Can Zhang Jike Fix My Backhand Flick In 7 Days?

[Dan]

Hey guys!

This one was pretty surreal 😅

I’ve always wanted to improve my backhand flick, so we somehow managed to get Zhang Jike himself involved in our latest challenge!

I sent Zhang Jike my flick at the start of the week and he sent a video back rating it and giving me his key tips to improve. I then had 7 days to work on everything he said using the PONGBOT OMNI S Pro, before sending my flick back to him for a final rating!

Really happy with how this one turned out. Would love to know what you guys think!

We’ve got two more Zhang Jike videos coming soon as well, a full coaching session and a podcast with the main man! 🏓🔥

A massive thanks to Zhang Jike and PONGBOT for making this incredible collaboration possible! 🙌 🤖 Check out PONGBOT here: https://store.pongbotsports.com/products/omni-s-series?sca_ref=11427958.8UNAeqzFVaQ 🔥

Use discount code TTD for 10% OFF!

 

[Haito]

"Hello Thunder"

 

[kindof99]

Hey guys!

This one was pretty surreal 😅

I’ve always wanted to improve my backhand flick, so we somehow managed to get Zhang Jike himself involved in our latest challenge!

I sent Zhang Jike my flick at the start of the week and he sent a video back rating it and giving me his key tips to improve. I then had 7 days to work on everything he said using the PONGBOT OMNI S Pro, before sending my flick back to him for a final rating!

Really happy with how this one turned out. Would love to know what you guys think!

We’ve got two more Zhang Jike videos coming soon as well, a full coaching session and a podcast with the main man! 🏓🔥

A massive thanks to Zhang Jike and PONGBOT for making this incredible collaboration possible! 🙌 🤖 Check out PONGBOT here: https://store.pongbotsports.com/products/omni-s-series?sca_ref=11427958.8UNAeqzFVaQ 🔥

Use discount code TTD for 10% OFF!

Looks great, but you still did not have that soft relaxed wrist at the end of backswing like ZJK and most pros.

 

[Matt Hetherington]

Great stuff Dan, you want to go and see Korbel he will sort you right out! Haha (the real pioneer) 🤪

 

[staysmart]

unfortunately Pongbot product placement prevents other tech use like spinsight that would give a lot of extra feedback on shot improvement

 

[Dan]

Looks great, but you still did not have that soft relaxed wrist at the end of backswing like ZJK and most pros.

Yeah I analysed his technique loads, absolutely fascinating how relaxed ZJK is on the flick whilst still getting tons of quality on the ball.

 

[Dan]

Great stuff Dan, you want to go and see Korbel he will sort you right out! Haha (the real pioneer) 🤪

Oh haha good shout! Korbel's is crazy!

 

[kindof99]

Yeah I analysed his technique loads, absolutely fascinating how relaxed ZJK is on the flick whilst still getting tons of quality on the ball.

I think that relaxation was due to the tense of the core muscle and breathe in, not just by the wrist itself. And it is hard to just see and learn from the outside movement.

 

[Dan]

I think that relaxation was due to the tense of the core muscle and breathe in, not just by the wrist itself. And it is hard to just see and learn from the outside movement.

Yeah agreed. I think he’s using a lot more of his body and core in the shot than I realised.

 

[lightspin]

Great video Dan! I think your flick did indeed get better. The final step is something you hinted at which maybe you can work on next. When you flick your wrist goes back, then you wait then you go do the motion. ZJK waits with his wrist in a neutral position, then whips it back and forward at the last minute then finishes the motion. This whipping back to forth gives him more power and more time. (It also helps extend his backswing as the whip allows your wrist to go back more than you can consciously do with your muscles) On the downside if your timing is off or you don't control the power then you are in trouble. That is why ZJK would practice 8 hours a day so he could control such things. Maybe try to keep your wrist neutral then whip it back to front as one motion and see what happens.

And if it doesn't work, you know what to do: start practicing 8 hours a day!

 

[Dan]

Great video Dan! I think your flick did indeed get better. The final step is something you hinted at which maybe you can work on next. When you flick your wrist goes back, then you wait then you go do the motion. ZJK waits with his wrist in a neutral position, then whips it back and forward at the last minute then finishes the motion. This whipping back to forth gives him more power and more time. (It also helps extend his backswing as the whip allows your wrist to go back more than you can consciously do with your muscles) On the downside if your timing is off or you don't control the power then you are in trouble. That is why ZJK would practice 8 hours a day so he could control such things. Maybe try to keep your wrist neutral then whip it back to front as one motion and see what happens.

And if it doesn't work, you know what to do: start practicing 8 hours a day!

Hey Lightspin, glad you enjoyed the vid! 100%, I found it really interesting too how late ZJK starts his backswing. It also makes the shot so much more deceptive, as his opponent doesn’t see it coming until the last moment.

I did try to delay my backswing, but it was super tough because of all the habits I’ve ingrained over the years haha. As you say though, the only real solution is to get some serious practice in! 😅

I often wonder, if we’d all trained in the Chinese National Team system from a young age, 6–8 hours a day, would we all have turned pro?

 

[lightspin]

I often wonder, if we’d all trained in the Chinese National Team system from a young age, 6–8 hours a day, would we all have turned pro?

I think that anyone who trained in the Chinese system 6-8 hours a day from a young age would be way, way better than they currently are. I also think these days if you want to be top 20 in the world, you had better start training full time with great players and coaching at a very, very young age. The top coaches in China are also really good at explaining things and pointing out small details that make all the difference in the world. As you know, unfortunately that kind of training can take its toll on one's body and lead to injury. Also it could lead to burnout.