Fishing or lobbing

Lajos Bana Asked 7 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,

I started to play with returning the balls from far from the table just for fun. I like what Jun Mizutani is doing some time. But I am confused with the terms and the possibilities. I assume lobbing is when there is a smash or fast loop coming and I through it up from when the ball is still high. And I understood fishing is when shorter ball or slower loop is coming and I reach it only when almost falling to the ground.

Is that correct? What is the difference in the technique and how to prepare to do them correctly? Some times I mix it with a chop which confuses the opponent but I do not know which ball is effective to chop and which one to lob?

Thanks for all support so far, BR, Lajos

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Lajos,

The main difference between the two is the height and trajectory of the ball.

A lob tends to be higher and is a more defensive stroke. Fishing is a lower stroke and probably somewhere between a lob and a topspin.

Mixing in the chop with these is a great idea. It will really keep the attacker on their toes.

← In doubles How to improve chopping →

Lajos Bana Posted 7 years ago

Thanks a lot for the answer and clarification, Alois,

meanwhile I read the other lobbing and fishing related material, there were plenty, so altogether I get much better picture now. I decided to go on practice it but try not to force it on match situations, since generally I am a forehand attacker with strong loops.

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

No problems. Glad it helped. Yes it is a stroke that you can use when you need to but not trying to get into the situation.

Jean Balthazar Posted 7 years ago

Check this guy out, he's a lot of fun to watch : https://youtu.be/prN4r4gFw_g?list=PL01oOrfL_v4-_---XyMNr7p7uYTBO9PJH

Marius Darian Posted 7 years ago

Or look at some Mikael Appelgren videos.