Mastering the Flick, Roll, and Poke Volley in Pickleball: When and How to Use Them

Main Points

• Many players use the flick, roll, and poke volley at the wrong time, costing points.
• Roll volley:
  • Big motion hinging from the shoulder.
  • Brush up the backside of the ball to create topspin and depth.
  • Best used on the 4th shot to keep opponents deep and prevent them from advancing.
• Flick volley:
  • Short, fast windshield-wiper forearm motion.
  • Generates heavy spin to attack from below net height.
  • Best used when opponents are at the net or midcourt to pressure their feet.
• Poke volley:
  • Quick “relaxed to firm” push-out motion.
  • Great for surprising opponents when they expect a dink.
  • Best for initiating hand battles at the kitchen line.
• Shot selection rules of thumb:
  • Opponents back → hit a roll.
  • Opponents midcourt or attackable ball above net → use a flick.
  • Opponents at kitchen line with a low ball → hit a poke.

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Summary

This video breaks down three of the flashiest and most effective pickleball shots: the roll volley, flick volley, and poke volley. While many players attempt these shots without a clear strategy, knowing when and how to use them can turn them into powerful weapons that create offense, keep opponents on defense, and help you win more rallies.

The roll volley is a larger, shoulder-driven motion designed to generate topspin and depth. On both forehand and backhand sides, the paddle brushes the back-bottom of the ball, finishing with the face open and pointed upward. The key purpose of the roll is to keep opponents pinned deep in the court, making it especially effective on the fourth shot of a rally. Because the serving team must stay back, this shot allows the returning team to maintain the advantage by keeping pressure on their opponents.

The flick volley is a sharp, compact motion that uses forearm rotation rather than wrist snapping. It produces heavy spin and is best used as an attacking shot when opponents are at the net or creeping forward. Unlike the roll, the flick can be executed from below net height, making it dangerous for jamming balls at opponents’ feet or creating sharp crosscourt angles. This shot is about precision, speed, and timing rather than power.

The poke volley is a fast, manipulative shot ideal for surprising opponents during dink exchanges at the kitchen. By starting relaxed and finishing firm with a short push-out motion, players can speed up the ball suddenly, often targeting an opponent’s chicken wing area to spark hand battles. While not as spin-heavy as the flick, the poke is difficult to anticipate and can quickly shift momentum in a rally.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of these shots comes down to smart shot selection. Rolls keep opponents back, flicks punish balls when opponents are midcourt or at net height, and pokes disrupt dink rallies at the kitchen line. By mastering the technique and learning when to deploy each one, players can upgrade their arsenal, dictate play, and gain a clear edge over their competition.

Source: Pickleball Playbook | YouTube

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Tags: Flick | Pickleball Playbook | Poke | Roll