Forehand Loop Master DVD Review by Agni

Forehand Loop Master DVD Review by Agni

As promised here is the review for the Forehand Loop DVD . The DVD is one hour in length and is fully
dedicated to Forehand TopSpin/Loop . The DVD is segmented into 5 levels & one level on Game Analysis ,
Strategy . The 5 levels are basic loops , looping rally against block ,serve & attack , counter loops
& finally side spin (hook) loops , fade loop . The demostration are done by coach against different type of
spin and also in each section real game examples are shown .

At start you are introduced to three types of Loop
a) Slow Loop
b) Fast Loop (loop kill)
c) Loop Drive

Slow Loop:-
After intial segment on three loops you are then shown the Slow Loop technique . The coach explains the
body positioning , movement of the body , racket angel in the start of the segment . The coach has a good
relaxed action and is quite motivating to see . I just thought to go and do it on the table there and then,
as I found it so easy to do . The demostration of slow loops kicks off in Still position against backspin.
Also it is explained when it should be performed (opening against push for e.g or slowing down the tempo) .

After the slow loop against Backspin in still position , playing against multiball is shown . In this
case you can see the footwork of the coach . Please note that no details on footwork is explained (outside
the scope) . The DVD is fully focussed on making the loop (reaching there can only be seen on the video) .

Once Slow Loop against backspin is explained , you are moved to section slow loop against topspin .
The racket angle , the difference is explained in this section . (The racket is more moving in forward
direction then upward ) . I think I need to practice slow loop against topspin as it really helps
you to attack in control manner the long topspin serves or to get back in the rally .
The still position and multiball is explained one by one . All loops are also shown in real games and
how they are used in real match situation .


Regarding the Action of the coach - The coach's backswin is very big , it goes far back to the left
(more than 90 degree) , it is explained that this is his personal style . I think people who are learning
looping should not emulate the complete backswing of the coach , but take it till the 90 degree mark.
The problem which I can see is the recovery time with a very high backswing .But the speed & spin will be immense .

Fast Loop -
This section covers how to perform fast loop , when to use it (3rd ball , 5th ball etc) . It goes in the
same mode as for the slow loop . You are first shown how to carry it out gainst back spin and then against
topspin in still & then in moving position .


Loop Drive -
This section covers how to perform fast loop , when to use it (counter rally ) . It goes in the
same mode as for the slow loop . You are first shown how to carry it out gainst back spin and then against
topspin in still & then in moving position .

Level 2 - Once you are proficient in the above you are told to move to next section i.e. playing against
a block for a continous rally . You are also advised to use the loops in combination like
opening aginst a push with a slow loop and then fast looping the block return or Loopdriving the
serve return and fastlooping the block return .

Level 3 - This section is dedicated to serve & loopkill , 3rd ball , 4th ball , 5th ball , 6th ball .
You are shown how to setup a point by combining the loops as explained earlier .

Level 4 - This section is on counter looping and gives details on how , when to use it .


All levels are explained by coach by visual demostration and also by real game examples .


Level 5 - This section is detailed on side spin loops and fade loops . (Fade Loop is a loop which is not in
repository & I found it difficult to get it from the dvd ) It says hit the ball early , on the back, side ,
and racket going from right to the left accross the body .

I like the sidespin loops of the coach . The Trajectory is good and is really good for people who dont have
it in their arsenal .


Finally you are shown real games examples with analysis , strategy and the video signoffs with that .

Results : Personally I find the DVD loop satisfactory and very good for beginner or intermediate players.
Players who are good loopers can learn or get something from the action or from Types of loops demostrated .


But the big part which it misses (and which I always tell young players to learn) is on the table loops .
I find this types of loop as a differnt type of loops and I think that it must be added as another level .
What I understand is that it is assumed that once you loop like way it is demostarted , you will be able
to carry out on the table topspin also .

Some more empahasis on footwork would have been helpful . All in all , it is good training dvd and useful
for your training .

I will return for a review on Forehabnd Smash ince I go thru it . Please inform me If this review
is useful for you.

Cheers,

Fantastic review!! 

well done, good to see there are people who r willing to contribute to this forum.

I'm writing a review on these DVDs. Will publish it soon.

I ran out of stock of both the DVDs.

If you guys are planning to buy it, use the link to buy http://www.tabletennisnetwork.com/LoopAndSmashMasteryDVD/tabid/93/Default.aspx

I'll post a review also, since I ordered both.