Loops with side spin
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 11 years ago
Gerard McCarthy Unknown Asked 15 years ago
Hi Pingskill coaches.
I've just been watching a variety of loops with sidespins from one of the Killerspin DVDs.
They demonstrated loop variations with side spin generated by angling the bat and brushing either the inside or the outside of the ball.
Now these are great fun to try in practice.
1) At what level should players be at before they start to practice these seriously? Can you give a measurable guide? eg. Now that I can hit 27 out of 30 backhand loops off chop I'm ready to pratice these variations.
2) Once, a player has developed these side spin loops so that they are just as consistent as the basic loop, is there any advice regarding how much to use them in a game? For instance, would it be wise to play hook loops all the time?
3) Are there particular types of balls that these side spin loops should be reserved for? eg. Hook loops of wide short balls with chop on them.
Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago
Hi Gerard,
Thanks again for your interesting questions.
The sidespin loop is something that can be used effectively in a game situation.
I heard a Michel Gidal the coach of World Champion Jean-Phillipe Gatien once say that he was teaching very young children to experiment with different types of spin with their topspin. It is an interesting concept because children can adapt well to these sorts of things.
So, in answer to your first question, you can teach them the standard topspin stroke and then let them experiment for themselves with the different side spins during their free time.
How much should you use sidespin loops? I think the stroke has a limited use. The main reason is that there is a limit as to how hard you can hit it because of it's lack of topspin. The pure topspin stroke dips onto the table, whereas the sidespin topspin slides sideways more than dips. But, you always need to consider what is difficult for your opponent. If they have no chance of returning the sidespin stroke but can block your straight topspin easily, why not use the sidespin often.
There is no particular type of ball to use it against. Depending on your adaptability, you can use it off any type of ball.
Thoughts on this question
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Surapun Wongopasi Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois and Jeff,
I wonder which topspin loop would be more effective against a very heavy backspin ball, a straight topspin loop (like Ma Long's) or a sidespin topspin loop (like Zhang Jike's and Istvan Jonyer's) because as you have explained earlier in your other replies that by doing a sidespin stroke you are avoiding the heavy backspin on the ball, therefore it is much easier to loop the ball back with sidespin and topspin rather than a straight topspin. However, I think there are certain strokes/balls that are almost impossible to loop back such as the chopped ball returned by long pimples against a heavy topspin loop. Please comment.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Surapan,
I don't think the sidespin is easier because you don't have as much topspin on the ball so there will be less dip to get it to go on the table. I think against a backspin ball just use straight topspin in general.