Confusion between Sidespin Topspin and Loop

Table Tennis Strokes and Technique

Last updated 7 years ago

Tushar Verma

Tushar Verma Asked 7 years ago

Hi Coach, 

I was playing against a player who was very good at wrist movement and fake movement. He was using sidespin topspin with low swing in it and loop with same swing but fake his movement as they seems same (loops) at a low height. But when I block the both loops go up and sidespin topspin goes out of the table or in net. How could I identify their spin and amount to spin? They seems very close.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Tushar,

You can get clues from the flight of the ball. The sidespin shot will tend to curve in the air a little.  It may be difficult to see at first but as you play against it more you will start to recognise the curve.

Also make sure you are watching the swing of the stroke.  There has to be slight differences.  It may be that he is just dropping his wrist slightly for the sidespin stroke.


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Tushar Verma

Tushar Verma Posted 7 years ago

I followed your instructions and got a clue

His loops comes with making a high arc and trajectory.

But Sidespin topspin comes with a flat arc and bit sideways trajectory. 


Tushar Verma

Tushar Verma Posted 7 years ago

But I am still not able to pick sidespin what to do?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

The sidespin will come with more curve.



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