The Flip

Kevin Unknown Asked 17 years ago

Hi, I was just wandering what the flip shot is. I've been looking at articles and interviews with players and the've all been saying the flip is really hard to execute.

Alois Rosario Answered 17 years ago

Hi Kevin,

It's all in the name.  A Flip is also known as a Flick.  It is an attacking stroke that is played from a short ball that is close to the net.

Like everything in table tennis it can be made difficult or kept simple.  Keeping it simple is definitely the way to go.

All it is, is a short forehand hit.  You only use your fingers, wrist and hand and a little bit of forearm.  You alter the angle of your bat depending on the amount of backspin or topspin that is on the ball.  Initially like anything you are learning, don't try and play the stroke too fast.  Control it on the table until you get the feel for it.

Give it a try and see how it works. 

We are looking to have a DVD with all the basic stokes out shortly, so stay tuned.  It may help you more.