OOAK Table Tennis Forum

Do I lob by smashing the ball upwards?
or do I lob by looping the ball upwards?
or do I lob by blocking the ball upwards, hitting gently upwards?

Which one is most consistent?
Which one is most effective?
Is it possible to lob medium length to cause issues for my opponent?

The safest lob is a long ball. Spin should be varied.

Yes. A block lob though is a lot harder. I don't think I have ever done it .

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Retriever (sometimes golden, but often leaden)
Moderator, Inverted Retriever Technique sub-forum - http://ooakforum.com/viewforum.php?f=74

Just from what I recall from reading books - lobs should be done as high as possible, with as much topspin as possible, and as deep as possible (i.e. far from the net and towards the baseline if you don't want highly angled returns). So I suppose you'd want to "loop" it, as much of a brush as possible I guess. Some sidespin also helps (it mainly works against lower-level players when the ball jumps sideways, it doesn't seem to bother better players). It's pretty much a defensive shot taken when you're forced back from the table, rather than a shot conducted over the table or close to it (a "block-lob" WOULD be insanely difficult compared to a plain block, especially against a hard shot). It is a useful skill to have - wish I could do it better, then again where I usually play the ceiling's really too low for effective lobbing.

Iskandar

The most difficult lobber in our league to play is a guy who takes the ball late and low so the ball can drop. It's difficult because when it drops below a certain height it can be difficult to for me to see the point of contact with his bat and the ball. If I can't see that, it's awkward to see how much spin and what type he is returning the ball with. He is also very adept and small but quick wrist movements and generating a lot of side spin. You can pick up the ball swerving in the air but on contact with the table is will jump and kick sideways depending on how much he has used his wrist.

Many times I've looked foolish missing the ball completely because he has thrown up the ball with side and top spin and I've not read it or not bothered moving and the ball bounce has caught me out. It's a skill he has but unfortunately that skill gets lost in the embarrassment of the opponent belittling themselves for missing what they perceive to be an "easy kill" shot.

Lobs are a bit like chops. You do them all! Heavy spin, no spin, side spin, top spin, back spin etc. with lobs you score through variations or discover what your opponent can't handle (like heavy top spin lobs for example) and then spam those.

You need to keep a loose wrist and body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCy9wzE3VWU

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Innershield zlf
Tenergy 80 fx 1.7
Backhand: Curl p-4 OX

Nice video skilless Very steady and frustrating opponent to try and hit one past. Good lobber. Much enjoyed watching. Thanks for sharing.

Those videos don't do James justice, either! He requires a ton of court room to really show off his helicopter lobs



Grainy quality but still fun

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Innershield zlf
Tenergy 80 fx 1.7
Backhand: Curl p-4 OX

Wow that's some high lobs!

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Not to mention the 20-18 final score....

The attacker impressed me more, though - that's what I mean when I say higher level players aren't bothered that much by balls bouncing sideways and spin variation in lobs It's us lower level players that get surprised and miss!

Iskandar