Learning THIS Shot Changed My Pickleball Career FOREVER

 

Mastering the Backhand Flick in Pickleball

The backhand flick is an essential advanced shot that all pickleball players should have in their arsenal. Executed properly, the backhand flick allows you to attack balls at the kitchen line and keep your opponents on their toes. This shot demonstrates that you are a threat if the ball comes to you too high, as you can flick it for a winner.

In this comprehensive guide, Tanner Tomassi breaks down the key components of the backhand flick, diagnose common issues, provide tips from a coaching session, overview the second half of a lesson, and summarize the key learning points. Mastering this shot takes practice, but having an understanding of the mechanics and form will give you a solid foundation.

Introduction

The backhand flick is effective for a few key reasons. First, hitting the ball at the kitchen line means your opponent has less time to react. Second, the spin and snap you can generate on the ball makes it difficult to return. Finally, it shows your opponent you are ready and able to attack a ball that sits up, making them more cautious in their shot selection.

There's a lot that goes into a good backhand flick. From footwork to shoulder position to the wrist snap, all the parts have to work together to execute it properly. Mastering the timing and coordination takes practice. However, by breaking the shot down step-by-step, you can engrain the muscle memory more quickly.

1. 0:25 Proper Backhand Flick Form

The foundation of a good backhand flick starts with your form. To generate power, you want to position your body sideways at about a 45-degree angle to the net. Keeping your feet straight prevents you from getting your core and shoulders involved. The sideways stance connects your arm to your shoulder, core, and legs so you can use your whole body.

Additionally, you want to raise your elbow up above the paddle at about shoulder height. This elbow position is key for generating the main power. If your elbow starts too low, you have no leverage to create force on the ball. Think about the motion as throwing the ball rather than hitting it. Using an upward throwing motion with your elbow allows you to snap through the ball.

Lastly, sharply cock your wrist so the paddle is almost perpendicular to the court. At the moment of contact, you unroll your wrist for topspin. The perependicular paddle angle gives you room to brush under the ball. It's a two stage motion - first forward for power, then unroll the wrist for spin.

2. 1:38 Diagnosing Common Backhand Flick Issues

When trying to execute the backhand flick, many common mistakes arise. The first tendency is to open up too early. If you rotate your torso before the ball arrives, you won't have room to swing and will likely mis-hit. Stay patiently side-on until the last second.

Secondly, players often lift up instead of driving forward through the shot. Your weight should move slightly forward, not up. Maintain the depth in your legs and shift your weight in the direction you want to hit - towards the net.

The last frequent error is having the elbow too low or keeping the arm straight. Without a bent elbow above the shoulder, you have no leverage or ability to snap with force. Consciously raise your elbow to cue the proper back swing motion.

3. 2:55 Coaching Tips to Improve Your Flick

Getting some personalized coaching and feedback can quickly help improve your form. Here are some top tips:

• Footwork - Turn your feet first to get into the proper side-on stance. This connects the stroke from your shoulder to your legs. Don't step forward, but rather "jet" your weight slightly back.
• Hips & Shoulders - Initiate the motion by opening your hips and pulling your shoulder back. Feel your core and lat muscles engage before unwinding forward.
• Elbow - Consciously raise your elbow up to shoulder height and above the paddle at the start. This arm position generates the main power.
• Wrist - Sharply cock your wrist back so the paddle is nearly vertical. At the moment of contact, unroll your wrist for topspin.
• Timing - It's a two stage shot - first forward for power, then unroll the wrist for spin at the last second. Practice slowly at first.

4. 4:07 Executing the Backhand Flick

When you begin attempting full backhand flicks, go through this mental checklist:

• Ready Position - Visualize the proper ready position first. Turn your feet and keep your elbow up above the shoulder with a cocked wrist.
• Initiate Motion - Open your hips and pull your shoulder back to start the stroke. Feel your core engage before uncoiling forward.
• Elbow Drive - Focus on keeping the elbow up and throwing motion as you drive forward through the ball.
• Wrist Snap - At the last second as you make contact, unroll your wrist over the top of the ball.
• Follow Through - Continue swinging fully through the shot, holding your finish for a second.
• Recovery - After finishing the stroke, quickly recoil back into the ready position, ready for the next ball.
• Practice in stages without a ball first to ingrain each piece of the kinetic chain and hand-eye coordination. Go slowly, perfect one element at a time, then piece them together.

5. 5:04 Key Takeaways from Learning the Flick

Learning the backhand flick provides a huge offensive weapon and makes you more threatening at the net. Here are the vital takeaways:

• Mechanics - It's critical to ingrain the proper technical elements like footwork, elbow position, hip rotation, and wrist snap.
• Coordination - Being able to time the two-stage power then spin motion requires practice and muscle memory.
• Effortless Power - With a compact stroke and loose grip, you can generate significant pace using core momentum.
• Attack Balls - Use this shot to immediately pressure opponents after their soft shots at the kitchen.
• Threatening Presence - Executing this skill effectively will cause hesitation for your opponents' shot choices.

The backhand flick is one of the best pickleball weapons for catching opponents off guard with quick offense off weaker returns. Mastering it requires honing the technique and drilling repeatedly. Use the tips provided to evaluate and improve your form. With advanced weapons like this shot in your repertoire, you'll have the skills to beat higher-level competitors.

Timestamps 0:00 Intro 0:25 Backhand Flick Form 1:38 Diagnosing My Students Form 2:55 Mid - Lesson Interview / Recap 4:07 Second Half Of Damon's Lesson 5:04 Recap Interview of what Damon Learned

Mastering the Backhand Flick Quiz

1. What is the main benefit of hitting a backhand flick at the kitchen line?

a) More power

b) Less time for your opponent to react

c) Easier to aim down the line

d) Ability to hit more topspin

2. Why is having proper form important for the backhand flick?

a) Lets you utilize your whole body

b) Generates more spin

c) Makes the shot more consistent

d) Allows for better recovery

3. What should your elbow be doing during the backhand flick?

a) Straight and locked

b) Bent at 90 degrees

c) Raised above the shoulder

d) Tucked close to your body

4. How should you position your feet to start the stroke?

a) Facing straight forward

b) Turned slightly inward

c) Sideways at 45 degrees

d) Staggered stance

5. When should you unwrap your wrist during the flick?

a) Halfway through the swing

b) Right before contact

c) After you make contact

d) During the whole motion

6. Why do you want to initiate the swing by opening your hips?

a) Generates more power from your legs

b) Creates better balance

c) Adds topspin to the ball

d) Allows your upper body to be involved

7. What can happen if you open your torso too early?

a) Off-balance finish

b) Mis-hit the ball

c) Less control

d) Overhit the ball

8. What should your weight shift be doing during the flick?

a) Pushing upwards

b) Staying centered

c) Driving slightly forward

d) Transferring to your back foot

9. Where should the paddle face be pointing at the start of the motion?

a) Parallel to the net

b) angled towards the court

c) Perpendicular to the court

d) angled slightly upwards

10. What enables you to generate power on the flick?

a) Uncoiling through the ball

b) High elbow position

c) Opening your hips

d) Rolling your wrist over

11. Why is it important to hold your finish after the flick?

a) Balances the stroke

b) Allows maximum power

c) Creates more topspin

d) Engrains the stroke pattern

12. What can help you perfect the backhand flick step-by-step?

a) Focusing on one element at a time

b) Doing the motion slowly then speeding up

c) Hitting gentle shots to start

d) Having a coach diagnose issues

13. What makes the backhand flick threatening for opponents?

a) Heavy underspin

b) Last second wrist snap

c) Ability to attack balls for winners

d) Hitting behind players

14. Why should you start attempting flicks without using a ball at first?

a) Improves stability

b) Ingrained stroke pattern

c) Develops touch faster

d) Prevents injury

15. What characteristic enables easy power generation on the flick?

a) Open-stance position

b) Loose grip on the paddle

c) Low-to-high swing path

d) Rolling over the ball

Answer Key:

1. b
2. a
3. c
4. c
5. b
6. d
7. b
8. c
9. c
10. b
11. d
12. a
13. c
14. b
15. b