One of the most important shots in pickleball is called the overhead smash. During a pickleball game many players will attempt a lob shot which is a high lofted shot in order to drive their opponents away from the net or to allow them time to enough time to get back into position. Skilled pickleball players will often smash these shots making them almost impossible to return.
An overhead smash is a powerful pickleball shot performed when the ball is lobbed high in the air and a player can direct the ball downward at a sharp angler into an opponent’s court. The overhead smash is one of the most aggressive shots in pickleball and if hit correctly it can be difficult to defend.
The overhead smash is an important shot in pickleball. It’s a shot that every pickleball player needs to understand, recognize and learn how to master and defend.
In this article, we will discuss in more detail what an overhead smash in pickleball is, how to hit and defend one and some key strategies and tips that will help you improve your smashes on the court.
Let’s get started.
The Overhead Smash
The overhead smash is one of the most powerful and aggressive offensive shots in pickleball. It happens when the opposing teams hits a lob shot over the net with enough loft for the other team to smash the ball in a downward angle. The smash shot is one of the most difficult shots to defend in pickleball.
Smash shots can be typically performed when the ball is high in the air, either from a bounce, volley or poor executed lob. These are often easy returns allow the offensive player to become more aggressive.
The closer a player is to the non-volley zone (or Kitchen) the easier they can smash the ball and sharper the angle they can put on their strong hit.
Most higher skill level players have the overhead smash shot in their arsenal and will make opposing teams pay for hitting a lofted shot that they can return with a smash.
On the other hand, more reactional level players may have a hard time executing the smash shot and it might be a good idea to loft the ball to them.
Now that we gone over what an overhead smash shot is, lets talk more about how you can both hit and defend against a smashed shot.
How to Hit Overhead Smash
At first an overhead smash return can be a challenge to master, but once you understand how to hit one you can pick it up in no time. Here are a few simple steps that will help get you started hitting these shots.
Get your feet set and in position behind the ball
Keep your eyes on the ball as you move into position and turn sideways and point your non paddle hand at the ball
Raise the paddle behind your head like you are answering the phone with your paddle
Swing the paddle up and forward so that you contact the ball in the air
As you hit the ball shift your body weight forward as you begin to swing
After you contact the ball, follow through with your swing by letting your arm continue in a downward arc across your body and toward the ground
Be ready for a possible return by getting in position for the next shot
Here is a video demonstration & tutorial on how you can effectively hit the overhead shots:
How to Defend the Overhead Smash
As you strive to become a better pickleball player one of the things you’ll need to improve upon is your defensive skills. Being able to defend an overhead shot can be a challenge but here are a few tips on how you can give yourself the best chance to return these hard-hit shots.
Perform a split step – A split step is a small hop that will rebalance you on the balls of your feet which will make it easier to move in any direction once your opponent hit the ball.
Be in an Athletic Position – If possible, always try and be in an athletic position. Meaning stay low to the ground with your knees bent. Most smashes will come toward your feet so its important to stay low and be ready.
Keep Paddle in Front – Keep your paddle in from of your body and in a ready position. That way when a smash is made, you’ll already be close to the hitting position.
Drop Back – If you know a smash shot is coming, in most cases its best to drop back prior to the ball being hit. This will give you more time to react and increase your odds at returning a hard-hit smash.
Watch the Ball – I know it sounds obvious, but if you can watch the ball and pick up on the angle of your opponents paddle you’ll be able know what direction the shot is going and thus have a better chance at returning the ball.
Here is a video demonstration & tutorial on some drills and things you can do to effectively defend against a player who smashes the ball:
Overhead Smashing Tips & Takeaways
An overhead smash is a hard shot directed downward into the opponent’s court, typically performed during an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce
Practice mastering the smash shot, so you’ll be ready the next time a lob comes your way
Be aware of where you are on the court at all times
Most smash shots be hit toward your feet with high velocity
When facing higher level skill players lob shots are not a great strategy as they can consistently make overhead smash shot
Don’t make easily lobs to your opponents that will result in an easy overhead smash
Before your opponent makes an overhead smash back up and look at the angle of their paddle, so you can project where the ball may be headed
Practice both hitting and returning the smash shot through drills
While performing an overhead smash focus on placement rather than pure power. Ball placement is much more important than ball velocity
While smashing a lob be careful not to enter into the non-volley zone (kitchen). When smashing its easy to make a fault by stepping into the kitchen with your momentum after a strong hit.
Work on becoming a better defender and let your opponent’s make the mistake
Other Pickleball Resources
- Defending the Pickleball Overhead Smash
- Pickleball: Strokes and Strategies
- 4 Keys to Hitting a Good Pickleball Overhead Smash
- How to Do the Overhead Smash in Pickleball
- Basics – Overhead Smash
Final Thoughts
As we discussed in this article an overhead smash is an important shot in pickleball and can become the difference between winning and losing games.
I hope that you take away the key tips and strategies we discussed in this article and that you use it to improve you pickleball skills and more importantly have fun out on the court.