To loop or not to loop?
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 11 years ago
ted efremoff Asked 11 years ago
Hi guys.
I have been told by coaches that I do not have a natural looping stroke and I hit the ball best when I hit it flat. Some people who coach told me that I should not bother looping. For the past two years or so I have been trying to learn how to loop because I see myself as an all around player and want to have all the weapons for a diverse game. I am having better success at looping, but I don't have a very powerful loop, it's more high and spinny than driving. I feel however that if I improve my loop I will have more openings to attack. Do you think I should continue to make the effort to learn how to loop?
Jeff Plumb Answered 11 years ago
Hi Ted,
I think it is definitely worth continuing to develop your loop. As you mention, it gives you a lot more opportunities to attack. It's not an easy stroke to learn so don't worry if it takes some time. Keep working at improving it and you will get better.
It's good that you can do the high and spinny loop. To get more pace on the ball you don't need a big change. You can close the angle of your bat a little more and move the bat through a bit more horizontally. Take another look at our video on the Forehand Topspin Against Block as this covers this is some detail.
So keep persisting and let me know if you have any more questions about the forehand topspin.
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Rohan Rurik Posted 11 years ago
I have the same problem. I have not been able to develop a strong loop. I have looked at all the videos. Most of the time, I am told to hit the ball at the top of the bounce. When do you hit it for a loop and where? I can reverse a back spin into a top spin. it's the top spin into a loop that I'm having difficulty with.
Arnon Thaicharoen Posted 11 years ago
Body rotation is one of the key areas in looping. You also need to lean upper body forward a little since straight back during loop forces you to lift the ball up more than forward. Also check your feet. They should be wide apart.
Rohan Rurik Posted 11 years ago
thank you. that is great advice. Am i still striking the ball at the top of the bounce? At what angle?