Left arm torque for power in FH loop?

Black Mann Asked 14 years ago

I saw a picture of Ma Long doing a FH stroke on Google images, and I couldn't figure out why he stuck his chest out so much, and then after reading another forum about his FH loop, it was revealed that he uses his left arm to gather an extra bit of torque, which is why it's so powerful.

I've noticed that some Chinese players use their left arm for torque, but some don't. They'll holding it in front of them before the stroke, and then pulling it in to their side. Ma Lin, Wang Hao, Wang Liqin, and Zhang Jike do not do this, but Chen Qi and Ma Long do it all the time. Xu Xin tends to do it sometimes, usually when he's farther from the table.

This technique seems very applicable to the Chinese-style FH loop (long arm extension), but I was wondering if this can be applied to European-style looping as well (90-degree angle arm + forearm snap), and if so, do you guys know any players who use that technique for an extra bit power? It doesn't seem applicable merely because the hand tends to be much closer to the body in European looping.

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi,

This can be applied to all players.

By using the left arm to almost pull the body around you will get more speed and power. Don't try to pull it through too fast at first.  Just let it happen.

It doesn't really matter where your arm ends up as long as you are balanced.