Generating Power On The FH Loop Versus Block

Daniel Ring Asked 11 years ago

Hi Coaches,

My question is a little bit more technical than most of the questions you probably get, but some things have been really bugging me lately.   What I would like to know is the following:

When you reach the end of your backswing on a FH loop versus block, how do you initiate the forward movement into the ball?  Do you consciously PUSH against the floor with your right foot, or do you simply turn at the hips and waist (or "firing" the hips let's say) to generate the forward motion into the ball? 

Also, I recently watched a video where Brian Pace made the claim that both feet should be in the air at the moment of contact on a FH loop.  However, when I watch Ma Long's training video, it's pretty obvious that he keeps his feet rooted in the ground the whole time when doing a FH loop versus topspin.  However, watching him play in a real match... his feet do often come off the floor when he hits the ball.  I'm an intermediate player and having a hard time understanding when my feet should leave the floor when looping against topspin...