The forceful overhead shot hit sharply downward into the opponent’s court is called a smash. In tennis, a smash is usually struck above the player’s head with a motion similar to a serve, often when an opponent’s lob lands short.
The shot is designed to end the point by combining height, pace, and a steep angle. Players commonly hit it near the net or from mid-court, where the ball can be driven downward before the opponent has time to recover. A well-placed smash may be unreturnable, although skilled players sometimes retrieve even powerful overheads.
A smash is related to, but not identical with, every overhead. “Overhead” is the broader category for shots hit above the head; a forcefully struck overhead is generally called a smash. Players can also hit backhand smashes, although these are less common and more difficult than forehand versions.
The usual tactical sequence is a lob followed by an overhead attack. If the lob is deep enough, the defender may force the attacker back or make the smash awkward. Famous variations include the jump smash and the skyhook, an overhead played from behind the body.