Varying slow loops

Vikas Dhiman Asked 14 years ago

Hi Both,

Great job with the website and the work you guys are doing. I have two short question for you. I normally "slow loop" with heavy topspin on the short backspin balls on my forehand. This my bread and butter shot on forehand and I have done very good with setting up ball with this all these years. I have my final match in a tournament this sunday and the opponents seem to have read this nicely in this tournament. They are punching the ball back to my side of the table on wide forehand or playing elbow which is creating time pressure for me or I am caught off balance (as I loop short on the table, hence travels less distance before it reaches me).

Other thing is, this particular opponent I have in finals gave me very tough fight in previous tournament by returning everything slow on the table. "Very slow returns" I miss the speed on his blocks/lobs and pushes. Moreover he adds strange spins on the returns with a minimum follow through which makes returns even harder to read and put back.

Need your help with these two. As far as my brain works I am thinking on putting slow loops long on the table(If I can do that) and variate the spin on these topspin consistently. For the other question (slow returns) I miss the board if I hit it fast. I loosen up my hand and return it back with slow loop but it is not a effective return and invites a flat power shot.

 Please help !    

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Vikas,

Try changing the pace as you thought.  This is important early in the match so that your opponent doesn't get settled.  Then later in the match if it is tight you can rely on your standard slow loop ball which will be even more effective.

Variation is always important.  It doesn't have t be much variation but it needs to be there for your game to be effective. 

Even if your fast shot is not very effective, the fact that you have played it creates doubt in your opponents mind.