A key tennis stroke, a smash involves swinging the racket above the head and often jumping to make forward and downward contact with the ball in the air. Essentially a tennis serve that a player hits while on the move during a game, an overhead smash can be quite powerful and effective. The backhand smash, however, is not only less effective, but far more difficult to execute. For these reasons, players generally attempt it only when they cannot move into the right position to execute a forehand smash.

Experienced players and experts alike agree that the backhand smash is one of the most difficult strokes in tennis. In addition to demanding a backhand motion for a stroke that is far easier and more efficient if it is conducted in a forehand motion, it tends to be the last resort of a tennis player in an awkward position. Furthermore, the stroke hinders quality eye contact and requires players to crane their necks uncomfortably behind them.