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Backhand Flicks and Tricks 🪄
Tackle Low, Awkward, and Fast Balls with Confidence.
PICKLEBACK CLUB
February 18, 2025
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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨
Are you looking to add a powerful yet subtle shot to your pickleball arsenal? Our latest guide on the backhand flick is here to help you do just that! This quick and controlled stroke is perfect for handling low balls, awkward angles, or fast-paced returns.
In the guide, we break down every step—from positioning and grip to executing the perfect wrist snap and follow-through—so you can master the shot and elevate your game.
The backhand flick in pickleball is a quick and subtle shot that can be used to return balls that come at you from an awkward angle or that are low to the ground.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to execute it:
1. Positioning and Grip
Feet: Stand with your knees slightly bent and weight on the balls of your feet, ready to pivot.
Grip: Hold the paddle with a continental grip (like holding a hammer), which allows for versatility in executing various shots. This grip is great for both forehand and backhand flicks.
2. Prepare for the Shot
As the ball approaches, position yourself sideways to the net, with your paddle hand in the ready position.
Keep your eye on the ball, and start moving your paddle back toward your non-dominant side.
3. The Backhand Flick Motion
Swing: Start the swing by rotating your upper body slightly (using your hips and shoulders), then flick your wrist as you make contact with the ball. The key is the quick snap of the wrist.
Paddle Face: Ensure the paddle face is angled slightly upward or neutral, depending on the trajectory of the ball you're aiming for.
Contact Point: You want to contact the ball slightly in front of your body and around waist height. The ball should be hit with a firm yet controlled flick of the wrist.
4. Follow Through
After the contact, continue the motion by following through with the paddle. The follow-through will be shorter than a traditional stroke, with the wrist snapping at the end.
5. Finish and Recovery
After the shot, quickly recover by moving back into position to react to the next shot, whether it's a volley or a lob.
Tips:
Focus on wrist action: The flick is all about using your wrist for a controlled but powerful shot. Practice the wrist snap to improve accuracy and spin.
Short stroke: Unlike full swings, the backhand flick is a short, quick motion, which makes it effective in fast-paced situations.
Control over power: While it may be tempting to go for a powerful flick, it’s more important to focus on control and placing the ball accurately.
The backhand flick is an advanced skill, so practicing it with consistent ball placement will help you improve its effectiveness!
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When To Use the Backhand Flick
1. Low Balls
When the ball is coming at you low, especially around your knees or just above your ankles, and you can’t easily get under it, the backhand flick can be a great option. The quick wrist snap helps lift the ball back over the net without having to take a full swing.
2. Balls Out of Reach on Your Forehand Side
If you’re positioned on the backhand side and the ball is too far away from your body to hit with a regular backhand stroke, the backhand flick allows you to still make a controlled shot with minimal movement. This is especially useful if the ball is coming at an awkward angle.
3. Defensive Shots
When you need to return a hard shot or a fast ball that’s coming at you quickly, the backhand flick allows you to react quickly without needing a full swing. It’s more of a defensive shot that uses the wrist's quick snap to place the ball accurately.
4. Handling High Balls
The backhand flick can also be useful when a ball is high, but not high enough for a full overhead smash. It’s a quick, controlled way to send the ball back with some finesse, without putting too much force behind it.
5. For Angled or Crosscourt Shots
The backhand flick is great for redirecting the ball at sharp angles, particularly for crosscourt shots. You can execute it when you're positioned slightly off-center, and it helps you generate the angle needed to send the ball where you want it.
6. Counterattack
If your opponent has just hit a weak or soft shot that you can take advantage of, you can use the backhand flick to add some surprise and put the ball in an unexpected spot, especially with some backspin or sidespin.
When NOT to use the backhand flick:
For High Balls: When the ball is too high (like a lob or a ball above your shoulders), the flick is not ideal. You’d want to use a more controlled backhand stroke instead.
For Balls That Are Too Close to You: If the ball is too close to your body, it’s better to use a regular backhand shot, as the flick relies on a more extended position.
Therefore, hit the backhand flick when you're dealing with low, awkwardly angled, or fast balls that require quick wrist action for control. It’s an efficient, reactive shot when you need to get the ball back over the net without swinging wildly!
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide. We hope these tips help you develop a more versatile and effective backhand flick on the court. If you have any questions or need further insights, feel free to reach out.
Happy playing, and here’s to many successful returns
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾
