Side-exit smash
A smash aimed to bounce and leave through the side door, where the court has openings in the side walls.
When to play it
On courts with side openings, from close to the net. On a short lob near the side wall.
How to play it
Aim the bounce near the side wall, close to the opening. Hit with enough pace to carry it through. Recover in case the opponents play it from outside.
Common mistakes
Forgetting that the opponents may run out and play it. Hitting into the side glass instead of the opening.
Rules for this shot
Questions
Is the side-exit smash legal in padel?
Legal under Rule 14d: the ball bounces in their court and leaves through the door. Where out-of-court play is not authorised the point ends there (Rule 13d); where it is, they may chase it until it bounces a second time (Rules 13e and 16).