Old school game

Table Tennis Discussion

Last updated 11 years ago

Pedja Maric

Pedja Maric Asked 11 years ago

Hi, guys

I have recently asked you a question about hand wrist, and I am expecting your video response. The reason why I did it is because I saw several players using the wrist to generate spin. And they get away with it. Can you tell me how is it possible? I have heard from a friend that this kind of shot is an old school. As far as I could see the mechanism of that movement, it seems that they go with the racket beneath the ball, and then flip it on the top generating spin. My question is, how can they do that? And also, maybe you could tell us more about old techniques, and are they applicable in the modern era of table tennis. See ya


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Pedja,

The wristy shot is a risky shot.  By using your arm more you get better control of the movement and the movement will be more consistent therefore your stroke will be more consistent.

I don't know that it is necessarily old school, perhaps when the loop was first invented it was much more of a wrist action.  The ball was moving a lot slower in those days as well.

I think in general the game has become faster and so the strokes have needed to become more compact.  Players today are so much better at making the topspin to topspin ball as well.

What other changes do others think have come into the game?


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Thoughts on this question

azhar bhabha

azhar bhabha Posted 11 years ago

3 major changes, albeit obvious ones. whenever any of these comes up, my parents, who were players in the 70s have amusing responses. first, the 11 point game. this has drastically altered the dynamics of the game, and has made each single point so much more important. even if u relax for 3-4 pts, before u know it, the game could be gone.

second, the 40 mm ball. in a bid to ensure viewership and enable longer rallies, ittf increased the size of the ball. this again, has altered the way that rallies have shaped up, and have reduced the importance of service amd service return, to some extent.

third, the necessity of having one racket face red, and one face black. this has made it near impossible for some players who twiddled with different kinds of rubbers, to survive in the modern game.

every other change in one way or the other, stems from one of these 3 changes


Pedja Maric

Pedja Maric Posted 11 years ago

Yes, I understand, Alois, that the modern game has improved. That kind of wristy shot is unusual, I haven't seen it in any tutorials, but I see some older players do it, and the ball goes quite well, they are pretty consistent. If this discussion get people interested, perhaps you could demonstrate us that wristy shot, sometimes it looks very atractive


Pedja Maric

Pedja Maric Posted 11 years ago

And do you know some famous players who performed their shots like that?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Antun Stipancic was known for his wristy forehand.  This is a link to a video of him.  You don't really get a good view of his forehand but you may get an idea. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLvZwj2duUk


Pedja Maric

Pedja Maric Posted 11 years ago

Ok, thank you very much



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