It may invite a smashing return (3)
I believe the answer is:
lob
'return' is the definition.
(lob is a kind of return)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lob that I've seen before include "Pollack" , "High throw or hit" , "Toss" , "Tennis shot" , "High shot" .)