The so-called terms for looping in Table Tennis
Strokes
Ittipat Amonrungmetham Asked 14 years ago
Hello Coach
I've been confused with the way people call each looping stroke.
In your lessons, you have forehand topspin against block, forehand topspin against backspin, and topspin to topspin.
So far, I've heard the so-called loop drive,slow loop, and loop kill.
Now, this is my questions.
1. Is the loop drive the same as topspin against block?
2. slow loop as topspin against backspin?
3. fast loop as topspin topspin?
PS. Is the forehand drive the same as forehand counterhit?
Thanks for your explanation :)
Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago
Hi Ittipat,
Yes terms in Table Tennis tend to be a little loose.
To me a loop is just a glorified topspin. It is usually referred to as a slow topspin off a backspin ball.
A loop drive is similar, sometimes a bit faster.
A topspin against a topspin stroke is usually referred to as a topspin but then some people call it loop to loop.
It can be confusing but don't get too hung up with terms as long as you can understand what someone is talking about. And in your own game try and learn different variations of topspin, some faster, some slower, and some with more spin.
Recommended Video
Forehand Counterhit
The forehand counterhit or forehand drive is the foundation for more attacking strokes such as the forehand topspin or forehand loop. There are 3 critical factors:
- Your feet position
- Your start position
- Your finish position
If you concentrate on these 3 factors then your stroke will become extremely consistent. Once you can reliably hit 100 balls in a row then you are ready for more attacking strokes. If you can hit 1,000 balls on in a row then you know you've truly mastered the stroke.
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Chris McDade Posted 11 years ago
Hello Alois!
I really enjoyed your explanation of the terms with respect to topspin, loop and loop drive.
If I were to describe these terms with respect to geometry, I would humbly suggest that any stroke hit with at most a 45 degree angle for your blade should produce a topspin stroke. Naturally, there is a great degree of variance and basically your arm should start low and finish high.
We employ the true loop against a backspin shot. I would start very low at almost a 90 degree angle and then finish high with a flourish. :) A very well executed loop will seem to float in the air and the ball will bounce dramatically when it hits the table.
Maybe, you can show us in a demo ... I admire your technique and skill!
adam brown Posted 11 years ago
Thanks for the clarification! I always assumed they were similar but it's good to hear it from a credible source. :)
Sovan Ly Posted 11 years ago
I am not good at looping can you tell me more information?
Take a look at the lesson on the Forehand Topspin Off Backspin. This is how to play it.