Flick
A quick, wristy strike that whips the ball with sudden acceleration, with distinct forms in field hockey, table tennis and football.
Definition
A flick is a short, explosive striking action powered mainly by the wrist or a quick snap of a limb rather than a full swing. Across sports it is prized for disguise and suddenness: the small motion gives opponents little time to react.
The specifics differ by sport. In field hockey a flick lifts the ball off the turf, with the drag flick a key penalty-corner weapon. In table tennis the flick attacks a short ball over the table using wrist snap. In football a flick is a deft redirection with foot or head, such as a flick-on from a header. In each case the common thread is generating pace and change of direction from a compact, wristy motion.
Meaning by sport
This term is used differently across sports:
- field hockey
- A stroke that lifts the ball off the ground with a scooping, wristy action; the drag flick is a powerful version used especially at penalty corners.
- Table Tennis
- An aggressive shot played over the table against a short ball, using wrist snap to attack rather than push.
- Football
- A deft touch that redirects the ball with a flick of the foot or head, such as a flick-on or a backheel flick.
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- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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