Backhand Loop off the bounce

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 15 years ago

Ji-Soo Woo

Ji-Soo Woo Asked 15 years ago

Hi Alois

this might be a good topic for a future youtube video, but in the interim, I was hoping for any tips/pointers on doing the backhand loop off the bounce.  I've seen a few players in my local competition do this stroke.  They stand close to the table, start the stroke as the ball approaches and then accelerates quickly through their stroke as the ball bounces.  It must involve a lot of brushing action because the ball is sort of 'caught' and comes back with only moderate speed but a LOT of spin.  They can do this against almost any incoming spin, including backspin.  This would be a great weapon to add to my arsenal if I could recreate it.

Cheers

Ji-Soo


Jeff Plumb

Jeff Plumb Answered 15 years ago

Hi Ji-Soo,

William Henzell is Australia's best player and his best stroke is the backhand, in particular the backhand off the bounce. I find this stroke most effective off topspin balls. Against backspin balls it is generally more effective to hit it at the top of the bounce allowing you more angle. However off a topspin stroke you can really rush your opponent by taking the ball early. The key to this stroke is to not lift the ball too much. Swing through the ball and hit the ball forward. By using your wrist you will automatically generate the required topspin. If you try and lift the ball too much you will find you often hit it off the end of the table.

It is a hard stroke to master so try to get some multi-ball practice where your partner just feeds balls into your backhand. This way you can easily practice the stroke hundreds of times and find the best swing that generates pace and spin at the same time. Imagine your wrist snapping through the ball.


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