How to Hit the Pickleball Flick: Add Spin, Control, and Power at the Kitchen

Main Points

• The pickleball flick is an offensive backhand shot typically used at the kitchen line to attack higher balls.
• Many players perform a basic “poke” flick, pushing the paddle straight through the ball to generate power.
• A better flick adds brush and spin, creating ball shape and improved control.
• Brushing the ball means hitting around the ball instead of directly through it, converting some power into spin.
• Spin causes the ball to arc and drop into the court, reducing errors and allowing more aggressive attacks.
• Advanced players create sidespin by contacting the outside of the ball, which improves accuracy and shot placement.
• Hitting the outside of the ball allows the flick to curl back into the court, similar to the flicks used by top players.
• This technique makes it possible to attack from lower contact points and control the ball’s direction.
• The flick requires minimal backswing, relying mostly on wrist action rather than arm or shoulder movement.
• Proper technique allows players to target multiple locations such as crosscourt angles, down the line, the middle, or deep corners.

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Summary

This video explains how to improve the pickleball flick, one of the most effective offensive shots at the kitchen line. Many players perform a basic version of the flick that functions more like a poke, pushing the paddle straight through the ball. While this approach can generate power, it often leads to inconsistent results because the ball travels flat with little spin, increasing the likelihood of hitting long.

The key to a more advanced flick is learning how to brush the ball instead of hitting directly through it. Brushing means contacting the ball with a slight upward and around motion, which transfers some of the paddle’s energy into spin. This creates shape on the ball, causing it to arc and drop into the court. The added spin provides more control and allows players to attack from lower contact points without losing consistency.

Another critical element is contacting the outside of the ball. By brushing the outside edge at roughly a 45-degree angle, players generate sidespin that keeps the ball from drifting wide. This technique helps the shot curl back into the court, giving players the ability to aim at a variety of targets such as sharp crosscourt angles, the middle, or down the line.

The video also emphasizes keeping the flick compact. The paddle should start in a relaxed position with little to no backswing, relying primarily on wrist movement rather than the arm or shoulder. When executed correctly, the flick becomes a reliable attacking weapon that allows players to create offense quickly from the kitchen line while maintaining excellent control and placement.

Source: Richard Pickleball | YouTube

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Tags: Flick | Richard PIckleball