How to Effectively Attack a Defensive Lob in Table Tennis

Donald Timm Asked 2 weeks ago

You smash the ball. Your opponent retreats far from the table and returns a high defensive lob. A coach once told me do not retreat and wait for the ball to come down but instead stay close to the table and hit the ball shortly after it bounces, i.e., on the way up about chest high. This seems a little counter intuitive but seems to work if I can remember in the heat of battle. Your thoughts?

Thanks, Don.

Alois Rosario Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi Don,

Attacking a high defensive lob can be a pivotal moment in a match. The advice you received from your coach is quite sound and aligns with advanced playing techniques. Let me explain why this approach is effective.

When you choose to hit the lob shortly after it bounces, essentially taking the ball on the rise, you gain several advantages however it does become much more risky.

• Time pressure: By hitting the ball early, you reduce the time your opponent has to recover and set up for the next shot. This can be especially effective against players who rely on their positioning and footwork to return smashes.
• Positioning: Staying close to the table keeps you in an aggressive stance and ready to continue applying pressure. Retreating too much or waiting too long can sometimes lead to passive play and give your opponent opportunities to regain control of the rally.

However, this technique requires good timing and confidence. It's essential to practice this shot during your training sessions to become comfortable with the timing. Also, keep an eye on the type of lob your opponent sends. If it's particularly deep or has a lot of spin, you might need to adjust your position slightly backward to handle it effectively.

We have a tutorial coming out soon on this stroke.