Push or Flick

Carlo Caloy Asked 12 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 Answered 12 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.