When and How to smash (Part-1)
BEAR in mind just where you are in court before smashing wildly. If near the net come down more on the ball. If farther back you must get more out on your stroke, more like the service stroke. Don't make the mistake of hitting the same length and kind of ball from all parts of the court. If near the net it generally pays to hit cross court, with speed on the ball. Bear in mind, too, that the net is higher by six inches at the ends than in the center.
Don't try always to "kill" the ball. A ball does not have to be hit hard if one hits in the center of his racquet. A little placement is all that is necessary. There is no need to hurry, as a person smashing has the advantage over his adversary.
The smashing stroke is the same in principle as the overhead service stroke. Try always to meet the ball the same height and distance from you; that is, be always under the ball for smashing. Many try to smash when not up on the balls of their feet or when not yet under the ball. Misjudging a ball comes from hurrying or not keeping your eye on it. Have a steady follow through on your stroke without a jerk from start to finish. You follow through on smashing as you do on your ground stroke.
Many players stand too stiff in making a smash. Do not have your muscles too tight.
Many spoil a smash by looking at the opponent or where they expect to put the ball instead of looking at the ball.
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