As you improve your overhead smash shot in pickleball, you’ll notice many of your smashes are coming back at you. This happens because you’re focusing solely on power, hitting the ball straight ahead into your opponent’s court without aiming for an open spot. Skilled opponents anticipate these straightforward smashes, bracing low and preparing to return them. To elevate your game, you need to master the pickleball angle smash shot—a winning shot that catches opponents off-guard and ends rallies decisively.
How to Execute the Pickleball Angle Smash Shot
The illustration below shows a player responding to a lob with an angle smash shot. The shot ends the point.
- Positioning for the Smash
If the lob shot is relatively short and you’re not moving backward, you’re in the perfect position for an angle smash.- Let the ball drop slightly lower than usual to improve control.
- Position yourself to angle the shot toward the sideline rather than hitting it straight ahead.
- Aiming for the Sideline
- Hitting the smash at an angle toward the sideline makes it nearly impossible for your opponent to return.
- Avoid aiming directly at your opponents, as skilled players can anticipate and counter straight smashes.
- Using a Gentle Tap Smash
Another advanced option is to tap the ball gently over the net instead of hitting it with full force.- Why it works: If your opponents are positioned deep on the court, they’ll struggle to move forward quickly enough to reach the ball.
Advanced players instinctively see when the angle or tap smash shot is the best option. As you develop your game, you’ll learn to read the court and execute these shots with confidence.
Summary: Elevate Your Game with the Angle Smash
To reach the 3.5+ level in pickleball, mastering the angle smash and tap smash is essential. These advanced shots allow you to:
- Counter skilled opponents who anticipate straightforward smashes.
- Finish points decisively.
Pro Tip: As your experience grows, you’ll naturally see opportunities to use the angle smash or tap smash, making these winning shots an instinctive part of your game.