Smart clubs with means of exerting pressure (6)
I believe the answer is:
clever
'smart' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for clever that I've seen before include "Smar and canny" , "Sharp and able" , "Knowledgeable" , "Quick-minded" , "Gifted" .)