Mini Tennis Lob: Escape Over the Top

A mini tennis game where the lob, the high deep shot, is the way out of trouble. A high rope above the net marks which balls count as lobs.

How to play

1. Explain the lob: open racket face, low-to-high swing, finish with the racket high (3 min).
2. In pairs, one tosses short balls by hand and the other lobs them over the rope (6 min).
3. Situation game: one player at the net, one at the back; the back player must lob over, the net player tries to touch it before it bounces (6 min).
4. Games to ten: a point won by a lob over the rope counts double (8 min).
5. Each pair shows its best lob to the class in a quick demo (2 min).

Rules

• The net player doesn't smash: they may only touch the ball to stop it.
• No backpedaling: turn the body and run sideways or forward.
• Tie the rope to solid posts or fences, never held by students.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: agree on a racket signal to warn of a lob.
• Limited mobility: play at the back while the net partner can move only one step.
• Hesitant students: be the tosser first to see the shot before trying it.

Learning goals

• Perform a lob with an open racket face.
• Use the lob to regain position.
• Judge when a high shot beats a hard one.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tennis rackets: 16
• low-compression tennis balls: 24
• portable nets: 4
• ropes: 4

Teacher tip

No posts? Tie the rope between two chairs set on benches, or use a long elastic band. Remember the lob isn't a "weak" defensive shot: celebrate the ones that win points.

More main activities for Middle School