Introduction
In padel, unlike tennis, the aerial game is very important, and we use many overhead shots, one of them being the smash X4.
Therefore, Smashes are one of the star strokes of padel, combining technique, power, elegance and definition in the same stroke.
Depending on their purpose and method of execution we can differentiate between various types of smashes: the smash x3, curl (a little like a top spin tennis serve), flat smash, power smash.. and the smash X4, which we will see in this article.
Smash X4
The name of this smash comes from the fact that the height of the back wall fence is 4 meters high. Hence, ‘X4’.
Consequently, the aim of this smash, is to get the ball out of the court over this fence.
If a player acheives this, it is a 100% a winning shot because once the ball goes over the back wall, the point is won immediately. So, this is interesting to know because sometimes we are left balancing trying to avoid touching the net with our body when, in this case, it would not be necessary once the ball has passed the back wall.
This smash is performed when a player is in a good position, close or very close to the net, and can hit the ball from above and down so that the ball takes a very vertical parabola and goes over the back fence/wall.
What to keep in mind for a good smash X4
- Be very close to the net -The further away you are from the net, the more difficult to get the ball over x4.
However, if you are very close to the net, be careful not to touch the net with your body or your racket.
- Make a good reading of the play and anticipate the trajectory of the ball.
It is very important to know how to read what your opponents are going to do. Although in the previous point we said that we should be very close to the net, the reality is that we should only be close to the net when we predict that our opponents are going to play a not very high shot or almost impossible for them to play a high lob, because we have forced them to play it that way.
- Choose the right ball.
To guarantee success, ideally you execute it with an easy ball that comes slow, a little high (not too high, at head height or a little more) and close to the net.
- Point of impact in front of the body.
This will promote good weight transfer from back to front.
- Face the racket towards the ground.
You should impact the ball from the top, not from behind, aiming to direct the ball towards the ground. The higher you hit the ball, the easier it will be to get it out x4. The problem here is the distance from the net. The further you are from the net, the further behind you will have to hit the ball to avoid hitting it into the net, making it more difficult to hit it x4.
- Bounce the ball close to the net.
The closer our ball bounces to the opponent’s net, the easier it will be to hit it x4.
Technique
- Short arm and raised elbow. The arm preparation quite short. You have to raise your hand, have your elbow high and your arm slightly bent upwards, and from this position, launch yourself towards the ball.
- Just the right amount of strength. It is a timing stroke, not a power stroke.
By calling it a “smash”, many people think that you have to try to hit the ball with maximum force. But the reality is that you don’t have to. If you are in the correct position, very close to the net, and the opponent’s ball is easy to hit, with very little force you will be able to get it out x4.
- Help yourself with the snap of the wrist.
Although using the wrist is not necessary if we are in a good position and hit the ball in the correct spot, a good wrist pronation can also help us. For example, when the ball has passed a little behind our body and the impact is delayed, as with the snap of the wrist we will get the ball down to the ground.
Finally, to learn more about smashes, the aerial game, or any area you need to work on – HERE