Flat or Brushing Contact for Forehand Flick

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 8 years ago

Johnny Long

Johnny Long Asked 8 years ago

Hey,

In your video on the forehand flick, you said that for the flick you should have a flat contact.

I find this a bit hard for balls that have lots of spin, or are very short and low.

Is it alright to have a brushing contact for the flick on some balls?

Or should I work on a flat contact?

Thanks.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Johnny,

Yes, if there is a lot of spin it is OK to brush the ball a little to get more safety to the stroke.


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Thoughts on this question

Ernest Wahyu

Ernest Wahyu Posted 8 years ago

Hi alois, 

So flat flick only effective when the ball has a top spin / dead ball? 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

You can still flick it flat and fast if it has a little backspin.


Ernest Wahyu

Ernest Wahyu Posted 8 years ago

How can i tell if the ball has a little backspin? Sometimes they just look the same.. 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

Ah… experience… The contact off their racket as well as the flight of the ball will all give you some clues.


Johan B

Johan B Posted 8 years ago

In the video on the forehand flick I remember Jeff opening up his paddle to counter the backspin. To what extent is this possible against a heavier spin?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

You can open it quite a bit and flat hit quite heavy backspin but the stroke has less margin for error, however it is possible.


Johan B

Johan B Posted 8 years ago

Thanks a lot, Alois! The forehand flick is probably my worst shot, so it's good to start thinking about it :) is it better to open it up and hit forwards or to hit a bit upwards?

By the way, Dieter and I will be playing a doubles match together this weekend in a kind-of tournament. Wish us luck!


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 8 years ago

Good luck Dieter and Johan.

I think if you are not confident with the flick, to start get a feel for hitting the flick on the table by slowing it and adding a little spin.  Then you can flatten it out when you get the feel of it.


Johan B

Johan B Posted 8 years ago

Alright! Thank yoU! I'll keep working on it :)


Johnny Long

Johnny Long Posted 8 years ago

Thanks for the reply Alois, and helpful interesting discussion too. :)



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