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Table Tennis Basic Strokes - Backhand Loop Against Push

From Greg Letts,
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Ready Position

Photo of Backhand Loop vs Push - Ready Position
Ready Position
(c) 2006 Greg Letts, licensed to About.com, Inc.
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In the backhand loop against a push, the idea is to hit the ball over the net with medium fast to fast speed and and enough topspin to bring the ball down on the other side of the table. More spin can be added if desired, producing a ball that will dip faster and travel slightly slower.

View the Backhand Loop vs Push Video - 720x576 pixels (11MB)
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320x240 pixels (2.6MB)

Points to look for:

  • The feet are placed with the right foot slightly further back than the left foot. This is because there is no weight transference forward, and the slight loss in power caused by having the left foot forward is more than compensated for by already being in the correct stance for a forehand counterhit or loop.
  • The weight is evenly distributed on the balls of the feet to allow quicker movement. Too much weight on the heels will slow down movement, and too much weight on the toes will affect balance.
  • The knees are bent and the feet are around one and a half times shoulder width apart. The torso is also leaning slightly forward to give better balance and movement.
  • Shoulders are in line with the legs.
  • The arms are held roughly shoulder width apart, with around a 90 degree angle at the elbow. The bat should be above the table to allow easy stroking of short balls.
  1. Ready Position
  2. Middle of Backswing
  3. End of Backswing
  4. Start of Forward Swing
  5. Contact With the Ball
  6. Middle of Follow Through
  7. End of Follow Through
  8. Start of Return to Ready Position
  9. Return to Ready Position

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