How to Hit the Backhand Flick in Pickleball Like a Pro

Main Points

• The backhand flick can be powered more by shoulder rotation than wrist action.
• Keeping the paddle more vertical helps create a lower, more consistent contact over the net.
• Waiting longer before contact can improve power, depth, and control.
• Turning the front foot outward can help with balance, reach, and kitchen-line coverage.
• The shot is easier to execute off backspin because the spin is working with the motion.
• A strong counterbalance with the non-hitting arm helps keep the body stable through the shot.

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Summary

This video breaks down a high-level backhand flick and shows how it can be hit with more control and power than most players expect. The focus is on using larger muscles, especially shoulder rotation, instead of relying too heavily on the wrist. That makes the shot more stable and easier to repeat under pressure.

A big theme in the lesson is contact timing. Waiting longer before striking the ball helps create cleaner contact and allows the paddle to accelerate through the shot. The video also shows how keeping the paddle more vertical can produce a lower trajectory over the net, which makes the flick harder to attack.

Footwork is another key piece. Turning the front foot outward opens up reach, helps with balance, and lets the player get closer to the kitchen line without losing stability. The non-hitting arm also acts as a counterbalance, which helps the body stay controlled while reaching for the ball.

The video also explains why this shot is often easier off backspin. Since the incoming spin already helps the motion, the player can work with the ball more naturally and create a sharper, more effective flick. Overall, this is a useful breakdown for players who want a more advanced and deceptive option at the kitchen.

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Tags: Backhand | Backhand Flick | CRBN | Ed Ju | Flick | Footwork | Kitchen | pickleball strategy | pickleball tips | Roll | Strategy | Technique