The Kick Smash (Por Tres Attempt)
The kick smash, also called the “por tres” (x3), is one of the most exciting shots in padel.
It’s also one of the most overrated.
It looks amazing.
It wins highlights.
But for most players, it’s high risk.
Here’s how to understand it properly, and when (or if) you should use it.
1. What It Is
The kick smash (por tres) is an overhead smash with heavy topspin.
The goal:
Ball bounces on opponent’s side
Hits the back glass
Kicks up and exits over the 3-meter side wall
That’s why it’s called “por tres.”
It’s designed to:
Win the point outright
Or make the ball unrecoverable after the glass
But remember:
It’s not just about power.
It’s about angle + spin + timing.
2. When to Use It
You should only attempt the kick smash when:
You have time to get fully under the ball
The lob is high and slow
You’re balanced
You’re near enough to net (unless advanced)
The balls are new (more bounce helps)
It’s easier:
From the left side (for right-handers)
From a wide position (better angle)
When closer to net
When you can contact at full extension
Avoid it when:
You’re off balance
The lob is fast
You’re deep behind the service line (unless advanced)
You’re tired
Good opponents will:
Lob quickly to rush you
Keep you close to net
Deny you space to get underneath
That’s how they stop the por tres.
3. Who Should Use It?
Beginners
Don’t focus on it.
Learn bandeja first.
Learn to control overheads.
Most beginners lose more points than they win trying this shot.
Intermediate Players
Practice it in training.
Attempt only when close to net.
Use it as a surprise option.
Consistency first. Highlight shots second.
Advanced Players
Can hit it from deeper positions.
Use it as a pressure weapon.
Understand when to go 70% vs 100%.
At high level, it’s a tactical choice, not ego.
4. Step-by-Step Execution
Keep this simple and practical.
Step 1: Move Fast and Get Under the Ball
As soon as you see a lob:
Turn sideways immediately.
Move quickly with big steps.
Get fully underneath the ball.
You must be in position before the ball drops.
Drill idea:
Have someone feed lobs and try catching the ball at full extension with your non-dominant hand.
If you can’t catch it at full height, you’re too late.
Step 2: Sideways Body Position
Never hit square-on.
Rotate shoulders.
Chest sideways.
Non-dominant arm pointing up.
Load weight on back leg.
More rotation = more power.
Step 3: Use Your Legs (Spring Effect)
Power comes from:
Legs compressing
Then exploding upward
Think:
Down → Up → Hit
Don’t rely only on your arm.
Your body is the engine.
Step 4: Grip
Use:
Continental grip (minimum)
Slight eastern backhand if experienced
Never use eastern forehand grip.
You need topspin.
Step 5: Contact Point
Hit at the highest point possible.
Ideally slightly above head height.
In front of your body.
Don’t let the ball drop too low.
Common advice says “hit slightly left of your head.”
For most players, just aim to hit above your head at full extension.
Chest up. Jump up to meet the ball.
Step 6: Add Topspin
Topspin makes the ball:
Kick up off the glass
Exit higher and faster
To generate topspin:
Brush up and through the ball
Relax the wrist
Accelerate at impact
Important:
Wrist helps, but it’s the final touch.
If your body positioning is wrong, the wrist won’t save you.
Step 7: Where to Aim
For most players:
Aim for the ball to bounce mid-court.
Then hit the back glass near the upper-middle intersection.
If bounce is too close to glass:
It won’t kick enough.
If bounce is too short:
It won’t reach the glass correctly.
Advanced players can bounce closer to the glass.
Most players should aim for a safer middle bounce zone.
Step 8: Follow Through
Don’t aim for a fancy high parabola.
Instead:
Focus on hitting down through the ball.
Let the topspin lift it after the glass.
Downward acceleration is key.
5. Common Mistakes
Trying it from too far back
Not getting under the ball
Using only wrist
Hitting flat instead of topspin
Contacting too low
Forcing it every lob
Ignoring angle (too central position)
Big mistake:
Attempting por tres when a controlled bandeja would win more points.
Remember:
Smart padel > flashy padel.
6. Simple Key Reminders
Only attempt when balanced.
Get fully underneath.
Rotate sideways.
Use legs first.
Contact at full extension.
Brush for topspin.
Aim for controlled bounce zone.
Don’t force it.
Most importantly:
The kick smash is a bonus weapon, not your main plan.
If opponents are targeting your overheads and you miss 3 in a row, they’ve already won the tactical battle.
Use it wisely.
