The malleting force is directed:
High-Yield Explanation
First, hand pressure compaction is used to secure the pellet against the compacted E-Z Gold and spread it over the surface; next, mallet compaction is used. Likewise, each succeeding pellet is hand compacted, and then is compacted with the mallet. The condenser point is systematically stepped over the gold twice as malleting proceeds. Generally, the line of force is perpendicular to the pulpal floor in the center of the mass and at a 45-degree angle to the pulpal floor as the external walls are reached.
Ref: Sturdevant operative dentistry 7 ed page no e75