When to Flick, Roll, or Poke in Pickleball

Flicks, rolls, and poke volleys are the flashy shots everyone wants to master, but timing is everything. Use them wrong and you hand away points. Use them right and you dictate the pace of play. The roll is your best friend when opponents are back, perfect for a fourth shot out of the air to keep them deep. Flicks are for attacking from below the net when your opponents are already pressed forward. Pokes create instant pressure in hand battles, especially when the ball sits low and you’re toe-to-toe at the kitchen. All three have their moment, but they are only effective when used with precision and purpose.

The roll volley is a larger motion using the shoulder and full arm to brush up on the ball, generating topspin and depth. On the forehand, think windshield wiper from low to high, paddle face open, and finish relaxed. It is all about keeping your opponent pinned so you control the rally. The flick, on the other hand, uses a quick open-to-closed forearm movement and thrives in tight quarters. Its compact motion is ideal for turning low balls into sharp, spin-heavy shots that drop at your opponent’s feet before they can react. Backhand or forehand, the key is spin, not slap. And then there’s the poke. A deceptive little jab that starts relaxed and finishes firm, it’s all about catching opponents by surprise with a quick shot at their body or hip. Aim for the dreaded chicken wing.

Understanding when to use each of these is the real advantage. If your opponent is back, roll it. If they’re at midcourt, flick it. If they’re standing at the net and the ball is low, poke it. And when the ball is above the net and you want to end the point? That is flick territory all day. These aren’t just shots, they are strategic decisions. Learn to read the court and react accordingly and you will turn your flashy shot into a reliable weapon. Otherwise, you’re just showing off and losing to someone who isn’t.