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Flipper and Lopaka: TV Title or Cricket Delivery?

Flipper and Lopaka is an animated series. For cricket, learn what a flipper means and use a short release check to look for backspin.

Callum Barrow · 2 min read

“Flipper and Lopaka” refers to the animated series Flipper & Lopaka, not a pair of cricket deliveries. Studio 100’s official catalogue describes adventures involving Flipper the dolphin and his friend Lopaka, including their struggle against the octopus Dexter. If you were looking for the programme, the official series synopsis is the relevant starting point.

If you meant a cricket delivery, the term is flipper.

What a flipper means in cricket

A conventional flipper is a backspinning variation associated with leg-spin. Instead of producing the normal leg-break’s sideways turn, it is intended to skid through with relatively low bounce. The release uses a squeeze between the thumb and fingers; the BBC’s flipper technique guide describes the thumb action as being like clicking your fingers.

That release—not simply bowling faster—is the useful distinction. Start with the top joints of the index and middle fingers across the seam, as in the BBC’s guide, then use the thumb-and-finger squeeze to generate backward rotation. Do not judge success from a low bounce alone: check the rotation as well.

A small release check before full bowling

For a first check, keep the task to visible backspin, rather than pace or wickets:

  1. Use a soft practice ball with a visible seam or contrasting marking, in a clear space with a net a few metres in front of you.
  2. From standing, make 12 gentle releases towards the net using the thumb-and-finger squeeze. Do not force the ball to travel farther.
  3. Have a partner watch from safely to the side, outside the ball’s path, or film from there in slow motion. For backspin, the top of the ball rotates back towards you as the ball travels forward.
  4. Record each attempt as clear backspin, other rotation or unclear. Count only what you can actually see.

This is a release check, not proof that the delivery is match-ready. Stop if the squeeze causes sharp finger or thumb pain; have the grip checked in person rather than adding force.

If you can repeat the release comfortably, use the front-flipper grip and 36-ball drill to test landing control. If you are still learning your basic action, prioritise a repeatable stock ball with the beginner’s spin-bowling guide before adding this variation.