Push or Flick

Table Tennis Match Strategy

Last updated 6 years ago

Carlo Caloy

Carlo Caloy Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois,

I often have this dilemma of trying to decide of whether to push or do a flick off a return this is short with underspin. What happens is after I serve, my opponent usually does a short underspin return. I then have this short moment of hesitation of whether to also do a push, or a flick. Which shot is better? I am not good at flicking yet and so the ball usually goes to the net. If I push, I have a better chance of putting it over the net, however, it also sometimes goes to the net. Should I use the flick during practice only, and then start using it in games when I am better at it? Or should I practice the stroke even during games. 

Thank you.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Carlo,

You should try to develop both strokes.  They are both useful at different times.

I think a lot of players develop their games into using one or the other more predominantly.  See which one works for you.  I used to like to push because it gave me a push return back that I liked to topspin.  Other players like to flick because the response is a more open stroke that they like.  Just see which type of game suits you.

Once you have decided which is better for your own game, then work at using that a lot bith in training and in matches.  If it is the flick, then practice it a lot during training and use it when you can in a match situation.  YOu can use it a lot when you are in a match where you almost know the result.  Either a much weaker or much better opponent.  As you gain more confidence in it then you can start to use it in closer matches.


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Carlo Caloy

Carlo Caloy Posted 11 years ago

This info really helped me in my match today. Thanks Alois. :)


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

No problems Carlo.


Eshaan Mishra

Eshaan Mishra Posted 10 years ago

Coach,

What are the methods of improving our fast topspins or

how can we improve our fast topspins?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

Take a look at the lesson we have on the Advanced Forehand Topspin.


Eshaan Mishra

Eshaan Mishra Posted 10 years ago

but coach that is a premium member video.

is there another video not for premium members?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

Unfortunately no.  We do have some content that is exclusive for our Premium members that support the site financially and keep it available for everyone.


Noor Motani

Noor Motani Posted 6 years ago

That is a good one. I normally play over the table backspin on a short down spin serve. Is this any difference than push? If the ball has little spin, and little bounce, I flip it. Am I doing right?


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago

Hi Noor,

Yes it sounds like you are making some good choices.


Bhawani Mukherji

Bhawani Mukherji Posted 6 years ago

What about Banana opening on short service with counter spin 


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 6 years ago

Yep Bhawani, that is also a good option. The banana can be thought of as a backhand sidespin flick.


yalcin yalcin

yalcin yalcin Posted 6 years ago

Hi Alois and Jeff. How are you My frieds? I hope with all my heart you are fine and well 

Today I watched your push or flick video. I follow your  invaluable advices.  Thank you very much for it.smile

Your friend  Ali 

from  Tarsus/Mersin

                   Turkey


Rakesh Soni

Rakesh Soni Posted 6 years ago

Good explanation. However these things come with regular practice.


SUBHRAJYOTI BANERJEE

SUBHRAJYOTI BANERJEE Posted 6 years ago

Dear Alois and Jeff,

Found this video pretty useful.

But whether I push or flick, it is not gonna work if I play against either of you.

Thanks and Regards...


kathy mckelvey

kathy mckelvey Posted 6 years ago

Right now the push works best for me! I'm not proficient with the flick yet!  Thank's for the video. 


Margie Hadden

Margie Hadden Posted 6 years ago

Hi good video nice and simple. I liked the question of thinking about what kind of a shot I like coming back to me? I'm afraid that I haven't the faintest idea but it's something I will try to become more aware of.

Also is a flick different to a touch? 


n hh

n hh Posted 6 years ago

good video

 


Vinh Cao duy

Vinh Cao duy Posted 6 years ago

THanks, good information from You



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