Lob Return Drill: Two Patterns — Crosscourt Drop, Then Straight-On Drop

Summary

Shea Underwood’s doubles lob drill starts at the kitchen with partners crosscourt: one lobber, one returner, plus an imaginary partner beside the returner.

Goal is two lob returns in a row — first a down-the-line lob over the fake partner’s backhand that the returner runs crosscourt and drops, then an easy feed to reset to the line, then a crosscourt lob the returner turns and drops straight-on. Defense learns “crosscourt player takes the lob”; the lobber practices the best targets over the backhands. Final tip: get your weight behind the drop before contact.

Key takeaways

• Drill pattern: lob DTL → run CC drop → reset → lob CC → straight-on drop
• Habit: crosscourt player takes the lob in doubles
• Weight behind the drop is the #1 make-it-in cue

Action items

• Run 10 successful two-lob sequences before switching roles
• On every drop return, check that your weight is loaded behind the ball before you swing