Topspin Flick Against Backspin
Service Return
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.
Thoughts on this question
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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