Forehand loop & table distance
Strokes
Ivan Kopcanski Asked 13 years ago
Hi guys,
I've been training recently with a lot more skilled player than me.
He was able to strike slow & spiny balls in consistency of about 20 in a row :)
He explained to me that my loop is fast topspin, hit at the top of the ball bounce.
He also told that in order to hit slower more controlled, but spiny one, I need to let the ball fall at the table height and consequently to go away from table, at least 1 meter in my case. I have a couple of questions about this:
1. Is getting away from table for having spiny loop a good practice (it is quite noticeable by opponent)?
2. I believe the answer to 1. is 'yes', but how to open an unexpected attack with that practice and how to combine top spin with heavy loop in the game?
Thank you!
Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago
Hi Ivan,
It is easier to move back for the slower topspin because the ball is slower and easier to control back with high topspin.
To be able to make both the topspin and the slower topspin, you need to move in and out from the table and take the ball earlier and later. The movement to go in and out is still a small shuffle step if you are moving bigger distances or just adjust your right leg to the distance of the ball from the table if the difference isn't too big.
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Ivan Kopcanski Posted 13 years ago
Yesterday in training, I focused for a while on moving back and picking the ball later at table height.
The spin was slower, a bit higher, but noticeably harder to block by opponent.
I've realized that advantage of knowing fast top spin after opponent's weak service return, but it's seems not enough.
I'll practice shuffling back and hitting long, spiny loop to achieve spin consistency in game.
Now I'm at level of "loop once & win" or "block few times & win" game. My score is 50% wins & 50% losses.
I'm pretty much satisfied, my game is improved, but I believe I can do more. Thanks, Alois! :)
Hi Ivan,
Thanks for the feedback. Great to know that it is improving. Let me know how you keep progressing.