In cold conditions, padel balls lose bounce and elasticity, making traditional smashes less effective. When opponents are pinned deep against the glass, a high smash becomes easier to retrieve. The winter flat smash is designed to stay low, skid through the court, and make it difficult for opponents to counter.
Grip adjustment and contact point
To execute this shot, shift your grip toward an eastern forehand position. This allows the racket face to flatten, lowering the contact point. Instead of striking the ball at full extension, aim to hit it around head height, bringing it down sharply. This adjustment helps the ball stay low and fast, especially in cold weather.
Arm position and body mechanics
Begin with your arm raised to create tension through the shoulder and torso. As you swing, allow the stretch to release over the top of the ball. The elbow should start low, driving upward through the motion. Combine this with a strong leg push to generate power and keep the shot flat.
Targeting and execution
The ideal placement for the winter smash is panel five—down the center of the court. This area maximizes the chance of the ball skidding and sticking low against the glass. Use a throwing motion, keep the elbow down, and strike through with a flat hit. The goal is to make the ball unreturnable by keeping it low and fast.
Summary of key elements
-
Eastern forehand grip for a flatter racket face
-
Lower contact point around head height
-
Arm up to create stretch and tension
-
Elbow down during setup for a strong throwing motion
-
Use legs to drive through the shot
-
Aim for panel five to keep the ball low and central
The winter flat smash is a powerful tool when conditions are cold and opponents are deep. It’s aggressive, precise, and difficult to counter—perfect for winter padel play.
