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Smash (tennis)




An overhead smash in Tennis is a shot that is hit above the head with a Serve -like motion. A smash can usually be hit with great force relatively safely and is often a shot that ends the Point . Most smashes are hit fairly near the net or in mid-court before the ball bounces, generally against Lob s that have not been hit high enough or deep enough by the opponent. A player can also smash a very high ball from the ''baseline'', generally on the bounce, although this is often a less forceful smash.

''Smash'' commonly refers to the forehand smash; backhand smashes are rarer and more difficult to execute, especially for beginners, since they are basically high backhand Volley s generally hit at an awkward angle. Rod Laver and Jimmy Connors , both left-handers, were known for their very powerful backhand smashes.

Pete Sampras popularized the ''jump smash'', where he jumps and then hits the smash in mid-air. The shot is often also called a slam dunk, as in Basketball .

In recreational tennis, the smash can hit the court and then bounce over the fence enclosing the courts. This maneuver is called 'fencing' your opponent. It is often a very taunting shot to do to somebody.

Nowadays, many consider Roger Federer , Andy Roddick , and Andre Agassi to have the most consistent and effective smashes.