Topspin Flick Against Backspin

Ilia Minkin Asked 9 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 Answered 9 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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Ilia Minkin Posted 9 years ago

Thank you Alois.

Ard Paardekooper Posted 9 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 Posted 9 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