Topspin Flick Against Backspin

Table Tennis Service Return

Last updated 8 years ago

Ilia Minkin

Ilia Minkin Asked 8 years ago

Hi Alois,

I recently learned the topspin flick (aka backhand topspin over the table). I find it incredibly useful against short no-spin, sidespin and moderate backspin short balls. However, flicking very heavy backspin with this stroke seems to be incredibly hard. So if I want to be able to flick those balls, should I keep trying to use topspin flick, or it is better to learn sidespin flick against them?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Ilia,

If the serve has a lot of backspin then the sidespin flick is probably easier to lift it.  If you try with pure topspin, the ball is likely to go into the net.


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Thoughts on this question

Ilia Minkin

Ilia Minkin Posted 8 years ago

Thank you Alois.


Ard Paardekooper

Ard Paardekooper Posted 8 years ago

Just a question on terminology: Why is the over-the-table loop, also called a flick (like Banana flick). I thought a flick is hit through the center of the ball and much less about brushing (only brushing on very heavy backspin, as mentioned bu Alois before) 


Johan B

Johan B Posted 8 years ago

Probably because you flick your wrist rather than use an arm swing. If you get a ball without a lot of backspin to your forehand you can do a quite flat over the table shot with full arm movement, which I guess wouldn't be called a flick



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