Looking to add a little more firepower to your game at the Kitchen line? The backhand flick volley is one of the most effective shots for applying pressure and creating offensive opportunities out of defensive positions. While it can take practice to master, learning this shot will give you a major competitive edge in both doubles and singles play.

Tip 1: The Technique Behind the Backhand Flick Volley

A flick volley uses a quick flick of the wrist to generate surprising power from a compact motion. Unlike traditional volleys, where the swing comes from the shoulder or forearm, the flick relies almost entirely on wrist acceleration.

Here’s how to execute it:

1. Start with your paddle angled diagonally down and your wrist fully “broken” (bent back).
2. As you make contact, brush up against the ball and bring your wrist back into a neutral position.
3. Keep your arm straight, all the acceleration should come from your wrist movement, not your arm.

If you’re struggling with the motion, pretend you’re throwing a frisbee without letting go. That quick, controlled flick of the wrist is exactly the movement needed to produce topspin and controlled power.

Tip 2: Why the Flick Volley Works

The main advantage of the backhand flick volley is its ability to attack balls below net height.

Punch and roll volleys are excellent for high shots but often lead to errors when the ball is low. The flick volley, however, lets you accelerate from low to high with topspin, allowing you to lift the ball over the net and bring it back down quickly.

That topspin is the secret, it drives the ball downward, letting you go on the offensive even from a defensive position.

You can also use the flick volley to attack slightly high dinks by reaching over the Kitchen line (without stepping in). This adds pressure to your opponents, forcing them to keep their shots lower and more precise or risk giving you an easy attack opportunity.

The backhand flick volley is a high-skill, high-reward shot that adds versatility to your Kitchen game. It keeps opponents guessing, opens up more offensive options, and helps you control rallies even when the ball sits below the net. With practice, you’ll not only improve your wrist control and spin but also make your overall soft game far more dangerous.

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