The idea behind this stroke is to put enough topspin on the ball to nullify your opponent's heavy topspin, and allow you to hit a fast stroke with medium to heavy topspin.
Forehand Counterloop Video - 640x480 pixels (6.7MB)
320x240 pixels version (2.9MB)
Points to look for:
- This stroke is played from further away from the table (typically 6-8 feet) than other loop strokes due to the speed and spin of the opponent's loop.
- The feet are placed with the right foot slightly further back than the left foot, to make it easier to put weight on the right leg during the stroke.
- Most of the weight is 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 weight is evenly distributed between the left and right legs.
- The knees are bent and the feet are around one and a half times shoulder width apart. The torso is also leaning slightly forward. This gives a lower center of gravity for better balance, and allows for easy movement in all directions.
- Shoulders are in line with the legs, with the right shoulder slightly behind the left.
- The arms are held roughly shoulder width apart, with around a 90 degree angle at the elbow.
