both opponents at the kitchen, consider lobbing it back. That buys time to recover and prepare for their next shot.

Only pursue balls you can reach safely. Staying balanced matters more than rescuing one difficult rally.

Tony Roig is a nationally-recognized coach, Sr. Pro Player, developer of “Respect the X” among other widely used strategies, and is the voice behind the weekly Pickleball Therapy podcast. To find out more about Tony and his coaching visit TonyRoigPickleball.com. You can access their 4 FREE Mini-Courses to get going.