Is the backhand sidespin flick overrated

I think players are going to be used to this.

One of the best bhsf players is for me Fan Zhendong. For him it works fine. But, please look at this game:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZtN34b_i1M

you have to go to 5.36.00

there is Dima playing Freitas- Dima wins the point to 9-7 and also this game with a similar point.

I think because bhsf is difficult, Ovtcharov is waiting for the ball, and expects it be played crosscourt waiting, also already going a step back for the middistance, to sucsessfully counter it.

So if a bhsf will be played, it comes 99% the time, especially off an underspin serve, crosscourt. i think this is the weakness of this shot.

btw. this footage from the swiss open is one of my favorite on youtube. great view on the table, like in the 80ties. you can see the long/ short differences better. and great replays on the net level, so you see how high the ball was actually going over the net. Very simple but great swiss quality. I would love to hear Adam Bobrow on it. Unfortunately i dont understand french.

Hi Marcin,

An interesting theory.  At this stage players are tending to use it a lot.  I am a big fan of the short push in contrast to the flick.  I think if you are always flicking, it does become predictable.

I like the camera angle from there.  I think it may be difficult to get this camera position for some tournaments due to the layout of the venue.