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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

The overhead smash is one of the most exciting shots in pickleball. When you time it right, it can end a rally instantly.

But experienced players know that the real skill isn’t just hitting the smash—it’s knowing when to use it.

In this edition, we’ll cover the fundamentals of a strong overhead and the situations where letting the ball bounce can actually lead to a better attacking opportunity.

When to Smash It—and When to Let It Bounce

If you’ve spent any time on the pickleball court, you know the excitement that comes when you see a high ball floating your way. Your instinct might be to jump on it and smash an overhead winner. And sometimes that’s exactly the right move. But experienced players know that not every high ball should be attacked in the air. In many situations, letting the ball bounce and setting up a controlled forehand or backhand is the smarter play.

In this edition of the Picklebackclub newsletter, we’re breaking down how to properly hit an overhead shot—and how to recognize when patience will give you the advantage.

The Power of the Overhead

The overhead smash is one of the most aggressive shots in pickleball. When executed correctly, it can end the rally instantly or force a weak return from your opponent.

However, an overhead should never be rushed. A poorly positioned smash often leads to errors, lost balance, or an easy counterattack.

The key is preparation.

Step 1: Get Under the Ball

As soon as you recognize a lob, your first move should be to turn your shoulders and move quickly into position. You want the ball slightly in front of your body when you make contact.

A common mistake is backpedaling directly under the ball. Instead, try turning sideways and using small adjustment steps so you can stay balanced.

Think of it like setting up for a serve: your body should feel stable and controlled before you swing.

Step 2: Use the Proper Paddle Position

Raise your paddle early and keep it above shoulder height. Your non-paddle hand should point toward the ball to help track it and maintain balance.

By preparing your paddle early, you give yourself time to adjust your swing rather than rushing at the last second.

Step 3: Contact at Full Extension

The ideal contact point is slightly in front of your body with your arm extended. This allows you to generate power while directing the ball downward into your opponent’s court.

Snap your wrist lightly through contact and follow through toward your target.

Remember: the goal isn’t just power. It’s controlled aggression.

Aim for open spaces on the court or at your opponent’s feet to make the return as difficult as possible.

When NOT to Hit an Overhead

One of the biggest differences between intermediate and advanced players is shot selection. Just because a ball is high doesn’t mean you should take it out of the air.

Sometimes the smarter move is to let the ball bounce.

Here are situations where patience pays off.

1. The Lob Is Too Deep

If a lob is drifting toward the baseline, chasing it for an overhead can put you off balance and facing the wrong direction.

When you attempt an overhead while moving backward, several things can go wrong:

• You lose power

• You lose control

• You risk hitting the ball out

Instead, let the ball bounce and set up a groundstroke. Once the ball drops, you’ll have better balance and more control over your shot placement.

2. The Sun or Lights Are in Your Eyes

Outdoor players know this struggle well. If you lose sight of the ball in the sun, attempting an overhead becomes extremely risky.

Letting the ball bounce gives you time to regain visual tracking and prepare for a controlled forehand or backhand.

The extra second can make all the difference.

3. You’re Out of Position

If you’re sprinting or reaching awkwardly, the chances of mishitting an overhead increase dramatically.

By allowing the bounce, you can reset your feet and prepare a balanced swing.

A controlled groundstroke often keeps you in the rally far more effectively than a rushed smash.

Turning the Bounce Into an Advantage

Letting the ball bounce doesn’t mean giving up offense. In many cases, it actually gives you a better opportunity to attack.

After the bounce, you can:

• Drive a deep forehand to the corner

• Hit a sharp crosscourt backhand

• Send a controlled passing shot down the line

Because the ball is dropping, you’ll also have better control over your swing path and shot placement.

This approach often forces your opponents into defensive positions.

Practice Drill: Overhead Decision Training

To develop better instincts, try this simple drill during your next practice session.

The Lob Decision Drill

1. Have a partner feed you a series of lobs.

2. Some should land short (ideal for overheads).

3. Others should land deep near the baseline.

Your job is to quickly decide whether to:

• Hit the overhead in the air

• Let the ball bounce and play a groundstroke

This drill trains both footwork and decision-making—two skills that separate strong players from the rest of the field.

The overhead smash is one of pickleball’s most exciting shots, but the best players know it’s not always the right choice.

Great pickleball isn’t just about power—it’s about patience, positioning, and smart decisions.

Next time you see a lob rising into the air, take a split second to evaluate:

Are you balanced?
Is the ball within comfortable reach?
Will an overhead give you control of the point?

If the answer is yes, go for the smash.

If not, let it bounce, reset your feet, and strike a confident forehand or backhand.

Your consistency—and your win percentage—will thank you.

Pickleball is a game of quick reactions, but the best players always leave room for smart decisions.

Sometimes the highlight shot is the smash.
Sometimes the winning play is patience.

Train both.

We’ll see you out there chasing the next rally.
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

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