Your backhand is costing you points every game! Learn the essential differences between the poke, roll, and flickshots in this pickleball tutorial. Improve your technique with this lesson that explains when and how to use each shot effectively. Master the pickleball flick and pickleball roll to level up your game and take back control of rallies.
What You’ll Learn
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The Roll that sets up winners every time
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The Poke that catches opponents off-guard
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The Flick that ends points instantly
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Common backhand mistakes that are killing your game
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Pro secrets for consistent backhand power
The Poke
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Best at full reach where spin isn’t possible.
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Goal: take away time and space from your opponent.
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Aim for the chicken wing or right hip to jam them.
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Minimal wrist action—just extend and attack smart targets.
The Roll
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Drop your body and paddle below the ball to brush up.
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Generates pace and topspin—great when opponents are deeper.
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Larger motion, takes more time, but delivers precision and pressure.
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Use your legs and upper body for lift; add wrist for extra spin as you improve.
The Flick
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Powered by quick wrist snap, not full-body motion.
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Fast to execute, perfect for kitchen exchanges.
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Extends your reach and steals time from opponents.
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Requires a strong wrist—don’t overextend or you’ll get caught on the counter.
Takeaway
Each shot has its moment:
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Poke when pressed for time at full reach.
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Roll when you need heavy spin and control.
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Flick when you want instant offense.
Master all three, and your backhand becomes a weapon instead of a weakness.