This Is How You Defend a Lob as a Partnership
If I was drawing it up on a whiteboard, this is it. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh defend this lob exactly how it should be done. Not flashy. Not frantic. Just correct. Here’s what matters. 1️⃣ Immediate Recognition Nelson goes over Anna Leigh’s head. It’s late. She doesn’t hesitate.She doesn’t backpedal into chaos. She turns and switches immediately. No drama.No confusion.Just recognition and movement. That’s communication without talking. 2️⃣ The Switch Happens Instantly Anna Leigh crosses.Ben goes back. Clean exchange. But here’s the detail most players miss: After she switches, she doesn’t just face the net and wait. She turns and watches Ben. That’s partnership awareness. She’s reading what he’s about to do so she can respond to the next ball. 3️⃣ Ben Doesn’t Get Desperate This is the part most players blow. He’s moving backward.Under pressure.Out of position. And what does he do? He drops it. He doesn’t: - Try to drive it - Panic lob it back - Speed it up out of frustration He drops it.And keeps working forward. That’s discipline. That’s how you neutralize instead of explode. He missed the final one — but the decision was right. Textbook Lob Defense If you want to practice this in your own matches this week, focus on: - Immediate recognition - Early switch - Clear lane for your partner - Drop first, recover second - Work your way back to the line Most teams lose lob points because of confusion. Great teams lose them because the opponent hit a great shot. There’s a difference. You’re not just defending a lob. You’re protecting court position and buying time. That’s Match IQ in real time. Drop a comment in Skool: When a lob goes over your head — do you switch early, or do you hesitate? Train what doesn't break. Raise your floor.