If you’re serious about stepping up your pickleball game, understanding the backhand roll and backhand flick is a must. These two shots are like the Batman and Superman of the pickleball world—both powerful in their own way, but used for very different situations.
Let’s break down what makes each shot unique, when to use them, and how you can start practicing them today.
What’s the Difference Between a Backhand Roll and a Flick?
Here’s a clear and concise table outlining the differences between a backhand roll and a backhand flick:
| Aspect | Backhand Roll | Backhand Flick |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Motion | Low-to-high swing path with a locked wrist | Quick wrist snap and forearm rotation |
| Muscle Use | Shoulders and core for stability and power | Wrist and forearm for speed and precision |
| Paddle Face | Slightly closed to generate topspin | Neutral to slightly open, depending on angle |
| Spin | Creates consistent topspin | Adds quick topspin and speed |
| Purpose | Depth, control, and pressure | Surprise, speed, and sharp angles |
| When to Use | Low balls at or below net height to maintain control | Higher balls or during fast exchanges to attack |
| Best Situations | Keeping opponents back or redirecting shots | Attacking floaty dinks or engaging in hand battles |
| Difficulty Level | Easier to execute with larger muscles | Requires precise timing and strong wrist control |
The backhand roll is like the steady, reliable workhorse of backhand shots. It’s all about control, consistency, and depth. When you hit a roll, you’re using your larger muscle groups—like your shoulders and core—with a low-to-high swing motion. Your wrist stays firm, and your paddle face is slightly closed, which helps you brush up on the ball to generate topspin. The result? A shot that keeps your opponent pinned back and gives you a solid advantage at the net.
Now, the backhand flick is a completely different animal. It’s quick, snappy, and full of surprise. The motion is wrist-heavy, with a flick that whips the paddle forward. Imagine you’re tossing a frisbee—that’s the kind of wrist action we’re talking about here. The flick is perfect when you’re looking to speed things up, attack floaty dinks, or catch your opponent off guard with sharp angles.
Take a closer look at how these 2 shots are different:
Here’s the key takeaway: the roll gives you control and depth, while the flick delivers speed and surprise. Each has its place, depending on what you’re trying to achieve during a point.
When Should You Use Each Shot?
| Situation | Backhand Roll | Backhand Flick |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Height | Low or at net height | Slightly above net height |
| Pace of Play | Slow, controlled rallies | Fast-paced or attacking moments |
| Goal | Consistency, depth, and pressure | Speed, sharp angles, and surprise |
| Opponent Position | Well-positioned opponents | Opponents slightly off-balance |
| Game Context | When setting up pressure or maintaining control | When looking to attack or finish the point |
Let’s talk strategy. Picture this: you’re at the NVZ, engaged in a dink rally. Your opponent gives you a ball that’s low, and you need to respond with something consistent and purposeful. That’s the perfect moment for a backhand roll. It’s safe, it applies pressure, and it can keep your opponent back or force them out of position.
But what if the ball is a little higher? Maybe it’s floating, or you’re in a fast-paced exchange and want to end the point quickly. That’s when the backhand flick becomes your best friend. It’s sneaky, sharp, and can create an angle your opponent isn’t expecting. Think of it as your secret weapon for catching them off guard.
How to Practice Each Shot
Here’s where the real work begins. Mastering the roll and flick takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it.
For the backhand roll, start by practicing against a wall. Focus on keeping your wrist locked, your paddle face closed, and your swing path smooth—from low to high. This helps you create topspin and control where the ball goes. If you’ve got a partner, even better! Have them feed you cross-court dinks, and practice rolling the ball straight down the line to work on your accuracy.
The backhand flick is a bit trickier, but also a lot of fun. Start by isolating the wrist motion. Hold the paddle loosely and practice snapping your wrist forward while brushing the ball. A great drill is to aim for sharp angles or target your opponent’s feet. The key here is timing—wait for the ball to be in the perfect strike zone (slightly above net height) before flicking it.
2 Key Tips to Nail These Shots
Here are some tips that might save you a ton of frustration:
For the Roll: Your paddle angle is everything. Keep it closed to ensure your topspin works effectively. Your swing should follow an angle close to 45 degrees. And don’t roll your wrist over mid-swing—that’s a common mistake that can ruin your shot. Think smooth and steady.
For the Flick: Disguise it! If your paddle positioning looks the same as your regular dink, your opponent won’t see the flick coming. It’s all about catching them off guard.
Responding to Spin: Slice vs. Topspin
| Type of Spin | Best Shot | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Slice (Backspin) | Backhand Roll | Backspin naturally reverses into topspin with a roll, making it easier to control. |
| Topspin | Backhand Flick | Topspin complements the flick’s quick wrist motion for speed and angles. |
| Flat Ball | Roll or Flick | Both shots work; choose based on position and desired outcome. |
One of the keys to mastering the backhand roll and flick is understanding how to respond to the spin on the ball you’re receiving.
- When You Face a Slice (Backspin): A slice ball naturally works well with a backhand roll. The slice’s backspin reverses into topspin when you execute a roll, making it easier to control and add spin. This is especially useful for consistent, deep shots that keep your opponent on the defensive.
- When You Face Topspin: Topspin balls are better suited for a backhand flick. The flick’s quick wrist motion pairs nicely with the forward momentum of a topspin ball, allowing you to speed up play and generate sharp angles.
By adjusting your shot choice to the spin on the ball, you’ll not only maintain better control but also keep your opponents guessing with strategic responses.
Advanced Tips for Blending Both Shots
Here’s a pro tip: the roll and flick don’t always have to be separate. Once you’ve got a handle on both, you can start experimenting with hybrid shots.
For example, if you’re stretched out or the ball is in an awkward position, you might combine the steadiness of a roll with the speed of a flick. It’s all about adapting to the situation and keeping your opponent guessing.
Check out how it’s done:
Why It’s Worth the Effort
The backhand roll and flick aren’t just flashy shots—they’re game-changers. The roll helps you control rallies and dictate the pace, while the flick adds an element of unpredictability to your play. Together, they make your backhand a dangerous weapon that opponents will learn to fear.
So grab your paddle, hit the court, and start practicing. With enough reps and attention to detail, you’ll be rolling and flicking your way to victory in no time. And hey, don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it—because at the end of the day, isn’t that what pickleball’s all about?
