Looping an underspin ball just off the table

SirLoops Alot Asked 13 years ago

What is the correct way to loop an underspin ball just barely off the table? I'm a right-handed player, and normally keep my right foot a few inches back in my forehand stance. This presents a problem if the ball is just barely off the table though: I can't keep this same stance since my left leg will now be against the table, making me reach slightly forward as I stroke (often resulting in the ball going into the net). 

Right now I'm standing pretty square or even stepping in with my right foot a little, as I feel like this is the only way to get my stroking arm as close to the table as possible and make a very vertical stroke. Is this the right approach?

P.S. Does the PingSkills team recommend fortifying one's diet with Vegemite before an important match?

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Dan,

It sounds like you have the technique exactly as I would describe it.  It is difficult to get your playing arm close enough to the table to make this stroke so you do need to get your right side as close as possible to the end of the table.  The other important thing is to get your knees low so that you can lift the ball after it drops of the end of the table.

As for Vegemite, I will consult our Aussie dieticians... It could be our secret weapons for the upcoming Olympics.