Side spin smash?

I haven't watched too many ping pong videos, however I found yours to be quite helpful. I'm not sure if it's a recognized "stroke" seeing as I'm the only one around here who hits it, but would you recommend hitting a smash with my right hand where I pull my hand towards my body as I hit, thus spinning the ball towards my right of the table. It appears to confuse opponents, but seeing as I'm in high school I just don't see how effective it could be against high level players.

ALSO-your backspin push video was highly helpful. I had already worked on that myself, and your video put that to the next level for me.

Hi Tom,

The smash shot you are talking about can be effective but it is also a little risky.  The spin will mean that it will swing away from the player which will be a little harder for your opponent to hit, but it also will not travel as fast because of the spin.  It is a stroke I wouldn’t recommend someone try at first.  I think sticking to a straight smash is probably the way to go initially.  But... if you can play it well it is a good stroke to play to really confuse your opponents.  I would also recommend you learn the straight smash as well so that if players get used to the spin smash you can beat them with speed as well.

Great to hear that your backspin push is improving.  Keep working on it, and good luck with that SMASH!