Lob up a ladder for better depth
The lob is one of tennis' most useful and versatile shots. It can bail you out of most trouble when you're trapped behind the baseline and it can win points for you when you catch a net-rushing opponent off guard. But you've got to get the ball deep. A short lob is a lost point. Even a weak opponent will put the ball away. Unfortunately club players tend to shorten their strokes on the lob. They push the ball rather than stroke through it. The result? A short lob.
You can correct this problem by stroking up a ladder when you lob. Drop the racquet head to the bottom rung of your imaginary ladder and stroke up and out. Follow each step up the ladder until your arm is fully outstreatched. That will lengthen your stroke and keep the ball on the strings longer for better depth and control. it just might lift your game to new heights.
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