The Smash is the hard overhead. In padel it only wins when you choose it right; otherwise it comes back off the wall. Here is how to use it.
By Yves Richel ·
The Smash is the hardest shot in padel, but also the one that gives away the most points. A Smash that just flies into the back wall comes back and invites your opponent to counter. It wins points when the ball leaves the court over the walls or goes unreachably into the corner.
On a Smash por tres (x3) the ball bounces up off the back wall so high that it flies out of the court over the fence. On a Smash por cuatro (x4) it leaves the court over the side wall. Both are direct points unless your opponent reaches the ball outside the cage.
For an x3 you need height and pace, and the ball has to bounce up steeply. Only play it on short, high Lobs close to the net.
If the Lob is deep and you have to go far back, play a Bandeja or Víbora. Smashes hit from defence fly into the back wall and come back comfortably.
A flat Smash to the feet or the middle is a safe alternative when the ball is not high enough for an x3.
Yes. If the court has doors and the local rules allow it, they may run out and play the ball back.
Only if it hits the opponents’ fence directly without bouncing first.
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