1. A hard, overhand shot directed downward into the opponent’s court, usually as a return of an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce.
  2. The paddle is extended over the head at maximum height with elbow straight.
  3. Aim at an open spot on the opponent’s court or at the feet of an opponent, not at the body.
  4. Never back up to position for an overhead. Shuffle sideways or turn around and run into position. Backpedaling is a dangerous maneuver.
  5. Look up and point toward the ball with non-paddle hand.
  6. Contact the ball as high as possible and in front of you, shifting weight from the back foot to the front foot as the ball is contacted with a downward swing and often a wrist flex (snap).
  7. The backhand overhead smash may require flexing the wrist backwards.

 

Three Tips For Overhead Smashing (PPR Lead Clinician, Sarah Ansboury)