Another approach to the issue of Europeans vs Chinese

Strokes and Technique

eduardo espinosa
eduardo espinosa Asked 10 years ago

Dear Alois and Jeff,

If we can say that the trajectory of a loop is concave and you wanted to graze the ball a little longer and lighter, then the trajectory of your stroke should also be concave and a little longer. On the other hand, if you wanted the contact of your stroke harder and shorter (to avoid "double contact") you would want a convex kind of stroke w/ the blade more opened. The question is would the first case be the Chinese way while the second be the European way?


Alois Rosario
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Eduardo,

I think it is best to keep the trajectory of your strokes quite straight to keep it as simple as possible.


Thoughts on this question


eduardo espinosa

eduardo espinosa Posted 10 years ago

Hello, Alois. It is never straight.


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

Hi Eduardo,

With reference to the movement of your arm, it is best to keep it ion one plane. This gives you a much more consistent stroke.


eduardo espinosa

eduardo espinosa Posted 10 years ago

Hello, Jeff. Could you "see" the graphics in my question? I have seen videos of the best players doing both movements. Like Xu Xin starting his swing behind, hitting the ball on his side and finishing w/ his arm wrapped around the top of his head. I referred to that as convex (very exaggerated). The opposite would be to try to follow the trajectory of your ball in order to extend the contact finishing with the racket in front of you. (see "amazing lee jung woo II" @ 5:20) I was trying to understand the concepts in detail. But nevertheless, your advice and Alois' I keep and practice first thing. By the way, your advices always work.


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

Hi Eduardo,

I didn't see the graphics but have just had a look at the Jung Woo video. He certainly has a distinct style. When I think of the players with the best forehand topspins, whether it be a bigger arm movement or a shorter arm movement, I still tend to see most of them move the bat through on a single plane, sometimes it can be more vertical and sometimes more horizontal.


eduardo espinosa

eduardo espinosa Posted 10 years ago

Hello, Jeff and Alois. For a very time I have hit the ball like wrapping it at contact, either on top-spins or under-spins. In both cases my racket ends up in front of the ball. Nevertheless I will adopt your concept to my game as "a new shot", like you said on previous answers to my questions. Oh, how wonderful it would be for me to go to Australia and meet w/ you guys! I could learn a lot more and explain myself better! Thanks again.


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