The Lob
A Pickleball Devotional
The lob is pickleball's great equalizer. When your opponents are crowding the net, dominating with quick volleys, and you feel trapped at the baseline – you hit a lob. A high, arching shot that sails over their heads and forces them to scramble back. Suddenly, the players who were controlling the point are backpedaling frantically, and you've reset the entire rally.
The lob isn't about power. It's about recognizing when you're being overwhelmed and having the wisdom to change the game instead of trying to beat your opponents at their own strategy. New players often refuse to lob because it feels defensive or wimpy. They'd rather keep battling at the net and lose the point than hit a shot that looks like retreat.
But experienced players know: sometimes stepping back and going high is the smartest move. The lob doesn't just get you out of trouble – it often wins the point outright because it catches aggressive opponents off guard. What looks like backing down is actually strategic brilliance.
Matthew 10:16 - "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."
Following Jesus doesn't mean getting steamrolled by aggressive opposition or difficult circumstances. Sometimes wisdom means changing your approach rather than meeting force with force. When you're overwhelmed at work, maybe you need to delegate or say no. When a relationship conflict is escalating, maybe you need to table the discussion and revisit it later. When temptation is intense, maybe you need to physically remove yourself from the situation.
This isn't cowardice – it's strategic wisdom. Jesus himself withdrew from crowds when needed. He avoided traps set by religious leaders. He knew when to engage and when to step back. The lob reminds us that sometimes the wisest move is the one that looks like retreat but is actually repositioning for success.
Today's Thought: Sometimes stepping back isn't retreat – it's strategy. Be wise, not just tough.
Reflection Question: What situation are you trying to power through when wisdom might call for you to "hit a lob" and reset the dynamic?