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Table Tennis/ Ping-Pong Basic Strokes - Forehand Loop Against Loop

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Contact With the Ball

Photo of Forehand Loop Against Loop - Contact With the Ball

Contact With the Ball

(c) 2006 Greg Letts, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The player has made contact with the ball.

Points to look for:

  • The player has watched the point of contact with the ball closely.
  • The angle of the bat is at a roughly 45 degree angle, with the tip of the bat pointing towards the camera.
  • The hips, waist and shoulders have begun to turn forwards again.
  • The knees and torso are beginning to straighten, which adds to the amount of lift given to the ball.
  • The forearm and bat are moving faster than the shoulders, as shown by the slight blurring in the photograph.
  • If the ball was compared to a clockface, the bat has made contact at a point roughly between the numbers 10 and 11, while the bat was moving forwards and upwards. Note that the angle of the bat remains at around 45 degrees.
  • The ball is hit with a roughly equal mixture of solid and brushing contact, with the bat moving in almost a straight line when viewed from the side (this line is more horizontal than that used against a push). This movement will make the ball go mainly forwards and a little upwards, with heavy topspin.
  • The free arm has also started to lift, to help maintain balance.
  • This player uses a little more topspin than speed, which is why the blurring of the ball can be seen to be upwards at around a 30 degree angle. Other players that prefer faster, less spinny reloops would hit the ball with a swing that is more forward and less upward.

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