Points to look for:
- Slightly more of the bodyweight is now on the left leg than the right leg.
- The right leg has continued to bend to allow the stroke to be made in a comfortable and balanced manner.
- The left leg and foot have been placed almost parallel to the table, and the left knee will continue to bend as the stroke is played.
- The shoulders, hips and waist have reached the end of their rotation, and are now close to being at right angles to the endline of the table.
- The free arm has almost stopped moving, since the shoulders have stopped turning.
- The left arm is now near to parallel with the end of the table, while the right forearm has moved further backwards, since the player is aiming to hit the ball to the opponent's forehand side. If the player was aiming at the opponents backhand, the bat would be a little further forward.
- The shoulders are relatively even in height, and the bat is a little lower than shoulder height.
- The player has begun to increase the amount he is leaning forward, to help hit the ball at a lower height.
- The player is continuing to keep a close eye on the ball.
- Although it cannot be seen from this photo sequence, the player has paused his bat at the end of the backswing for a fraction of second before swinging forward. Note that the tip of the bat is pointing upwards.
