If you’ve ever used "poke," "roll," and "flick" interchangeably when talking about pickleball shots, you’re not alone—but you’re also not quite right. These three backhand attacks might sound similar, but they’re distinct techniques with unique purposes and executions. In this post, I’ll break down the differences between the poke, roll, and flick, explain when to use each one, and show you how to hit them like a pro. Let’s dive in!

The Poke: Taking Away Time and Space

The poke is all about reach and precision. Picture yourself fully extended, paddle stretched out as far as it’ll go. At this point, you don’t have the leverage for heavy topspin or a big swing. Instead, the poke is a quick, direct shot designed to steal time and space from your opponents.

When to Use It:

• When you’re at full reach, often during a defensive stretch.
• To disrupt opponents transitioning into the kitchen (the non-volley zone near the net).
• To target specific spots, like the "chicken wing" (the awkward elbow area) or the right hip of the player in front of you.

How to Hit It:

• Keep wrist action minimal—think of it as a firm push rather than a swing.
• Focus on picking smart targets rather than generating spin or power.
• Use a flat, controlled motion to send the ball exactly where you want it.

I set up my Lobster ball machine to practice this shot, aiming it at the kitchen line with a flat trajectory (about 20 mph, no spin, feeding every 8 seconds). Standing at full reach, I focused on driving the ball straight at my imaginary opponent’s weak spots. It’s simple but effective—perfect for keeping your rivals on their toes.

The Roll: Power and Spin with Precision

Next up is the roll, probably the backhand shot you’re most familiar with. This one’s a crowd favorite because it combines pace, spin, and accuracy. Unlike the poke, the roll involves your whole body, giving you the ability to send the ball screaming down the line or deep into your opponent’s court.

When to Use It:

• When your opponents are positioned farther back, giving you room to attack.
• For precise shots, like targeting the sideline or pushing the ball deep.
• When you have a bit more time to set up compared to a quick poke or flick.

How to Hit It:

• Drop your body and paddle below the ball’s level—think low to high.
• Use your legs and upper body to generate upward momentum.
• Brush up the back of the ball with a slight wrist tilt for topspin (as you improve, add more wrist for extra pop).
• Take a bigger swing than the poke, but keep it controlled.

Back at the Lobster machine, I practiced the roll by getting underneath the ball with my legs, letting my arm and a touch of wrist action do the work. The key is that brushing motion—it’s what gives the roll its signature spin and pace. It takes more time than the poke, but the payoff is worth it when you see the ball curve perfectly into your target zone.

The Flick: Wrist-Driven Speed and Reach

Last but not least, the flick is the fastest of the trio. It’s all about wrist action, making it ideal for rapid-fire exchanges at the kitchen line. While the roll relies on your body for power, the flick gets its juice from a sharp wrist snap, offering a blend of speed and reach without a big windup.

When to Use It:

• When your opponents are up at the kitchen line, and you need a quick counter.
• For situations requiring more reach than the roll but less time than a full swing.
• When you want to surprise your opponent with a sudden burst of spin and pace.

How to Hit It:

• Cock your wrist backward before snapping it through the ball.
• Snap upward to add lift and spin—your arm stays relatively still compared to the roll.
• Keep your body balanced; overextending can leave you vulnerable to a counter.
• Build wrist strength—this shot’s not for the faint of wrist (sorry, Chris Olson!).

With the Lobster firing away, I practiced the flick by staying extended and letting my wrist do the heavy lifting. The first shot always goes wild (machine quirks!), but once I dialed in that snap, the ball zipped off my paddle with precision. It’s a high-skill move, but when executed right, it’s a game-changer.

Putting It All Together

So, what’s the difference in a nutshell?

• Poke: Full reach, minimal spin, all about placement and speed.
• Roll: Body-driven, topspin-heavy, great for power and precision.
• Flick: Wrist-powered, quick and reachy, perfect for close-quarters combat.

To master these shots, I recommend grabbing a ball machine like my Lobster or hitting with a partner who can feed you consistent balls. Start with the poke to build control, move to the roll for spin, and finish with the flick once your wrist is ready to handle the heat.

Your Turn to Pick!

These backhand shots—poke, roll, and flick—have been some of the most requested breakdowns from my community, and now I’m handing the reins to you. Drop a comment below with the next pickleball shot you want me to dissect!

Want more backhand goodness? Check out my breakdown of the Tomahawk—a backhand that’s poised to take over pickleball in the future. And if you know someone who needs to sharpen their poke, roll, or flick (looking at you, Connor Garnett), share this post with them. Until next time, Gucci Nation—keep swinging!

Watch on YouTube: How to Hit the Perfect Backhand Roll, Poke, and Flick in Pickleball