Which type of shot is most often hit while close to the net in tennis?

The smash is a powerful shot typically executed from a position close to the net. It is characterized by an overhead motion where the player strikes the ball forcefully downwards, making it difficult for the opponent to return. This shot is usually employed when the player is in a favorable position, having either anticipated a high ball or responded to a weak return from the opponent.

Utilizing the smash is effective because it allows the player to capitalize on their positioning at the net, aiming to finish the point decisively. In contrast, while a drop shot is played close to the net, it is executed with a gentle touch rather than force. The backhand and forehand shots can also be used at various positions on the court but do not specifically characterize net play in the same way the smash does. Thus, when considering the context of shots played near the net in a tennis match, the smash stands out as the most appropriate choice.