Mastering the Backhand Flick in Pickleball
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfecting Your Backhand Flick Like the Pros
Introduction
The backhand flick is a game-changing shot in pickleball that can give you the upper hand in a rally, especially when executed with precision. In this guide, Tanner Tomassi takes us through the nuances of the backhand flick, from its form to effective drills that will help you master this technique. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to sharpen your skills, this guide offers clear instructions and practical tips to elevate your game.
1. Why it's Effective (0:25)
- The flick shot initiates the firefight, giving you an inherent advantage.
- Allows you to attack balls below the net, increasing pressure on your opponent.
- This shot is ideal for speeding up balls from lower positions, forcing your opponent into defensive play.
2. Form of the Flick (0:46)
- Footwork: Avoid squaring your feet; turn them outward to utilize the kinetic chain.
- Setup: Position your paddle down with the elbow up to engage the entire arm.
- Wrist Movement: Mimic throwing a frisbee upside down for proper flick technique.
- Execution: Combine footwork, paddle positioning, and wrist movement for a compact, powerful flick.
3. Drill 1 - 'Poke' Flick (2:25)
- Step 1: Begin with a simple dink and poke with a flat paddle, avoiding spin.
- Step 2: Practice reloading your paddle after each poke to prepare for the next ball.
- Step 3: Gradually lower the feed, maintaining compact movements and a controlled paddle position.
4. Drill 2 - Full Flick Mastery (3:54)
- Step 1: Incorporate the entire flick motion into your practice.
- Step 2: Focus on directing the ball downward towards your opponent’s feet.
- Step 3: Aim to make your opponent take the ball low, setting yourself up for an easier next shot.
5. Ready Position (Crucial Skill) (4:31)
- Offensive Readiness: Anticipate your opponent's weak return by being in an offensive stance right after your dink.
- Defensive Adjustment: Transition smoothly between offensive and defensive positions depending on your opponent's shot.
- Pro Tip: Watch top players like Dylan Frasier for examples of excellent ready position and movement.
6. Other Scenarios To Use The Flick (6:31)
- Third Shot Drops: Use the flick to apply pressure when your opponent attempts a third-shot drop.
- Resets: Even low resets can be attacked with the flick, keeping your opponent off balance.
- Attacking from Below the Net: Flick from a lower position to add pace and make it difficult for your opponent to counter.
7. Outro (7:57)
- Tanner wraps up by encouraging viewers to continue practicing and refining their flick. He suggests watching his live breakdowns for more insights into advanced matchplay strategies.
8. YouTube Comments
- Engage with Tanner: Tanner often interacts with viewers in the comments, providing additional tips and answering questions.
- Community Feedback: See how others are implementing the flick in their games and share your own experiences.
Guide Summary
Mastering the backhand flick can significantly enhance your pickleball game by allowing you to control rallies and keep your opponents on their toes. By following Tanner Tomassi's detailed instructions and regularly practicing the drills provided, you can develop a powerful flick that will become a reliable weapon in your arsenal. Keep refining your form, maintain a strong ready position, and don't forget to experiment with the flick in various scenarios to discover its full potential. Happy playing!
Timestamps 0:00 Intro 0:25 Why it's Effective 0:46 Form of the Flick 2:25 Drill 1 - 'Poke' Flick 3:54 Drill 2 - Full Flick Mastery 4:31 Ready Position (Crucial Skill) 6:31 Other Scenarios To Use The Flick 7:57 Outro
Backhand Flick Mastery Quiz
1. What is one of the key benefits of using the backhand flick in pickleball?
a) It slows down the pace of the game
b) It allows you to attack balls below the net
c) It is primarily a defensive shot
d) It reduces the risk of making errors
2. When setting up for the flick, where should your paddle be positioned?
a) Paddle down, elbow up
b) Paddle up, elbow down
c) Paddle level with the net
d) Paddle parallel to the floor
3. What part of the body should be engaged to generate power during the flick?
a) Wrists only
b) Legs only
c) Entire kinetic chain, including obliques
d) Shoulders only
4. Which motion is the wrist movement of the flick compared to?
a) Throwing a baseball
b) Swinging a golf club
c) Throwing a frisbee upside down
d) Hitting a tennis serve
5. What is the primary focus of the 'Poke' Flick drill?
a) Generating topspin
b) Keeping the paddle still
c) Poking with a flat paddle without spin
d) Hitting the ball with a lot of spin
6. In the 'Poke' Flick drill, what should you do immediately after poking the ball?
a) Reset your paddle for the next ball
b) Wait for your opponent to return the ball
c) Swing wildly to generate power
d) Focus on foot placement
7. During the full flick drill, where should you aim to direct the ball?
a) High over the net
b) At the opponent's feet
c) To the sidelines
d) Deep in the opponent's court
8. What is a crucial skill to have when performing the flick during a rally?
a) Standing still after the shot
b) Being in the correct ready position
c) Hitting the ball as hard as possible
d) Ignoring the opponent's position
9. When should you anticipate being in an offensive ready position?
a) After your opponent hits a strong shot
b) Right after you hit a dink
c) During the opponent's serve
d) When your opponent is at the baseline
10. How does the backhand flick help when dealing with third-shot drops?
a) It makes it easier to lob
b) It allows you to apply pressure on the opponent
c) It forces you to move backward
d) It is ineffective against third-shot drops
11. Why is it important to keep the flick motion compact?
a) To reduce the chance of hitting the net
b) To make the shot more deceptive
c) To generate more power and control
d) To confuse the opponent
12. What common mistake do players make when learning the flick?
a) Using too much topspin
b) Keeping the paddle too low
c) Relying solely on wrist movement
d) Standing too close to the net
13. When practicing the flick, what should be your focus when receiving a lower ball?
a) Hitting it as high as possible
b) Keeping the paddle still
c) Flicking from a lower position while maintaining control
d) Letting the ball drop before hitting
14. Which professional pickleball player does Tanner suggest watching to improve your ready position and movement?
a) Ben Johns
b) Tyson McGuffin
c) Dylan Frasier
d) Zane Navratil
15. How can the backhand flick be used during a rally, other than at the kitchen line?
a) Only when at the baseline
b) During third-shot drops and resets
c) It should only be used for serves
d) It is not effective outside of the kitchen line
Answer Key:
- b
- a
- c
- c
- c
- a
- b
- b
- b
- b
- c
- c
- c
- c
- b
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