Master the Lob Serve Like Anna Leigh Waters

As you enter the intermediate level, rule number one is get the serve in. But as you advance, the serve can be a tool to set up the entire point to your advantage. And one tool to add to your arsenal is the lob serve. Just ask Anna Leigh Waters, the number one ranked female player for nearly a decade. In a recent match she lob served more than any other type of serve.

So, what’s the deal with the lob serve? Essentially, it involves hitting the ball high and deep into the opponent’s court, toward the baseline. It can catch them off guard, especially if they're anticipating a standard serve. It's a strategic approach to shake things up when the game starts to feel predictable. And at the novice to intermediate level, you’d be surprised how many flub their return into the net or out.

Anna Leigh Waters has been implementing the lob serve in her matches this year. Her ability to mix up her serves keeps opponents guessing and off balance, allowing her to control the pace of play. And the main benefit is it pushes your opponent back, making them rush to get to the kitchen, or not even try to come in which is a huge advantage for you..

So, why should you consider incorporating the lob serve into your own gameplay? For one, it’s an excellent tactic to neutralize aggressive players who thrive on fast-paced exchanges. Bangers love to bang, and if you start the point with a hard serve, you are playing right into their game. A lob serve requires entirely different timing to return and bangers often have trouble with the pace. In addition, it may well set you up for a short serve that catches your opponent off guard.

Ready to mix it up a bit when it’s your serve? Take a page from Anna Leigh Waters' playbook and start practicing your lob serve in games. Whether in casual play or competition, mastering this technique can provide you with a valuable tool to keep your opponents on their heels (literally).