Subject: looping with short pimples

Andrew Pape Asked 13 years ago

Hi Alois,

I have been practicing forehand looping with the (XIOM tensor) short pips, after you suggested I learn to loop with them.

Problems: First I don't get good arc on the ball, which means that the ball is more likely to end up in the net. Also, when I try to start the swing lower and follow through with a higher swing, the ball easily clears the net but usually lands on the baseline at the other end or off the table. Small margin for error both ways.

Watching pimpled players, I've noticed the following:

He Zhi Wen had to loop about 10 balls to get an opening against a defender.

Johnny Huang had the same trouble playing the modern-defender Ding Song.

These pimpled players don't use much body movement for their loops, more of a quick upward arm action, not involving their legs or waist much.

I'm wondering:

How do I get a good arc on the ball and still get it to bounce safely on the other side (ie not too close to baseline). Is a compact looping action recommended for pimples? Finally, when I try an upward swing to counter backspin, my movement is jerky and my bat doesn't move fast enough on impact (as compared to Johnny's quick upward brush). Is there an exercise that would aid me too loosen-up instead of tensing-up for the high follow -throughs?

Cheers.

Andrew.

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Andrew,

The action does need to be sharp with these pimples.

Everyone had problems playing Ding Song so don't use that as too much of a deterrent.

You need to be precise with them as we talked about earlier, you don't get as much spin with the pimples but you can attack with them. 

The best exercise to get the swing right is to do it with multiball where you can start to swing freely.