Stopping a smash

Alois Rosario Answered 8 months ago

Hi Barry,

To stop an opponent from smashing the ball past you — especially when the ball isn't particularly high — you'll need a mix of tactical awareness, better shot quality, and improved anticipation. Here are key ways to reduce or neutralise their ability to smash:

1. Keep your shots lower and deeper

• Even if the ball doesn’t seem "high," it might still be smashable if it bounces high or sits up.

• Pushes and blocks should stay low over the net and land deep near the baseline.

• Avoid half-long balls that land around mid-table — these are smash invitations.

2. Vary your placement

• If you play predictably to one spot (e.g. wide forehand), the opponent can prepare to smash early.

• Mix it up: place some balls to the elbow, wide backhand, or body.

• Also vary depth — some short, some long.

3. Use more spin

• Topspin makes the ball dip fast, making it harder to smash cleanly.

• Underspin can also work if it’s deep and low, forcing the opponent to lift rather than hit hard.

• If you give a no-spin or flat ball, it’s easier for them to go hard at it.

4. Disrupt rhythm

• Use changes in pace — alternate between slow spinny loops and faster blocks or hits.

• This makes it harder for your opponent to time their smashes confidently.

If you’re regularly getting punished by smashes, review your rally construction. The best way to stop the smash is to never give them the opportunity.