The smash is padel’s most powerful shot. But on a court enclosed by walls, hitting hard is not enough: a badly aimed smash comes off the glass and the opponent returns it calmly. The key is knowing when to smash and where.
When to smash
- The opponent’s lob is short: it lets you hit between the net and the service line.
- You are well placed, side-on and with time.
- The opponent is far from their glass or out of position.
If not, play a bandeja or a víbora: better to stay at the net than to waste a smash.
Types of smash
Flat smash
A hard, flat smash into the opponents’ floor, near the net. It aims to bounce hard and go out over the back wall or be out of reach.
x3 smash
An angled smash towards the side wall that, after the bounce, leaves the court over the side. The most spectacular one. Explained in x3 and x4.
Topspin smash (or x4 over the back)
A topspin smash that bounces high and goes over the back fence. It needs a huge amount of power.
Hook smash
When the lob goes over you and you are moving back, you hit the ball with a sideways movement, almost side-on. A last-resort shot to keep the net.
Basic technique
- Turn your body and point at the ball with your free hand.
- Move back with side steps, without losing sight of the ball.
- Hit the ball high and in front, with your arm stretched.
- Follow through across and get back to the net fast.
In Padelbang
On a high ball, swipe down and hold your finger to load the power: the more you load, the harder your player smashes. And with the SUPER bar full, the smash is unstoppable.