No spin loop

Simon Lewis

Last updated on 13-Nov-2011 08:01:11 AM

Dear PingSkills,

I recently watched a game at my local club between two good players. One player looped the ball, and the opponent went to block the ball back. However, the ball died, and went straight into the net off the block. The blocker then went on to say, "there was nothing on it!"... is this possible? Is it possible to loop a ball with little or no spin? I know it is easy enough to put more spin on a loop, but how is it possible to put less spin on the ball, and know it will still go over? For me, I read the spin, and put the right amount of top spin on the ball to get it back on the table. For me, putting on the right amount of top spin is a necessity to get the ball back, not something I can pick and choose. Yes, I could put more on if need be, but surely not less? Is this not the case for everyone else?

and Alois Rosario said...

Hi Simon,

This is what we call a no spin loop or an old term was the "Baby Elephant" loop. Even though we call it a no spin loop, it really is a less spin loop. There will still be some spin but less than the blocker is expecting.

The looper adjusts the angle of his bat by opening it up rather than closing it. By opening up the angle you don't need to brush the ball to lift it over the net. This will mean there is less spin on the ball. So you are working with the angle of your bat rather than the brushing action.

This is a good variation to practice if you can because it can lead to a lot of errors by the blocker. Remember more spin and speed is not always better, variation is the key.