Flick or Topspin

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 12 years ago

Mayo May

Mayo May Asked 12 years ago

Hi Guys , Where on the table is best to stop flicking or punching and start looping ?

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Mayo,

If the ball is going to bounce twice on your side then you can flick, if the ball is going to only bounce once on your side then you should make a topspin.  The exception is if the ball is a little higher then you can also make a topspin even if it is going to bounce twice.


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Shaji Alavi

Shaji Alavi Posted 12 years ago

Hi Coach,

The topspin is always a better option, thats why you recommend to apply it on numerous occasions. Is flicking an underrated shot as it is less played in rallies? These days i am playing with some senior players and i find their flicks(especially the cross court) more difficult to pick than their topspins(unless they are curve topspins). Maybe because the topspin vs block drill has improved my defence.

Unfortunately so far we have not discussed a lot about flicking and reacting to flicks. Any drills to improve this part of the game. 


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago

When returning flicks you often need to lift the ball more because they don't have as much topspin.  Also because of the speed of the ball it will feel flatter and will need more lifting.


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