Smash por tres technique: lift and side spin

What this lesson covers

The smash por tres requires a combination of upward lift and lateral spin. To generate the lift, contact the ball above the head rather than in front of the body. Imagine the racket is heavy and use the legs to drive the ball vertically. The goal is to make the ball bounce against the back glass and rise at least three meters high. If the ball bounces and goes downward, the contact point is too far forward. Adjust by taking an extra step to position the body directly under the ball.

Once the vertical trajectory is established, add the lateral spin by wrapping the racket around the outside of the ball. Finish the swing by bringing the racket toward the opposite pocket. The wrist guides this lateral movement while the arm continues to focus on the upward force. Avoid hitting the ball flat or with excessive forward power, as this prevents the necessary spin. Players often lose balance during this shot because they exert significant upward force, which is a sign of correct technique.