How to Handle Smash Shots Like a Pro (And Not Get Smacked in the Face)

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of a friendly pickleball rally, feeling confident, maybe even a little cocky. And then it happens: your opponent winds up for a smash shot. Suddenly, the ball rockets toward you like it’s been fired from a cannon. Your life flashes before your eyes, and you wonder why you didn’t just take up knitting instead.

Fear not, my pickleball warriors. With a little strategy, quick reflexes, and the right mindset, you can turn the tables on even the most aggressive smashers. Let’s break it down and learn how to handle smash shots like a pro (and keep your dignity intact in the process).

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Step 1: Don’t Panic (Seriously, Stop Screaming)

When someone unleashes a smash shot, your first instinct might be to duck, flail, or yell something that rhymes with “Oh ship!” While these are perfectly natural reactions, they’re not exactly helpful.

What to Do:

• Stay calm. Take a deep breath and focus on the ball. Remember, it’s just a plastic ball, not a heat-seeking missile.
• Stay ready. Keep your paddle up and your knees bent like you’re auditioning for the role of “Pickleball Ninja Extraordinaire.”

Pro Tip: If you’re panicking internally, try smiling. It’ll confuse your opponent and make you look way cooler than you feel.

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Step 2: Anticipate the Smash

The best way to handle a smash is to see it coming before it happens. Watch your opponent’s body language—if they’re winding up like Serena Williams, it’s time to prepare for impact.

Signs a Smash Is Coming:

• They’re standing near the net, looking way too excited.
• They take a big backswing that screams, “I’m about to ruin your day.”
• Their eyes light up like it’s Christmas morning and the ball is their favorite toy.

Pro Tip: If you see any of these signs, brace yourself. And maybe silently apologize to your partner for what’s about to happen.

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Step 3: Position Yourself Like a Pro

When it comes to smash shots, positioning is everything. Stand in the wrong spot, and you’re toast. Stand in the right spot, and you’re a pickleball hero.

Where to Stand:

• If You’re at the Baseline: Move back slightly to give yourself more time to react. Think of it as giving the ball a little breathing room before it tries to take your head off.
• If You’re at the Net: Stay low, paddle up, and be ready to deflect the ball like a pickleball version of Captain America.

Pro Tip: Avoid standing directly in the middle of the court—it’s a smash magnet.

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Step 4: Block, Don’t Smash Back

When the ball comes flying at you, your instinct might be to fight fire with fire and try to smash it back. But unless you’re a pickleball wizard with cat-like reflexes, this usually ends in disaster (and a ball sailing out of bounds).

What to Do Instead:

• Block the shot by holding your paddle steady and letting the ball bounce off it.
• Aim to deflect the ball back softly, keeping it low and in play.

Pro Tip: Think of yourself as a brick wall. The ball hits you, and you calmly send it back. No drama, no overthinking, just pure pickleball Zen.

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Step 5: Use the Smash Against Them

Here’s the secret pickleball pros don’t want you to know: a smash shot is only as good as the follow-up. If you can return the smash with a soft, controlled shot, you’ll throw your opponent off balance faster than a spinning top on ice.

How to Counter a Smash:

• Return the ball to an awkward spot, like their feet or the sidelines.
• If they’re playing aggressively at the net, aim for their backhand—it’s usually weaker.
• Bonus points if you can lob the ball over their head and make them sprint backward like they’re late for a bus.

Pro Tip: Countering a smash isn’t just effective—it’s downright satisfying. Nothing says “checkmate” like turning their power move into your point.

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Step 6: Laugh It Off (When All Else Fails)

Let’s be honest: sometimes you’re going to miss. Sometimes the ball will whiz past you, and sometimes it’ll hit you square in the chest while your partner tries (and fails) to suppress a giggle. And that’s okay.

What to Do:

• Laugh it off. Pickleball is supposed to be fun, and everyone loves a good blooper.
• Learn from it. Ask yourself, “What could I have done differently?” (Besides, you know, ducking and screaming.)

Pro Tip: If you do get hit, call it a “pickleball tattoo” and wear it with pride. You’re officially part of the club.

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Advanced Smash-Handling Techniques

The Pancake Block

Hold your paddle flat and steady, like you’re flipping pancakes. Let the ball bounce off with minimal effort. Bonus points if you say “flipping awesome” after returning the shot.

The Fake-Out

Pretend you’re going to smash the return, then dink it softly instead. Your opponent will overcommit, leaving you free to take the point and their dignity.

The Lob-Tastic Comeback

If the smasher is crowding the net, send the ball high and deep over their head. Nothing says “gotcha” like watching them scramble backward in a panic.

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Final Thoughts: Smash the Smashers

Handling smash shots is part skill, part strategy, and part sheer guts. With practice, you’ll go from flinching at every high-speed ball to blocking and countering like a pro.

Remember, the key is to stay calm, stay focused, and maybe throw in a little humor when things don’t go your way. After all, pickleball is just a game—albeit one where you occasionally feel like you’re dodging bullets.

Now go forth, brave paddler, and face those smashers head-on. Or at least duck with style. You’ve got this!