Timo Boll's Deceptive Flick

Hi Alois,

I have seen Timo play this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gG32yEQqJSs#t=1250) at 20:50 shot when returning serves in a number of matches and it is quite effective as well. It appears as if he is trying to flick it towards the backhand corner of the opponent but he manages to play it wide to his forehand. I want to know on what sort of serves can this shot be played effectively and how to learn it?

Hi Abhinav,

He does this by adjusting his wrist at the point of impact.  Instead of bringing it through as usual he allows the wrist to bend back to get the ball to go down the line.  The rest of his stroke remains the same to give his opponent as little information as possible as to where it is going.