pickleball swing check/learn/overhead smash errors
Why do I keep missing overhead smashes?
Updated October 2026 · 2-minute read
You keep missing overhead smashes because you're not getting into position fast enough. To fix this, move your feet first, contact the ball high and in front, and aim deep — not straight down.
How to tell
- Hitting the ball late or behind you.
- Smashes go into the net or out long.
- You feel off-balance when you swing.
- Your arm feels like it's doing all the work.
Why it matters
Proper footwork puts you under the ball, letting you hit with power. Contacting high and in front gives you the best angle. Aiming deep uses the full court, reducing errors.
The fix
- Move Feet. Get under the ball quickly, facing sideways. Set your feet before you swing.
- Contact High. Hit the ball at your highest point, in front of your hitting shoulder.
- Aim Deep. Target the baseline or opponent's feet, not straight down into the net.
One cue makes it click: Feet first, high contact, deep aim.
2-minute drill
Practice these steps for two minutes, even without a ball.
- Shadow move to an imaginary overhead position.
- Reach high and in front, mimicking the contact point.
- Finish your swing, imagining the ball going deep.
Check yours in 10 seconds
Not sure if it's you? Film a 10-second shadow swing and the free Pickleball Swing Check will tell you — it gives you one thing to work on.