Mis-smash

Hi. Occasionally during a match an opponent will return the ball in a high (usually defensive) lob that I know is going to land and bounce high on my side, seemingly setting up an easy smash. Too often though instead of a smash, the ball seems to fly off the edge of my racquet as if I've just hit a home run. I'm a right hander, and judging by the path and spin in these instances, I'm guessing the ball is contacting my paddle on the high left edge. Am I swinging too early? Too late? What should I practice to reduce these mis-hits?

Thanks.

Kelvin W.

Fort Collins, CO

Hi Kelvin,

I would open the angle of your racket slightly to allow for more of the bat to see the ball.  This will lead to a safer contact.  Also, slow the pace of the smash down slightly till you feel more confident with the smash.

Take a look at the lesson on the Forehand Smash if you haven't seen it already.