How to Fix Your Pickleball Flicks for More Spin, Control, and Surprise

Main Points

• Use a relaxed grip and a bent wrist to create a true flick instead of a simple poke.
• Focus on contact on the outside of the ball so the shot gets more topspin and dips back in.
• Keep the swing short and simple to stay consistent and adjust to different ball heights.
• Finish upward with a low-to-high motion, especially on lower balls and backhand flicks.
• Work on both backhand and forehand flicks so you can attack middle or angle the ball wide.

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Summary

This video breaks down how to clean up pickleball flicks on both the backhand and forehand side. The focus is on turning a forward poke into a more effective topspin flick that stays in the court, creates more shape, and is harder for opponents to read.

The backhand section emphasizes getting the paddle down, relaxing the arm, and contacting the outside of the ball with a low-to-high motion. Instead of pushing through the shot, the goal is to lift and snap upward so the ball dips late and lands with more control. The lesson also points out that good knee bend helps players reach lower balls without collapsing at the waist.

A big theme throughout the video is simplifying the swing. The player is encouraged to shorten the backswing, stay compact, and let the wrist and shoulder rotation do the work. That makes it easier to adjust to balls that sit up, drop lower, or come with pace during a dink exchange.

The forehand flick work follows the same idea. Rather than using a big windshield-wiper motion, the shot becomes a quick, wrist-driven snap with topspin. The lesson also shows how to use the flick to attack middle, go for an ankle breaker, or redirect a ball crosscourt when the opponent shifts too far.

By the end, the message is clear: the best flicks come from clean mechanics, early contact, and commitment. When the paddle stays down and the finish goes up, players can create more spin, better placement, and a much more dangerous attacking shot.

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Tags: Backhand | Backhand Roll | Briones Pickleball Academy | Control | Defense | Dink | Flick | Sammy Lee Pickleball