Meet Sarah, affectionately known as the Queen of the Lob in her local Southeast Michigan tennis community. Here at CourtMerch, we're thrilled to celebrate Sarah's title by outfitting her appropriately with a Queen of the Lob shirt from our collection. A passionate doubles player, Sarah's tennis journey began in high school, where she honed her skills on the doubles court. She stepped away from the game for years as she raised her children. But now, she's back in action! Sarah is known for her excellent lobbing skills and here she shares her insights with the CourtMerch community.
You're the Queen of the Lob. What's the lob got that makes it the crown jewel of your royal repertoire?
If you have both opponents at the net in doubles, it's a nice shot. And secondly, sometimes it gives me a little bit of time to get set up, when I play with people who hit fast.
How did you develop your techniques?
In lessons, they talk about it occasionally and I picked up a few pointers. But most of it was trial and error in play.
In lessons, they talk about it occasionally and I picked up a few pointers. But most of it was trial and error in play.
How do you adapt your lobbing strategy based on different game situations?
I try to not do it right away. Then if I get somebody that's up at the net and I want to hit it over their head, I try to do that. If I have someone strong at the net, I use it to avoid getting the ball hit back at me. Also, if my opponents are playing one up and one back and the player in back doesn't run quite as fast, I try to run them corner to corner. Sometimes it's tiring and it makes them miss!
I try to not do it right away. Then if I get somebody that's up at the net and I want to hit it over their head, I try to do that. If I have someone strong at the net, I use it to avoid getting the ball hit back at me. Also, if my opponents are playing one up and one back and the player in back doesn't run quite as fast, I try to run them corner to corner. Sometimes it's tiring and it makes them miss!
How do you maintain consistency in your lobs?
Timing. I try not to hit it too far in front of me or too far behind me. I try to get it in front of me, but not where I'm bending and then I try to put spin on it and get is as high over as I can.
How does the lob fit in with the portfolio of your shots?
Right now, I think I do it too much. I need to do more hard deep shots and then surprise people with a lob. If someone lobs me, I should get the lob out of the air, instead of letting it bounce. Because I think lob after lob is not an interesting game and it's tiring.
What advice would you give to players looking to improve their lobbing techniques?
Try to get in front of you, don't just use your arm, because that can hurt you. And then it doesn't go far enough and someone hits it in your face! Try hitting it to your opponent's backhand in the corner. That's a tough shot to return. Also, add topspin to help keep the ball in.
What's your second favorite shot?
I really like to serve. And I like a good deep forehand.
How does it feel to be anointed Queen of the Lob?
It's such an honor! I don't have a lot of titles, so it's a great one.