What is it?
It’s a technique of receiving serve in table tennis which has grown in prominence in recent times. It’s employed against the serve short to the forehand – with a slight body-turn, the player hits a backhand. It’s also known as the backhand sidespin flick.
What’s the origin?
Players found that they could better accelerate the paddle, both overcoming and generating spin, with a wristy backhand flick instead of the traditional forehand. The out-to-in curve of the stroke resembles a banana’s shape, giving it the name.
Not to be mistaken for
The gym drink, the smoothie, or the fruit pie. There is no denying that the stroke adds a few minerals to your game, in a manner of speaking. What’s more, when done well it’s arguably delectable. But it’s no magic potion; and an excess of it isn’t advisable.
Who plays it best?
Grand Slam champion Zhang Jike is a master of the receive technique. He can neutralise strong short serves and punish weak ones, opening up angles few others do. Japan’s Koki Niwa plays the stroke with a cavalier air that makes it exciting to watch.