The Ultimate Guide to Using the Backhand Poke, Roll, and Flick
You might think the backhand poke, flick, and roll are all the same thing.
They’re not.
And if you’re using them interchangeably, you’re probably giving away points.
Each of these shots has its own purpose, timing, and technique.
In this guide, I’ll break down the difference between them — when to hit each, how to hit them, and how to make the right decision in real time using what I call the Backhand Decision Tree.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to attack smarter, hold your position longer, and make your backhand one of your biggest weapons.
The Backhand Decision Tree
When the ball comes to your backhand side, your brain starts firing questions:
Should I take it out of the air?
Should I attack it or reset?
Should I use one hand or two?
Let’s make that decision simple.
Here’s how to think through every backhand scenario, step by step.
Step 1: Should You Take the Ball Out of the Air?
You take the ball out of the air for two main reasons:
To contact it higher, and
To hold your position at the kitchen line.
Your first instinct should always be to take the ball out of the air when possible.
This keeps you in control of the point and puts pressure on your opponent by taking away their time.
The exceptions?
If the ball is too high, floaty, or short, it’s better to let it bounce.
Otherwise, stay aggressive at the line — your opponent will feel that pressure.
Step 2: Should You Attack?
That depends on you, your opponent, and the ball.
If you have fast hands and good control, you can attack from lower positions.
If not, it’s better to stay patient and pick a higher ball.
As a general rule, attack if you feel you have a better than 50% chance to win the point outright.
If not, reset or roll the ball into a safer target and wait for a better opportunity.
This is where knowing your poke, flick, and roll makes all the difference.
The Poke
What it is
The poke is your quick strike at full reach.
You’re not trying to add spin — you’re trying to take time and space away from your opponent.
When to use it
Use the poke when the ball is just within reach but not high enough for a full-speed attack.
It’s perfect for jamming your opponent’s chicken wing or right hip — especially when they’re transitioning to the kitchen.
How to hit it
Fully extend your arm.
Minimal wrist action.
Hit through the ball, not up on it.
Stay balanced and aim directly at your target.
Think of it like a jab in boxing — short, fast, and disruptive.
The Roll
What it is
The roll is the most familiar of the three.
You drop your body and paddle below the ball, then brush up the back of it to create topspin and margin.
When to use it
Use the roll when your opponent is back or when you want to apply controlled pressure rather than speed.
It’s slower to execute than the poke or flick, but it gives you a heavier ball and more margin over the net.
How to hit it
Get low with your legs.
Drop the paddle head below the ball.
Brush up the back of the ball with a smooth, lifting motion.
Add wrist only once you’re comfortable — that’s how you add “pop” and spin.
It’s your bread-and-butter backhand attack.
The one you’ll use most often when you’ve got time and space to work with.
The Flick
What it is
The flick is your compact, wrist-driven attack.
It’s all about quickness and surprise — the ability to accelerate the paddle from a short motion.
When to use it
Use the flick from the kitchen line when you want to attack fast without giving up position.
It’s your best option when the ball is close but too low for a roll.
How to hit it
Start with the wrist cocked slightly back.
Snap through and up the ball in one quick motion.
Keep your body still — this shot is all wrist.
Avoid overextending.
It takes a strong wrist to pull off consistently.
But once you master it, you’ll be taking time away from your opponents like never before.
Step 3: If You Let It Bounce
If the ball drops too low or out of reach, let it bounce — that’s your cue to reset.
Now you’ve got two options:
One-Handed Slice: More range, less offense.
This is a defensive shot that helps you stay in the rally, but your opponents will know you’re not attacking.
Use it to reset the point or redirect the ball safely crosscourt.
Two-Handed Backhand: More control and more power.
If the ball bounces in your range for a two-hander, this should be your default. It lets you attack, roll, or drive the ball with more consistency and purpose.
How to Practice the Poke, Flick, and Roll
Grab your ball machine or a drilling partner and set up just behind the kitchen line.
Poke: Set flat feeds to your backhand side. Focus on hitting through the ball at full reach, no wrist.
Roll: Lower the feed slightly. Drop your paddle below the ball, lift with your legs, and brush up.
Flick: Move closer to the line. Practice quick wrist snaps to surprise your partner with speed.
Alternate between the three and pay attention to your balance, contact height, and follow-through.
The cleaner your setup, the better your shot selection will be under pressure.
Putting It All Together
The poke, flick, and roll aren’t just shots — they’re decisions.
Each one gives you a way to control time, space, and tempo in a rally.
Your goal is to understand when to use each:
Poke when you’re stretched out.
Roll when you’ve got time.
Flick when you’re close and want to surprise.
Combine them with the Backhand Decision Tree, and you’ll start reading rallies like a pro, not just reacting, but creating opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Every player’s decision tree looks a little different.
Your strengths, reach, and confidence all factor in.
If you’re not sure which shot to focus on next, watch yourself play.
Ask after each point:
Did I take the right ball out of the air?
Should I have rolled that one instead of flicking it?
That awareness alone will raise your game.
And if you’re ready to really master your backhand and start winning more points at the kitchen line, consider joining my online teaching program, The Transition Zone.
“What’s Transition Zone,” you say? Thanks for asking!
Click the image below, and you can become a founding member!
