Answer: ducked

AnswerCrossword Clue
DUCKEDI .. to avoid his smashes, and I couldn't touch his serve ...
DUCKEDGot down fast
DUCKEDAvoided
DUCKEDStooped down
DUCKEDSidestepped
duckedto evade
duckedto plunge under water
duckedDUCK, to bob quickly
duckedto lower or bend (the head or body) suddenly