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PICKLEBACKERS -
There’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from turning a harmless-looking dink into instant offense.
A ball floats just a little too high. Your opponent is already leaning forward, expecting another soft exchange. And then—flick. Suddenly they’re scrambling, you’re on the attack, and the whole point changes in a split second.
That’s the appeal of the backhand flick. It’s quick, sneaky, and when timed right, ridiculously effective.
The catch? The shot is only as good as the ball you choose to attack.
This week, we’re getting into the technique, the timing, and the decision-making behind one of the most fun shots to pull out at the kitchen.
Mastering the Backhand Flick at the Net
There are few shots in pickleball that can change the momentum of a point faster than a well-executed backhand flick. When you’re standing at the kitchen line and your opponent gives you just a little bit too much height or speed, the flick can turn a defensive-looking ball into an attacking opportunity.
But the backhand flick isn’t simply about swinging harder. It’s about recognizing the right ball, using a compact motion, and knowing when to attack without putting yourself in a bad position.
This week, we’re breaking down the backhand flick and showing you how to add this weapon to your game.
What Is the Backhand Flick?
The backhand flick is a quick, compact attacking shot played primarily with the wrist, forearm, and fingers. It is typically used when the ball is in front of you and high enough above the net to attack.
Unlike a traditional backhand drive, the flick doesn’t require a big backswing. In fact, a large swing is usually one of the biggest mistakes players make.
The goal is to create quick acceleration with a short motion.
Think of it as a small, explosive movement rather than a full swing.
Start With the Right Position
Before worrying about the flick itself, make sure your ready position is correct.
At the kitchen line, keep your paddle up around chest height with your knees slightly bent. Your weight should be on the balls of your feet, allowing you to react quickly.
When the ball comes toward your backhand side, avoid reaching too far outside your body. Instead, try to get your paddle and body into position so the ball is slightly in front of you.
That contact point is critical.
If the ball gets behind you, the flick becomes much more difficult and much less reliable.
How to Hit the Backhand Flick
Start with your paddle in front of your body and your non-dominant hand helping you stay balanced.
As the ball approaches, use a short backswing. You don't need to take the paddle far behind you.
Then, as the ball reaches the ideal contact zone, accelerate the paddle forward and slightly upward. Your forearm and wrist provide most of the speed, while your shoulder and body remain relatively quiet.
The paddle should finish in front of your body rather than wrapping dramatically around your shoulder.
One of the keys is keeping the motion compact.
If your opponent is standing only a few feet away, you don't have time for a giant swing. The shorter your motion, the quicker you can recover for the next ball.
When Should You Flick?
This is arguably more important than the technique itself.
Don't flick every backhand ball.
The best opportunity comes when your opponent gives you a ball that sits up slightly. If the ball is below the top of the net, trying to flick aggressively can lead to an error.
Look for a ball that is above net height and within comfortable reach.
You should also pay attention to your opponent's position.
If they're standing deep in the court, an aggressive flick can force them to defend from a difficult position. If they're already close to the kitchen, however, you may want to use more caution.
Another excellent opportunity is when your opponent hits a soft dink that lands higher than intended. Instead of automatically dinking the ball back, recognize that the elevated ball may be an invitation to attack.
@richard_pickleball Upgrade your flick! 🔥 ⭐️ Keep a loose wrist to generate way more power! A relaxed wrist creates effortless speed and makes your flick much... See more
Where Should You Aim?
You don't always need to hit the hardest possible shot.
One of the best targets is your opponent's backhand shoulder or hip. These areas can be uncomfortable because they force your opponent to make a quick decision about whether to use a forehand or backhand.
You can also flick down the middle, particularly when your opponents are splitting the court evenly. A ball between two players creates hesitation and can produce an easy pop-up.
Another option is attacking toward the sideline when you have enough angle.
Remember: placement beats power.
A controlled flick to an awkward location is often more effective than a harder flick directly at your opponent.
The Biggest Mistake: Flicking the Wrong Ball
The backhand flick is exciting, which makes it tempting to use it too often.
If the ball is low, wide, or behind you, don't force it.
A good pickleball player understands that sometimes the best attack is no attack at all. If the ball isn't there, reset or dink and wait for a better opportunity.
Your goal isn't to win the point with every flick.
Your goal is to recognize when the percentages are in your favor.
A Simple Drill to Build Confidence
Try this with a partner at the kitchen line.
Have your partner hit you a series of soft balls to your backhand side. Start with balls that are comfortably above the net.
Instead of focusing on power, concentrate on three things:
Short backswing.
Contact in front.
Quick recovery.
Once you can consistently control the shot, have your partner vary the height. Attack the higher balls and dink or reset the lower ones.
This teaches the most important part of the shot: decision-making.
The backhand flick is one of those shots that can make your game look completely different once you learn to recognize the opportunity.
But remember, the best flickers aren't necessarily the players who hit the hardest. They're the players who know when to attack and when to wait.
Keep your paddle up, stay compact, contact the ball in front of your body, and look for those balls that sit just high enough to attack.
Master that combination, and the next time your opponent leaves a ball hanging around the kitchen, you'll be ready to make them pay.
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The backhand flick is one of those shots that feels like a superpower once it starts clicking.
But the real upgrade isn’t just learning how to flick—it’s developing the patience to wait for the right ball.
Stay compact. Keep the ball in front. Pick an uncomfortable target. And when your opponent leaves one sitting just a little too high, don’t overthink it.
Give it a flick.
See you at the kitchen line.
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team
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