Straight path the right way to loop

Carlos Juan Asked 10 years ago

I teach my students to loop with a straight path, but I read that many players use curving paths, including some top players. For example, against backspin many players loop kill with a stroke where the racket curves upward during the swing, while others loop off the bounce with a swing that curves forward as they swing. What is the right way?

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Carlos,

Focus on a straight path.  It is the simplest way to learn and maintain consistency.  Of you are curving the path of your stroke, it then becomes more dependent on the timing of the curve.  If you hit the ball slightly later the bat will be facing up or down.