Lob

A tennis stroke that lofts the ball. A lob is usually an attempt to clear the reach of an opponent whos is at the net, and if the lob is too short or too low, it presents an easy put-away for one's rival. A simple, uncomplicated lob back to one's opponent's baseline can be either an offensive weapon, or a defensive play when you re hard-pressed and need to gain time to get back into position. The lob is used more often in doubles than in singles, and the most skillful and satisfying lob is a topspin one, which requires a particular deftness of touch, and which is definitely an offensive weapon.