A high arcing shot sent over the opponents' heads to the baseline area. Used offensively with disguise to win points or defensively to buy time. Against shorter players, the lob is a particularly effective weapon. The lob over the backhand side minimizes the risk of a powerful overhead.
Offensive lob: disguise is everything. The body language should look identical to a dink or drive until the last moment. Aim over the opponent's backhand side to minimize the risk of a powerful overhead response. Display the same body language for several shots before deploying the lob. Defensive lob: used from a wide or off-balance position to buy time. Aim high and deep. The lob is a form of attacking — always expect the ball to come back. Against short players: the lob is especially effective but should be expected and prepared for on both sides. Against tall players: much riskier due to reach.
Most players think of lobs as defensive desperation shots — "I'm in trouble so I'll lob." Morgan Evans says a lob IS an attack. And the #1 rule of attacking is "always expect the ball to come back." If you lob and then stand there watching, you've violated the attacking principle. The lob demands immediate recovery, just like a drive or a speed-up.