When a lob goes up, all hell breaks loose. Partners forget how to communicate, people trip over their own feet, and somebody always steps in the kitchen while hitting an overhead.
Let's go over some of the basics of the lob culture so you can keep a level head next time the ball hits the sky.
When you lob:
The safest spot to aim your lob is over your opponent’s backhand shoulder, preferably along the sideline. That way if your lob comes up short, you're not feeding them an easy overhead.
There are offensive and defensive lobs. Planned, on-balance offensive lobs have a much higher success rate than scrambling defensive lobs.
If you are lobbing from the baseline (you dog, you) it's important to note one thing. If the ball bounces behind the other team, it's time to run in. It's the best opportunity to flip a point in your favor. Be sure to take advantage.
When on the receiving end:
Short steps are the key to avoid the dreaded kitchen violation. Where people go wrong is unintentionally stepping into the kitchen to launch themselves up for the overhead. This can be averted with two short steps, instead of one large one. This allows you to reestablish outside of the NVZ before you make contact.
Don't let the ball hit the ground. If at all possible, play the ball out of the air. It is how you maintain the advantage in the point. If the ball bounces, you're back to square one, trying to hit a drop shot to advance toward the NVZ. It is not the end of the world but it puts you on the wrong side of the pickleball equation.
Slide. Be ready to slide. If someone lobs over your backhand, slide so it becomes a forehand. It's rarely the first instinct but if you don't panic, it can be done.
The lob game comes with its own unique set of challenges. Some people love it, others hate it. Instead of getting mad when the lob goes up, show off that pickleball IQ and make the veteran play.
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Why we are different
There are well over 100 paddle manufacturers serving the pickleball industry. We are the ONLY custom paddle manufacturer in the world. In order to understand what it is we do and why it’s unique, it’s necessary to understand how a paddle is made.
Every paddle with few exceptions has a honeycomb core. The different companies in the industry use one of three different materials for the core- aluminum, polymer and Nomex. We use all three. The core provides 75% of the way a paddle performs.
Then the honeycomb core is sandwiched between two thin layers of surface materials. Again, the different companies in the industry use three different materials- graphite, fiberglass composite and carbon fiber. We use all three. The surface material is about 25% of the way a paddle performs. Think of it as fine tuning the paddle’s performance characteristics.
The three different core materials combined with the three different surface materials make 9 different combinations of materials. Each plays differently. We make two (soon to be three) different shapes for our paddles. The Chaos has a large square sweet spot- at 8 1/2”, it is the widest paddle on the market. The Kratos has an equally large rectangular shaped sweet spot. Each combination of cores and surfaces is available in both the Chaos and Kratos shape.
Then we give each player the opportunity to select their paddle’s weight (ranging from 7.4-10.5 ounces).
Now comes the grip. Players can choose one of three different handle shapes, their grip size from 3 7/8” to 6”, one of three different grip materials and more than 10 colors for each grip style.
Now that the player has chosen the best paddle shape, core, surface and grip for their individual game comes the fun part. We can put any custom graphic the player chooses on their paddle face- either one of our many choices or one of their own- a picture, logo or graphic of their choosing.
Now every player can play with a totally bespoke paddle and watch their game immediately improve because they are playing with the right paddle for them in every way.
Every other sport has specialized equipment for every player except pickleball. Not anymore- now pickleball is catching up to other sports. Pickleball players spend a lot of time playing the game they love. Now they can play with the gear that suits them and not be forced to use a one size fits all paddle.
Want to Join Team TSD?
We are actively seeking avid pickleballers with sales experience to educate, demonstrate and promote Third
Shot Drop pickleball paddles.
Please send your prior sales experience, where you play, how often you play, what level player you are, if you
play Tournaments, how many players you can reach and your contact information to:
Ashley@ThirdShotDrop.com