The Kick Smash (Remate X3)
The Kick Smash (Remate X3): A Clear, Simple Guide
The kick smash — also called the Remate X3 — is the shot that makes people stop and stare.
The ball bounces, hits the back glass, jumps over the 3-meter side fence… and your opponents just watch it leave.
It looks spectacular.
But here’s the truth:
It’s high risk, high skill, and often overused.
Let’s break it down clearly so you know:
What it is
When to use it
Who should use it
Exactly how to execute it
No fluff. No overcomplication.
What Is a Kick Smash (X3)?
A kick smash (por tres) is a topspin overhead smash that:
Bounces on your opponent’s side
Hits the back glass
Jumps up and exits over the 3-meter side wall/fence
Unlike a flat smash, this shot relies on topspin, not just power.
The spin makes the ball:
Climb higher after the glass
Kick sideways
Escape the court
When Should You Use It?
Be realistic.
✅ Good moments:
You receive a slow, high lob
You have time to get fully underneath the ball
You are close to the net (much easier)
The balls are new and lively
You’re positioned slightly wide (better angle)
❌ Bad moments:
Fast or low lob
You’re off balance
You’re far behind the service line (unless highly advanced)
You’re tired
Match point and you’re feeling emotional 😅
Most amateurs try it from too far back and too often.
The pros can hit it from behind the line.
Most players should hit it closer to the net.
Who Should Use It?
Beginners:
Focus on:
Flat smash
Placement
Control
The kick smash is not your priority yet.
Intermediate Players:
You can start learning it — but only:
From closer to the net
With proper preparation
As a surprise weapon
Advanced Players:
Now it becomes a real option:
From wider angles
Occasionally from deeper court positions
As a pressure finisher
How to Execute the Kick Smash (Step-by-Step)
Now we simplify it.
1️⃣ Get Under the Ball (Footwork First)
As soon as you see the lob:
Move quickly
Turn sideways
Left hand pointing up (for right-handers)
Get completely underneath it
If you are not underneath it, don’t even try.
Drill: Have someone lob and simply try to catch the ball above your head with your hand. That’s the position you want.
2️⃣ Use the Right Grip
Start from continental grip.
Advanced option:
Slide slightly toward eastern backhand
Or slightly open the hand lower on the handle
This helps generate more topspin.
But remember:
If you change grip, your racket angle changes too — adjust accordingly.
3️⃣ Hit at the Highest Point Possible
This is critical.
Contact:
Fully extended arm
Above your head
Chest lifted
Not falling backward
Do NOT:
Let the ball drop
Hit beside your head
Wait underneath it
You must go up to the ball.
4️⃣ Engage the Legs (Your Body Is a Spring)
The smash is not an arm shot.
Bend your knees.
Compress.
Then explode upward.
Think:
Down → Up → Contact.
If you only use your arm, you won’t generate enough racket head speed.
5️⃣ Rotate Sideways
Your body must rotate.
Bad position:
Facing the net square.
Correct position:
Sideways, shoulder turned.
More rotation = more power + more spin.
6️⃣ Add Topspin (The Key Difference)
To create the “kick”:
Brush up on the ball
Imagine “putting a hat” on top of it
Racket travels up and forward
Finish down slightly after contact
Topspin makes the ball:
Kick higher after the glass
Move toward the side fence
Without spin, it’s just a flat smash.
7️⃣ Relax the Wrist (But Don’t Rely on It)
The wrist is not the main engine.
It’s the cherry on top.
Keep it relaxed
Let it snap naturally
Do not force it
Trying to flick only with the wrist is one of the most common mistakes.
8️⃣ Where Should the Ball Bounce?
For most players:
Aim for the ball to bounce mid-court
Then hit the upper intersection area of the back glass
Slightly toward the side you want it to exit
If you aim too close to the side:
It hits the side glass too early.
If you aim too central:
It won’t escape.
Pros can bounce it very close to the back glass.
Most players should aim slightly safer.
9️⃣ Follow Through
Don’t chase the fancy parabola.
Instead:
Think about driving up through the ball, then allowing it to dip.
Simple mindset:
Make it bounce → hit high glass → let spin do the work.
The Most Common Mistakes
Trying it from too far back
No footwork
No knee bend
Hitting flat
Waiting for the ball to drop
Overusing wrist flick
Forcing it in bad situations
Final Reality Check
The kick smash is:
High risk
Technically demanding
Spectacular when done well
But in real matches?
Consistency wins more points.
Use it when:
You are in control
You have time
You are balanced
Not just because it looks cool.
Master the basics first.
Then add the X3.
And when it flies out cleanly…
It’s one of the best feelings in padel. 🎾
