There’s a moment at the kitchen when instinct kicks in—your opponent speeds it up to your backhand and you react. But what you do with your paddle in that split second separates 3.0s from 4.5s.
Is it a poke? A flick? A roll?
These aren’t just different names for the same shot. They’re unique tools, each with its own purpose, mechanics, and moment to shine. And if you’re only relying on one? You’re leaving points on the table.
This is your guide to understanding (and mastering) all three backhand weapons.
Poke Vs. Roll Vs. Flick
Check out pro player Zane Navratil break down the poke, roll, and flick—when to use each and how to execute them effectively:
The Poke: The Time-Thief
What It Is: The poke is a short, snappy volley hit from full extension with minimal wrist action. Think of it as a punch more than a swing—compact, fast, and aggressive.
When to Use It:
- When you’re at full reach
- When your opponent is transitioning
- When you want to take away time and space
- When a high dink floats a bit too close
Target Zones:
- The opponent’s chicken wing (paddle-side shoulder)
- The hip area to jam them
Pro Tip: Zane Navratil emphasizes that the poke is all about targeting. You don’t need spin. You need control and great placement.
What to Practice:
- Targeting drills focused on hips and elbows
- Holding paddle out front with slight elbow bend
The Roll: The Spin Doctor
What It Is: A low-to-high, topspin-heavy backhand hit. The roll isn’t a block—it’s a brush. You’re generating spin by swinging up and across the back of the ball.
When to Use It:
- Against opponents who are back or retreating
- When you want to apply controlled pressure
- When you can attack off a rising dink or reset
Key Technique (per Ben Johns):
- Drop the paddle low
- Use a closed paddle face
- Swing upward in front of your face
- DO NOT flick the wrist—let your arm and shoulder do the work
Target Zones:
- Down the line to catch the off-guard forehand
- Opponent’s backhand for resets or weak blocks
What to Practice:
- Crosscourt dinks into roll attacks
- Changing direction from cross to line
- Swinging low to high without rolling the wrist
The Flick: The Speed Surprise
What It Is: A quick, deceptive attack loaded with wrist and forearm snap. You see a high dink or slow floater—boom!—you flick it past your opponent before they know what hit them.
When to Use It:
- Against floaty dinks at the kitchen
- When you’re in a low stance and can use wrist strength
- To catch aggressive players by surprise
Technique Breakdown:
- Change your grip slightly—rotate fingers to get more on top of the ball
- Paddle tip down, elbow up, wrist cocked back
- Snap the wrist forward (not sideways)
- Add elbow tuck for extra paddle speed
Best Drill:
- Have a partner dink slightly high balls
- Practice flicking directly at hips or into open space
- Focus on fast wrist motion and staying compact
Watch Out For:
- Using too much wrist from below net height = net errors
- Don’t windshield-wiper—keep the flick motion forward
When to Use Which?
| Shot | Best Used When… | Style | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poke | Full extension, fast pressure | Punchy | Jam opponent |
| Roll | Building pressure, adding spin | Brushed | Topspin attack |
| Flick | Catching them off guard | Snappy | Speed surprise |
The Advanced Combo Game
What makes the best players so dangerous?
They don’t just master one of these—they combine all three.
- A poke one point.
- A roll the next.
- A flick when the opponent least expects it.
Mixing up shot selection keeps your opponents guessing, disrupts rhythm, and forces poor positioning. You don’t have to be flashy—you just have to be unpredictable.
Add Depth to Your Backhand Toolbox
If you’ve only been rolling or flicking, it’s time to diversify. Each shot exists for a reason—and once you get the feel for when and how to use them, your game goes from reactive to strategic.
Practice each one in isolation. Then layer them into point play. Soon, you’ll stop flinching at backhands and start attacking with purpose.
Because when you master the poke, roll, and flick?
That little backhand? Becomes a big problem for your opponents. 🏓🔥
