Site Products
Larry Hodges, table tennis coach

Why Lobbing is Good For You, Why Lobbing is Bad For You

Posted on

(by Larry Hodges)

Of course lobbing is good for your game.

  • It wins points that would otherwise be lost.
  • It allows you to practice off-table footwork, which can improve your footwork for counterlooping, fishing, or chopping.
  • It helps you develop topspin touch and control, which can help your counterlooping and fishing.
  • It gives you practice reacting to a hard-hit ball.
  • It gives great difficulties for some players, especially shorter players.
  • It’s great for exhibitions and demos.
  • It’s fun!

Of course lobbing is bad for your game.

  • It can lead to the bad habit of lobbing when you could make a more effective, less defensive shot.
  • It can lead to the bad habit of backing up from the table too easily rather than controlling play closer in.

So . . . there seem to be more reasons for lobbing then against. In general, read the reasons NOT to lob first, and make absolutely sure not to fall for these bad habits. Then learn to lob for the reasons given for why it is good for you. And yes, it’s fun!

Latest News

Anav Gupta – Stroke Chemistry

September 25, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is working on his handspeed and Stroke Chemistry… Read More

Rachid El Bou Bou – BH Flip, BH Loop Timing Mechanics

September 24, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is focusing on a short game… Read More

Looking Back (and Ahead): Olympic Table Tennis Anniversary

September 23, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo Butterfly) Table tennis made its Olympic debut in Seoul back in 1988, and it's… Read More

Kou Lei – Banana Flip & Backhand Loop Combo

September 23, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Kou Lei is working Butterfly Sponsored Player Kef Noorani. He… Read More

Anav Gupta – Backhand Off the bounce Counterloop

September 22, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is focusing on a deep serve return, followed… Read More

Are You a Tree or a Squirrel?

September 21, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame) Squirrels run circles around trees, and there's… Read More

Rachid El Bou Bou – Attacking Half Long Serve

September 21, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is attacking a half long serve… Read More

MLTT Week 2 Preview: Action heads to Willowbrook

September 20, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) Major League Table Tennis moves to Compass Arena in Willowbrook, Illinois, this weekend,… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

/* Constant Contact Universal Code */