Pickleball Forehand 3rd Shot Lob: Professional pickleball player James Ignatowich has shared a useful tip for players positioned on the right side of the court: the forehand third shot lob. In a recent instructional video, he explained how this shot can be used effectively, especially in amateur and mid-level matches, to surprise opponents and set up strong plays with a partner.
According to James Ignatowich, this particular lob can become a valuable tool when used with topspin and aimed crosscourt. It is especially effective when executed over an opponent who is moving forward, rather than one already set at the kitchen line.
Using the Lob From the Right Side
James Ignatowich said the shot works best when hitting crosscourt with topspin from the forehand. He explained,
We’re going to talk about a pretty nifty shot from the right side of the court, but a shot that I think you could consider adding to your game in certain situations, and that’s the third shot lob with the forehand. For me, at least, that’s what I like to do.”
The idea behind the move is to target a player who’s rushing toward the net, catching them in transition. This gives the offensive team a chance to gain the upper hand by forcing a difficult overhead or causing a misplay.
Positioning and Partner Support
James Ignatowich recommended using this lob in specific matchups. He noted,
“I think lobbing crosscourt with topspin with your third shot. If you’re going over the right, that’s a righty. They have a backhand up here. Especially at levels below 50, this can be a very, very effective shot. So, it’ll look something like this. So, you hit the third shot, your opponent is on their way in, and then while they’re moving forward, you can lob it over their head.”
He also mentioned the importance of choosing the right target:
“I would make sure to do this over the person that’s already coming in, not the person that is established at the kitchen line. That can be a little tougher.”
By going crosscourt, players benefit from more available space to land the shot—about five or six feet more, due to court geometry. With proper topspin, the ball can be hit harder, and the left-side partner can move forward aggressively, knowing that the opponent may have to use a weaker backhand overhead. Ignatowich said,
“And if you use topspin, you can catch them in transition, hit it pretty hard, and then your left side player can crash off of their weaker backhand overhead.”
Why It Matters
This forehand lob from the right can give recreational and intermediate players an edge. It introduces variety into third shot options, breaking the pattern of dinks and drives. When executed correctly, it can shift momentum and create confusion, especially when partnered with a well-timed advance by the left-side player.
As more players look to improve strategy and control on the court, tips like these from professionals such as James Ignatowich can help expand shot selection and overall gameplay.
News in Brief: Pickleball Forehand 3rd Shot Lob
James Ignatowich shared a tip for right-side players: the forehand third shot lob. This shot, best used crosscourt with topspin, can catch rushing opponents off guard. Aimed over their heads, it creates space for the left-side partner to attack, especially against weaker backhand overheads.
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