Returning High Spinny Lobs

Alois,

How does one return a very high, very spinny lob, one which lands either close to the sideline near the net or one which lands any other place on the table? Should the lobs close to the net and at any location be returned the same way? Should one wait to take it late, high off the bounce to let the spin "die out" with the disadvantage that one is now far off the table? Or should one step in and try to take it right off the bounce (with the ball still having lots of spin) or some other way?

Thanks for your answer.

Caesar

Hi Caesar,

To return the high lob you should use a smash.

You should hit the ball when it is around shoulder or head height.

The closer to the net, the easier it is to make the smash.  If there is a lot of spin, make sure you are watching the ball carefully and allow for that spin on the smash.

The one I find gets most players is the shorter one with a lot of backspin.  Make sure on that one you lift the ball slightly to get it over the net.

Take a look at our tutorial on the Forehand Smash to start with.