High loop vs Low Loop

SirLoops Alot Asked 12 years ago

I've noticed that many of the Chinese players seem to, on average, execute loops that are much lower over the net than European players who tend to loop the ball in a higher arc.

Is this true. If so, what is the significance of this difference? I tend to hit my loops very low over the net and wondered if I need to change my style.

Thanks

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Dan,

If the ball goes over the net lower, it will give your opposition less time to react. However, a higher ball can also be troubling to your opponent because it gives them more time to think and make an error. It is a matter of each opponent you play and what works against them.

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DHS Lover Posted 11 years ago

Sir alois, about the loop, how fast should i brush the ball ? Is it slow but i lift it up high, or is it fast but i just brush it a little or what ? Please for the answer :D thank you very much

Surapun Wongopasi Posted 11 years ago

If your loop is high, your opponent can counter it with a loop drive. But if it is low, then he can't attack easily. Again, making a low loop, the margin for errors is small; you have to judge correctly how much backspin the ball has and then counter it with enough top spin to barely clear the net. However, a higher loop to your opponent's backhand may be a good strategy if that is his weakness. Most players will have trouble dealing with a high loop to their backhand because they cannot block this stroke easily and making a backhand loop drive is a very difficult stroke for the average player.

Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Hi Surapun,

Good points. I think that each opponent can be different. I've actually found that a lot of players have weaker forehand blocks in general and although it may be scarier because they might attack your loop, they will make more mistakes from that side. As I said, it really depends on each opponent, which is why you need to try and work out a basic strategy for each person you play.

SirLoops Alot Posted 11 years ago

Interesting, thanks for the feedback. I personally struggle returning the high spinny loops more, especially if they land short to my backhand side. By the time the ball reaches me, it's higher off the table and therefore difficult to keep the ball down on the opponent's court.

It's been quite some time since I posted this question, and I think part of the reason that Chinese players' loops are lower is simply due to the fact that the generally play closer to the table and their loops have to be low.