Smash (tennis)

An overhead smash in tennis is a shot that is hit above the head with a serve-like motion. A smash can usually be hit with great force relatively safely and is often a shot that ends the point. Most smashes are hit fairly near the net or in mid-court before the ball bounces, generally against lobs that have not been hit high enough or deep enough by the opponent. A player can also smash a very high ball from the baseline, generally on the bounce, although this is often a less forceful smash.

Related Topics:
Tennis - Serve - Point - Lob

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Smash commonly refers to the forehand smash; backhand smashes are rarer and more difficult to execute, especially for beginners, since they are basically high backhand volleys generally hit at an awkward angle. Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors, both left-handers, were known for their very powerful backhand smashes.

Related Topics:
Volley - Rod Laver - Jimmy Connors

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If you ever find yourself in an Advanced Raquet Sports Class, the overhead smash will destroy your opponents. Most of the time they will be caught out of position and either outright miss it, hit an invalid shot or an akward shot giving the person who smashed it a clear shot for a winner.

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Pete Sampras popularized the jump smash, where he jumps and then hits the smash in mid-air. The shot is often also called a slam dunk, as in basketball.

Related Topics:
Pete Sampras - Basketball

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