Lobs and height · Intermediate
How to play the crosscourt groundstroke lob in squash.
See the representative arrival, strike, high front wall, first bounce, opponent cue and recovery for the crosscourt groundstroke lob.
In short
Consider the crosscourt groundstroke lob when the opponent covers the straight line or stands close on your side and the opposite high channel is open. Pass above the opponent and move the next contact to the opposite back corner while buying recovery time.
Watch the trajectory
Blue dashed lines show realistic arrivals one at a time. Yellow shows the strike and outgoing path. The opponent and recovery zone provide tactical context. No players or rackets are shown.
Trajectory, in words
- The blue path or paths show how the ball can arrive before the strike.
- The yellow path reaches high front wall in numbered order.
- The first bounce enters the highlighted deep lob target; the recovery zone anticipates the likely reply.
Blue shows the representative arrival or alternatives converging on one strike. Yellow shows the crosscourt outgoing path for the crosscourt groundstroke lob. Numbered contacts, the target, opponent position and recovery zone explain the tactical sequence.
Read the opportunity
When should I play it?
- The opponent covers the straight line or stands close on your side and the opposite high channel is open.
- You can reach the strike point in balance rather than forcing the shot.
- You have a clear view, direct access, a safe swing and an unobstructed intended ball line.
Opponent cue
Where should the opponent be?
The opponent is forward and shading the near side, below the intended high diagonal path.
Intention
What am I trying to achieve?
Pass above the opponent and move the next contact to the opposite back corner while buying recovery time.
Plan the next ball
What is likely to come back?
- An opposite-side straight length
- A defensive boast
- A high volley if the lob is too low
Follow-up: Track the opponent's possible interception, then prepare for the far back-court reply.
Where do I recover?
Use the hang time to recover fully towards the T without crossing the opponent's route.
Common mistake
Hitting too firmly or narrowly, creating an overhead interception.
Safety
Do not lift through an opponent standing in the direct ball line.
Sources and review
This is a source-aligned Squash Dog editorial illustration, reviewed 6 September 2026. It represents one useful pattern, not the only valid trajectory, a governing-body endorsement or personal coaching advice.