The Overhead Smash

Definition

An overhead stroke used by a player at the net. The ball is taken high over the head and smashed down with all possible force to win the point with an ungettable shot. It is used against a lob or very high bouncing ball.

Fig. 34.—Robert Riggs: action sequence of overhead smash.

Analysis Of The Overhead Smash

This stroke is similar to the serve, except that the ball is not tossed by the smasher, and much footwork is needed to adjust body position to ball position. Because of the need for careful timing, most players do not use a continuous swing as in the serve. The racquet is swung back behind the shoulders, the player moving into position directly under the dropping ball, and not starting the forward swing until the ball is exactly the right height over her head. Often the player must leap into the air for the smash so that both feet are off the ground at impact. Many men players prefer to have both feet off the ground as they hit the ball. The smash is a very tiring stroke, due to the great amount of body action which is used. For women, the flat volley well placed is a worthy substitute. Placement takes the place of brute strength. Few women can afford to waste their energy on continuous smashing.

1. Grip—Same as for serve

2. Wrist action

a. Usually a lot of wrist flexion is used, in order to throw the racquet head into the ball, sending it in a downward direction. (Fig. 34, No. 5).
1. The amount of wrist "snap" which can be used depends upon the distance the smasher stands from the net. The nearer the net he is the more downward the direction of the smashed ball. From the position near the service line the smasher must be careful not to use too much wrist snap, else the ball will land in the net

(Photographs by Owen Reed. Courtesy of American Lawn Tennis, Inc.)

Note.—The smash is a treacherous stroke, resulting in many errors, due to the delicate wrist adjustment and timing.

3. The body position and action is similar to the serve, but good footwork must be used to get the player under the ball, and much muscular action accompanies the stroke to insure a very fast ball. (Fig. 34).
 
4. Backswing—Same as for serve, with a definite pause at the behind-the-shoulder position. (Fig. 34, No. 2). (Usually accompanied by movement of the player on the court.)

5. Forward swing—Same as for serve, carefully timed so that the racquet meets the ball squarely at racquet's reach over the head. Very little spin is placed on the ball.

6. Position of ball at impact—Same as for serve, directly over the head at racquet's reach. (Fig. 34, No. 4)

Common Faults Of The Novice

1. Poor timing is very common. The stroke is hurried and the ball either missed or not hit squarely. This is caused by failure to keep eyes on the ball every second, until after it leaves the racquet. It is also caused by not taking the backswing soon enough.

2. Position of the ball incorrect

a. Ball taken after it has dropped too low, resulting in netted ball.

b. Ball taken too far in front of the body, resulting in netted ball.

3. Incorrect racquet face angle, causing ball to be angled down too much or not angled down enough, resulting in netted or out of court balls. This is caused by poor wrist action, either too much flexion or too little flexion, or by poor timing of the wrist action, bringing the racquet head into the ball too early or too late.

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