When and how hard to smash

Alan c Asked 10 years ago

 Hi, sometimes I see professional players immediately smash the ball when returning a serve, I was wondering in what circumstances could and should you do this. Thanks!

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Alan,

I think they often use a topspin.  The smash is a flatter stroke that has little topspin on it.  A safer stroke and the one that they use most of the time has a lot of topspin on it to make it dip onto the table.