How To Smash In Tennis

If you’re looking to take your tennis game to a whole other dimension, at some point in time you’re going to have to master the smash.

A tennis smash, sometimes known as an overhead tennis smash, is one of the most exciting and rewarding shots you can make. There’s no feeling quite like executing a flawless smash. It’s the perfect shot that combines power and accuracy, and if you get it right, it’s a shot that will almost certainly guarantee you the points.

Once you have mastered the shot, you’ll find picking up points effortless. The key, however, is mastering the shot. You need accuracy, you need coordination, you need timing, and you need power.

To help you master the art of this particular shot, here’s a look at how to smash in tennis.

What is a Smash in Tennis?

A smash, also known as an overhead smash, is one of the hardest shots for opponents to deal with. Many tennis players consider this their favorite tennis stroke as it is so rewarding to hit a good one.

The smash is very similar to a serve, in that it requires the same motion because you hit the ball when it’s above your head. You’ll usually perform a smash in response to a lob. If you get your timing and accuracy right, you can strike the ball with a lot of power, and you’ll usually pick up the point as a result.

How to Smash in Tennis

As mentioned, a smash in tennis is a very rewarding shot to make, and an incredibly difficult shot to deal with. To ensure you’re the one executing the stroke, rather than dealing with it, here are some simple tips on how to hit an overhead tennis smash.

Choose a Continental Grip

Most tennis players agree that the continental grip is best for hitting a tennis smash.

Use the continental grip to hit a smash just as you would with a serve. This is the most comfortable grip, plus it will help you to direct the ball where you want it to land.

Practice Your Footwork

The best way to deal with a lob and execute a smash in tennis is to work on your footwork.

Keep your eye on the ball, turn sideways, and then begin to sidestep forwards and backwards, depending on how high in the air the lob is. Never step backwards with your torso facing the net, as this is just asking for trouble.

The idea here is that, as you’re sideways, if you do misjudge the lob, you can change position quickly and readjust.

Keep Your Head Up

As you watch the ball coming down toward you, make sure you keep your head up until you make contact with the ball.

Track the Ball with Your Non-Hitting Arm

When the ball is at its highest point, now is the time to get your racket into position. Extend your non-hitting arm up above the ball so that you can use it to gauge the trajectory of the ball as you position the racket behind you, in anticipation of making the shot.

Strike the Ball with a Fully Extended Arm

With your arm fully extended, as the ball gets close to your head, try to strike it with your arm fully extended. Make sure you hit when the ball is above your head.

Keep your head still, watch the ball, and focus on the racket making contact with the ball as your arm is completely extended. This will allow you to generate the most power.

Finish the Shot

After the strings have made contact with the ball, finish the shot across your body, just like you would with a serve.