Mari Humberg broke out onto the pro scene in 2024. One of the biggest reasons for her success is her killer backhand flick.
In this instructional video from Ed Ju, Mari Humberg shares expert insights into her signature backhand flick, a deceptive and effective shot. Key takeaways include:
Grip and Setup: Mari uses a continental grip for versatility, allowing seamless transitions between shots. She emphasizes flexibility in the wrist for executing advanced techniques.
The Flick Motion: The flick relies on wrist action rather than shoulder power. Mari demonstrates that the motion is an upward, Frisbee-like toss that adds spin to make the ball dip quickly.
Controlled Power: Power isn’t the goal—placement and spin are key. Mari stresses aiming for awkward spots like the hips or shoulders to disrupt opponents’ positioning.
Practical Tips:
Start with an exaggerated low-to-high motion during practice to build consistency.
Maintain balance when executing the flick; avoid attempting it while off-balance.
Use flicks strategically, setting up your next shot rather than expecting a winner.
Advanced Applications: Mari showcases how the flick can be effective crosscourt or down the line, exploiting angles and catching opponents off guard. A slow, well-placed crosscourt flick can catch your opponent out of place and lead to an easy winner.
The flick isn’t about raw power but about control, spin, and precision. Pick your target and prepare for the putaway on the next ball.
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Why we are different
There are well over 100 paddle manufacturers serving the pickleball industry. We are the ONLY custom paddle manufacturer in the world. In order to understand what it is we do and why it’s unique, it’s necessary to understand how a paddle is made.
Every paddle with few exceptions has a honeycomb core. The different companies in the industry use one of three different materials for the core- aluminum, polymer and Nomex. We use all three. The core provides 75% of the way a paddle performs.
Then the honeycomb core is sandwiched between two thin layers of surface materials. Again, the different companies in the industry use three different materials- graphite, fiberglass composite and carbon fiber. We use all three. The surface material is about 25% of the way a paddle performs. Think of it as fine tuning the paddle’s performance characteristics.
The three different core materials combined with the three different surface materials make 9 different combinations of materials. Each plays differently. We make two (soon to be three) different shapes for our paddles. The Chaos has a large square sweet spot- at 8 1/2”, it is the widest paddle on the market. The Kratos has an equally large rectangular shaped sweet spot. Each combination of cores and surfaces is available in both the Chaos and Kratos shape.
Then we give each player the opportunity to select their paddle’s weight (ranging from 7.4-10.5 ounces).
Now comes the grip. Players can choose one of three different handle shapes, their grip size from 3 7/8” to 6”, one of three different grip materials and more than 10 colors for each grip style.
Now that the player has chosen the best paddle shape, core, surface and grip for their individual game comes the fun part. We can put any custom graphic the player chooses on their paddle face- either one of our many choices or one of their own- a picture, logo or graphic of their choosing.
Now every player can play with a totally bespoke paddle and watch their game immediately improve because they are playing with the right paddle for them in every way.
Every other sport has specialized equipment for every player except pickleball. Not anymore- now pickleball is catching up to other sports. Pickleball players spend a lot of time playing the game they love. Now they can play with the gear that suits them and not be forced to use a one size fits all paddle.
Want to Join Team TSD?
We are actively seeking avid pickleballers with sales experience to educate, demonstrate and promote Third
Shot Drop pickleball paddles.
Please send your prior sales experience, where you play, how often you play, what level player you are, if you
play Tournaments, how many players you can reach and your contact information to:
Ashley@ThirdShotDrop.com