In badminton, an overhead attacking shot hit steeply downward toward the opponent's court is called a smash.
A smash is designed to end a rally or force a weak reply. Players generally strike the shuttle at a high contact point and use a fast, forceful swing to send it downward at speed. It can be played from the forehand or backhand side, although powerful forehand smashes are especially common.
The smash differs from a clear, which sends the shuttle high and deep toward the rear court, and from a drive, which travels flatter across the net. A lift is usually a defensive shot that raises the shuttle from the front court toward the opponent's back court.
Smash speed is famous in elite badminton, but placement and preparation matter as much as raw power. Players often use a drop shot or a clear to move an opponent before attacking with a smash.