Member Training Tips

Mar 19, 2025

How to recover a lob that goes over your head and keys to hitting an overhead slam

Tip 1: How to recover a lob that goes over your head

If your opponent hits a good lob that goes over your head, it can be really tough to return! The only way to recover from this type of shot is by running to the back court to hit the ball after it bounces. Thankfully, there is a technique that you can use to get behind the ball as quickly and efficiently as possible: the question mark technique. This technique is a footwork pattern that literally follows the shape of a question mark.

Step 1: Pivot and turn all the way around so you’re facing the baseline. This part is the dot of the question mark.

Step 2: Run straight towards the baseline. This is the straight part of the question mark. The key here is that you keep your eye on the ball while you run back so that you don’t lose it.

Step 3: Once you get behind the ball, turn around so that you’re facing toward the net. This is the curved part of the question mark. At this point you’ll be able to hit a drop shot and transition back to the kitchen line.

Tip 2: Keys for hitting an overhead slam

If your opponent hits a lob that is low enough for you to reach, the best response is to hit an overhead slam! Here are some tips to hitting a perfect overhead that will also help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls.

  1. Make sure you turn sideways and side shuffle if you have to move back. You should never backpedal to hit an overhead. It’s dangerous!
  2. Get into your trophy position. The trophy position is when you have your paddle arm in a 90° angle with your triceps parallel to the ground. You should also have your non-hitting arm stretched straight up. This puts you in a prime position to generate as much power as possible.
  3. Reach up to contact the ball with a straight arm. This is one of the most underrated tips for generating power on your overheads! If you contact the ball with a bent arm, you won’t be able to fully activate your kinetic chain, so you won’t hit the ball as hard as you are able to.

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