Chinese Loop or Euro Loop?

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 10 years ago

Arthur Unknown

Arthur Unknown Asked 15 years ago

I notice that the chinese players usually loop with more of a straight arm then the europeans, with their slingshot type loop. slingshot loop means they have their elbows bent, then when they loop, the elbow leads and at the point of contact, the forarm is snapped with a lot of speed.

What are the Pros and Cons of each loop?

Chinese=Wang Liqin

Euro=Timo boll


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Arthur,

This is just a preference of style.  Power versus more rallying.

Both are effective.  The straight arm loop uses a longer lever and is more of a finishing stroke because you can generate more speed. This is better for power.

Using more of your forearm, is not as fast but you can maintain better balance for recovery.This is better for rallying.


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Abhiram Reddy

Abhiram Reddy Posted 10 years ago

Right now I've developed a hybrid sort of play as a result of watching videos of both Jeff and some other DVD where he taught the forehand loop(now I realize it's the chinese style) .When I have less reaction time and want control I do the  loop Jeff shows but when I anticipate a ball and want high spin/speed a use a long backswing with a straight arm.Is there any difference apart form the start position?Should I stick to one style and perfect it ?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago

HI Abhiram,

I think it is important to keep things simple.  What you are talking about though is just variations of the same thing.  When you have more time you can use a bigger arm swing and more body.



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