Smash to the fence: three variations for shorter players

Smash2:34Apr 14, 2024

Key takeaway from our Guru

How can I hit a smash to the fence if I am short?

You must gain height by contacting the ball well above your head. Orient your body toward the fence rather than the net to ensure the ball lands in the target area.

What this lesson covers

Shorter players often struggle to reach the fence with a standard bandeja. To gain the necessary height, the first option is a flat, hook-style smash. Contact the ball high above the head with a fully extended arm, letting the arm follow through naturally in front of the body. Orient the chest toward the fence rather than facing the net to maintain comfort and control. This approach prioritizes placement over raw power.

Players with a tennis background can use a kick serve motion to generate lift. This topspin smash trajectory sends the ball upward before it drops toward the fence. A third variation applies when receiving a parallel lob that is not too deep. In this situation, use an intermediate vibora stroke to change the ball direction and target the fence. These techniques help players who lack height to effectively use the fence as a target.

Keep learning in the app

Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.

Original video

Good for

Skill level

Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate

Court position

Right

Play style

Control

Secondary shot

Bandeja

Support Rodri Ovide

Every lesson on this page is Rodri Ovide's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.

Subscribe on YouTube

Related video lessons