Backhand sidespin flick

Table Tennis Service Return

Last updated 7 years ago

joshnathan llorente

joshnathan llorente Asked 11 years ago

good day!

Most of the players are using backhand sidespin flick in receiving serves. Is it effective in all kind of spins?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Joshnathan,

It can be used for most serves.  By coming under the ball you can even lift backspin serves.

It is being used a lot now.  I might even try a few next time I play Jeff.


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Surapun Wongopasi

Surapun Wongopasi Posted 11 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJT-EEW_fcU

 I want to know if you are returning a very heavy backspin serve, which stroke should you use, the backhand sidespin flick or the corkscrew backhand drive (like Zhang Jike or Ma Long)?  It seems to me that the BH sidespin flick won't give you enough lift to clear the net.  Thanks for your comments. 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Hi Surapan,

The Backhand sidespin flick and Zhang Jike's return are the same thing.

You can adjust the angle of your bat to lift the backspin.


Surapun Wongopasi

Surapun Wongopasi Posted 11 years ago

I used to read one of your comments that the BH sidespin flick's secret is to grip the ball on its side to avoid the effect of heavy backspin and you strike the ball on its rising path. Whereas in Zhang Jike's corkscrew BH drive is that you are using the speed and the bat's angle to counter the backspin and you strike the ball at the top of its bounce. Please clarify. 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Hi Surapan,

Contact is at the top of its bounce when there is a lot of backspin but you can contact the ball on the side.  If there isn't as much backspin then you can contact it on the rise.  The more backspin the more at the base of the ball you can contact the ball.


Surapun Wongopasi

Surapun Wongopasi Posted 11 years ago

Thanks a lot Alois.  I'll give it a try. 



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