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An overhead smash can usually be put away as a clean winner. The closer to the net it is hit, the easier it is to put away. Generally, you should take any opportunity to hit an overhead between the service line and the net, but on lobs that are so high they will be too difficult to time, it's smarter to hit the smash after they bounce. Between the service line and 3/4 depth on the court, a skillful smasher can still hit a winning overhead in the air most of the time, but less experienced players often find bouncing the ball and hitting a groundstroke, lob, or bounced overhead safer. Balls beyond the 3/4 court depth are rarely hit in the air, but they can be hit as bounced overheads if high enough.
Key points:
Assume a right-handed hitter.
- Grip: Although the overhead swing is very similar to a serve, overheads hit from inside the service line can be hit hard and flat with much greater success than one could hit a flat serve. As a result, an Eastern forehand grip, which is ideally suited to hitting flat, can be easiest, provided that you meet the ball out in front. An Eastern grip offers the most natural alignment between your palm and the plane of the string bed, making it easy to feel the direction in which you're smacking the ball. If you're used to a Continental grip for serves, however, and you use it for your volleys, you will probably find it simpler to stick with Continental. When, despite your best efforts, the ball gets behind you, a Continental grip is clearly superior to Eastern, because you'll need to spin the ball in (unless you revert to a windmill overhead, the subject of a future article).
- Footwork: As on all net shots, take a split-step as your opponent swings. On an overhead, your first step after the split-step is your right foot stepping backward. This turns you sideways and also moves you slightly farther back, helping prepare you for the deeper lob, which is always more of a threat than the shorter one. Take several small steps to fine-tune your positioning. This particular overhead required some scooting back and a bit of a jump. On a shorter ball, your body weight would go forward more. In either case, you start the swing with your weight on your right foot and end with it on your left foot.
- Backswing: A windup like that used on a classic serve is too long for an overhead because, for most players, it complicates the timing. Some players take the racquet straight back into the bent-arm position, but others prefer the rhythm and balance of a slow, compact windup as seen here.
- Swing path: As on a serve, the actual swing up and forward at the ball starts from a raised and bent elbow, with the racquet dropped behind your back. Keep your arm fairly relaxed and loose so that your wrist will whip forward naturally as you strike the ball. If you're meeting the ball inside the service line, high, and in front of yourself, as you should, you can hit it flat -- just smack it on its rear end. Unlike on a serve, you don't need to hit up, but don't hit down either. Hit forward, and gravity will take care of bringing the ball down.
- Point of contact: Meet the ball near your full extension and roughly a foot farther forward than your head. Pointing at the ball with your left arm can help your balance and your focus on the desired point of contact. To keep your head still as you hit, try to keep looking at the point of contact for half a second after you've hit the ball.
- Follow through: Follow through to your left, as on a serve. Your feet will usually end up facing more or less toward the net, with your upper body facing the left sideline.
