Lifted smash technique: pronation and body rotation

Kick Smash7:47Jul 5, 2020

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I perform a lifted smash to get the ball out of the court?

Focus on the pronation of your wrist, ensuring the racket handle finishes on the opposite side of your body after contact. Do not use raw strength; instead, prioritize speed and a fluid follow-through that extends far away from your body.

What this lesson covers

The lifted smash relies on the pronation of the wrist rather than brute force. The movement starts with the player sideways, feet planted, and the racket behind the neck. The left arm stays high to maintain balance. The core of the technique is the pronation gesture, where the racket handle crosses over to the opposite side after contact, creating the necessary spin to lift the ball.

Progression begins with isolated arm movements to master the wrist snap. Once the gesture is fluid, the focus shifts to the follow-through, where the arm extends far away from the body as if creating space for a large object. The third stage integrates leg drive through flexion and extension to generate upward momentum. Finally, the player incorporates forward movement, landing in the direction of the target to transfer energy into the shot. This progression is ideal for players looking to develop the mechanics of the x3 smash.

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Original video

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate

Secondary shot

Smash

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