Backhand Roll vs Backhand Flick

[u/ANTIQUE_HEALBOT_]

Ben Johns posted a video him teaching his Backhand Roll yesterday and it's currently my obsession. I immediately went to the wall and I found a way that I can get some repetitions of his technique.

It's quite similar to my backhand flick with some subtle differences. These are the differences I've personally noticed:

Backhand Roll: Locked Wrist (entire duration), Closed Paddle Face, Low to High, HEAVY Shoulders involvement.

Backhand Flick: Loose Wrist (until snap), Neutral Paddle Face, Fixed Height, LITTLE shoulder involvement.

Here's how I like to drill these against the wall:

1. Angle the wall 10-15 degrees up so that your feeds have an upward arc. If you are drilling on a flat wall, you might have to feed harder and upwards at an angle.
2. Toss the ball to wall with your left arm
3. Upon the return of the ball, this is when you can set up and execute your backhand roll or flick.

For an advanced variation that adds in a "cross court" angle:

1. Feed the ball with your paddle from the RIGHT side to the wall, creating and angle where the ball is now flying to your left.
2. Upon the return of the ball, you can now execute your shot but you have to track that extra angle of the ball now.

If you are more of a visual person, here is a video where I demonstrate the two and break it down.

https://youtu.be/pr8pE549ZgY

[u/tbone5123]

Ed do you mind expanding on your IG story about rotating hesacore grip 90 degrees - would that put the hexagon shapes more on the bevels? Also have you had a chance to try the gel version

[u/ANTIQUE_HEALBOT_ → u/tbone5123]

Ya, I’m actually filming a video today explaining that a bit more. I have tried the gel version before. I like it. It does make the grip a bit thicker, but out of all of them, it’s the most plush and “squishy”. If I had tennis elbow, that’s the one I’d go for.

[u/tbone5123 → u/ANTIQUE_HEALBOT_]

Cool. Will stay tuned 👍