HomePickleball NewsMari Humberg's Backhand Flick: A Game-Changer in Major League Pickleball

Mari Humberg’s Backhand Flick: A Game-Changer in Major League Pickleball

Mari Humberg’s Backhand Flick: Mari Humberg has captured attention in Major League Pickleball (MLP) this past season as a standout player for the New Jersey 5s. Her exceptional backhand flicks helped her team reach the Premier Finals, showcasing a skill that can offer players a significant advantage on the court. Featured in a tutorial video by pickleball content creator Ed Ju, Humberg breaks down the fundamentals of her signature shot, emphasizing its importance for players at all levels, especially ahead of the Daytona Beach Open.

The Importance of Grip and Technique

In her tutorial, Humberg begins by discussing the grip needed for an effective backhand flick. “I recommend the continental grip or the handshake grip,” she explained. This grip sets the stage for a successful shot. Next, she focuses on the execution.

“You’ve got to hit the ball up and the spin will bring it back down. The misconception is that people want to hit hard, but you don’t have to hit a flick hard.” – (Humberg)

Despite how her shots appear on broadcasts, Humberg insists they are not about speed.

“They’re not hard shots, they’re just placed in positions that are uncomfortable. Think less power, more control and dip.” – (Humberg)

Targeting her opponent’s hips helps her maintain control and effectiveness in her shots.

Strategic Placement Over Power

Humberg also highlights the strategic aspect of her flicks.

“The problem is that if you aim your flick at your opponent’s shoulders, your opponent will counter with a shot that’s going to be high to low. I’d rather have less speed and less height than more speed and more height. You don’t need pace. So, slow it down and try to spin it more.” – (Humberg)

This focus on placement rather than power is key to achieving success with the flick. To help beginners grasp this technique, Humberg stresses the importance of balance.

“Be well-balanced and well-established in both feet,” she stated. She emphasizes a focus on getting the ball down instead of hitting it with power, which can lead to a fast return from the opponent.

“My priority is to get the ball down rather than powerful, because if I give it power, it’s going to come back so fast, which isn’t what I want. Instead, I want the ball to pop up or be a winner for the next one.” – (Humberg)

Setting Up the Next Shot

In her conversation with Ju, Humberg acknowledges that opponents will eventually adapt to her flick.

“That’s okay. The intention of an attack is not to hit a winner. The intention of an attack is to set up for the second.” – (Humberg)

As players progress to higher levels, they should adjust their expectations.

“As you get to a higher level, you cannot expect your attacks to ever be a winner. The ball is going to come back. Watch any professional match and almost every single attack is to set up for the next one. We need to get out of the mentality that ‘I want to hit this really hard and put it away on the first try,’ because the odds are so small. You’ve got to set up for the next ball, so I do a backhand flick, and then I slide to hit a forehand.” – (Humberg)

This strategic mindset, focusing on setting up for the next shot rather than seeking immediate victory, is essential in competitive play.

“People think I’m hitting a fast ball. I’m not. It’s just well-placed, well-timed, and well thought out. Get the idea out of your head that the flick is a winner.” – (Humberg)

 

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News in Brief: Mari Humberg’s Backhand Flick

Mari Humberg, a standout player for the New Jersey 5s in Major League Pickleball, has gained attention for her exceptional backhand flicks, which helped her team reach the Premier Finals.
In a tutorial with content creator Ed Ju, Humberg emphasizes the importance of grip, technique, and strategic placement over power. She advises players to focus on control and balance, aiming for their opponent’s hips to maximize effectiveness.
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