Smash technique: contact point and footwork

What this lesson covers

The smash requires a flat grip to generate power, unlike the side spin used in the vibora or bandeja. Players often struggle by using too much wrist, which sacrifices the necessary flat contact. To correct this, visualize closing a wine bottle with a continental grip. Impacting the ball in front of the body is essential for power. Many players fail to move their feet backward, causing them to hit the ball in line with their body, which kills momentum. Moving backward early allows the player to time the ball and strike it well in front, similar to pushing furniture forward.

Targeting is equally important. Hitting parallel keeps the ball trajectory shorter, which helps bring the ball back to the player's side of the court. Aim for the ball to bounce at a height of two to three meters against the back glass to prevent it from popping up for the opponent. Decision-making remains the final hurdle. If the lob is too far from the body, choose a vibora instead of forcing a smash. A smash should only be attempted when the ball is comfortably overhead, as poor shot selection turns a potential winner into a loser.