Lobs and Overheads - 'Ear that Racket?

Aim: To improve lobbing technique with extra topspin.

How: To help with the quick, wristy action that is needed to generate the topspin players can hold the ball against the net tape with the racket face and practice just brushing up the back of the ball.

The follow through for this shot on either the forehand or backhand should whip up past the ear on the same side as the racket. For a right handed player this would be the right ear for the forehand and the left ear for the backhand.

Progressions:

Move away from the net and use the same wristy action after the ball has bounced on the ground, the ball should clear the net by a considerable margin.
Get 1 player to hit a volley and another player to return it with a topspin lob back over their head or extended arm and outstretched racket to make it harder.

Coaching Points: