Smash shots are prevalent in all racquet sports. It is a type of shot that you need to learn to finish a volley and win a point. Smash shots are well-known in racket sports like badminton and are perfectly legal. But can you smash in pickleball? Let’s find out.
What is a Smash?
The word smash is used in badminton to describe a type of shot that overpowers your opponent. A smash usually takes place when the player makes contact with the ball at a high point and drives the shuttlecock (or pickleball/tennis ball in other cases) on a 45 degree downward trajectory.
A smash is different from other shots in that it is akin to something like a spike in volleyball. When jumping and elevating, the player smashing winds up and follows through with an overhead shot. This creates a shot that’s travels in a fast and downward over the net. It is very difficult to defend.
Can you Smash in Pickleball?
A smash is perfectly legal in Pickleball. Yet, unlike other racket sports like badminton and tennis, there is a no volley zone in Pickleball (known as “the kitchen”) that you have to be mindful of. In Pickleball, the box just in front of the net cannot be stepped into while volleying unless the ball has bounced. This means that smash opportunities right next to the net rarely present themselves.
However, there usually are opportunities to perform a smash shot closer to mid court and even in the back of the court for more skilled players.
How to legally Smash in Pickleball
Smash opportunities present themselves when two things happen
1) you are in the right position in mid court right behind the kitchen
2) when the pickleball hangs in the air just above your head.
If the above two opportunities present themselves, then you’ll be able to smash. But first, you need to make sure you have enough room to move forward. This way, you can jump start to get leverage on the ball, drive it straight over the net and downwards. Here is a good video showing how to position yourself for a smash in pickleball
Conclusion
Smash shots are legal in pickleball, but you need to be careful of where you are in relation to the no-volley zone (the kitchen). It takes some skill to successfully execute a smash in pickleball including proper foot and paddle-work. But if you learn this shot, you’ll level up your pick