FH Forward (Chinese) Loop

I must say, I'm re-inventing my forehand using the techniques described here. I have a way to go before it's "perfected", but even now I'm seeing huge improvements in my game.

Two very positive things so far that I've noticed about it:

1) When using the legs and body correctly, and accelerating/decelerating the shot at the correct times, I find that even though my power has increased exponentially, my recovery time is actually much faster. This might be true with any "style" of forehand technique when done properly, but in trying to implement this style my eyes have been opened. The proper forward movement almost necessitates a reciprocal movement that sets me right up for my next shot.

2) With minor adjustments, this is a shot that can be used for almost any incoming ball (aside from very short table work, and assuming proper footwork). This is important to me because table tennis is such a fast-paced sport that I prefer simplicity whenever possible. One shot, just adjust stroke angle. Beautiful.

Thanks to everyone who has helped to elucidate this technique!
 

tpgh2k wrote: i'm sure someone will post up a video of both swings =)

I can do a "before and after" comparison of my stroke; although, I don't know how helpful it will be to anyone as I'm not very good and not entirely sure if I'm doing it correctly.

tpgh2k wrote: there ya go! i'm afraid of doing it myself b/c you guys are going to make fun of my hairy legs =(

Yeah, I have some pretty hairy legs, too. In addition, I'm no good at table tennis. But I'll post some vids anyway. If nothing else, it might inspire those who do know what to do to chime in and educate everyone... by completely picking apart my poor technique.

I will be a martyr for the cause.

Usually I use 80 degree  looping on incoming underspin serve, the ball is high and it's easily been smashed by my opponent.
But after reading this topic, I tried to use 80 degree loop but once the ball is lifted, I loop foward with closed angle motion. It works!!!

At the past I rarely attack my opponent serve, since it will be waste of energy and make a lot of unforced error. Now I'm still experimenting this storke, trying to loop different kind of underspin serve. Heavy, not so heavy and no spin serve. Thanks for sharing this technique guys!!!

hmmm....what about the trajectory of the ball? 

if it ain't broke, don't fix it =). especially if the power is plenty and so is the spin....but if people say that your shots are slow and not spinny enough, then it just means that there's more you can do with the chinese swing....but i highly doubt that is the case.

so just stick with what you know best =)

MrCrispy wrote: Rack, you say that tacky rubbers are better for this. Is Hammond Pro Alpha tacky enough? I just ordered that for my forehand and I can't wait to try this out. It would be great if someone could post a video of themselves trying this out (before and after with the old/new stroke), so we can see it looks when a normal player tries it. Baal, how about it? :)

Reinecke wrote: I could hear Baal from the court on the other side of the club tonight: "WOW this straight arm loop really works!!!"

you should give it a try james! =) let us know how you like it with the t05, i know it'll work out great.

FOUND IT!

that took forever to find, hopefully y'all can get something out of it!

ohhgourami wrote: Reinecke wrote: FOUND IT! that took forever to find, hopefully y'all can get something out of it! not straight arm loop

well his arm is straight....

Reinecke wrote: I could hear Baal from the court on the other side of the club tonight: "WOW this straight arm loop really works!!!"

\

Which is of course better than my usual practice -- when loops don't work -- of  loudly discussing goats with no mothers.

Very Nice video. Thanks for re erecting this topic. I tried it and it absolutely works with just a half an hour of play. Key thing is you got to trust that the ball with hit the other end of the table with such a drastic blade angle. And also key is to not lift the ball but actually drive it hard with the open bat angle. Or at least thats what worked for me..

Can't post a picture at the moment but ill do my best to describe. This stroke really emphasize on your big arm and waist rotation, or at least my stroke does for this stroke. I turn my waist, have my racket at my knee cap height or slightly lower, Racket angle at 80 degrees. And then when I execute the strong I drive my arm FORWARD instead of UP to prevent the lift that you Don't really want in this stroke. Since Chinese rubbers are typically harder sponges, you gotta really hit the ball hard to impact the sponge and get the spin. Remember to go forward, AND BELIEVE IN YOUR STROKE. Keep that 80 degree angle racket. Again, this is for no spin ball or slight topspin. Close your racket to 45-60 for higher topspin shots. Hope this helps !

Looks a lot higher then 45 to me but hey, your more experienced then I am :P

AnthonyTT wrote: Can't post a picture at the moment but ill do my best to describe. This stroke really emphasize on your big arm and waist rotation, or at least my stroke does for this stroke. I turn my waist, have my racket at my knee cap height or slightly lower, Racket angle at 80 degrees. And then when I execute the strong I drive my arm FORWARD instead of UP to prevent the lift that you Don't really want in this stroke. Since Chinese rubbers are typically harder sponges, you gotta really hit the ball hard to impact the sponge and get the spin. Remember to go forward, AND BELIEVE IN YOUR STROKE. Keep that 80 degree angle racket. Again, this is for no spin ball or slight topspin. Close your racket to 45-60 for higher topspin shots. Hope this helps !

For higher topspin shots, in addition to closing the racket to 45-60, is it correct to say that you have to move your arm completely forward, and not upwards (which is what you are implying since you said you are starting from your knee cap)? Thanks