Short balls

You're a magician if you can loop a really short one!

well that's good since i'm a magician.

Then do the loop. Better than the flick for sure!

I guess you can do it if you manage to swing along the side of the table

I wonder how many elderly players (I'm 85 years old) there are on these lessons?

I'm left-handed and unfortunately bothered by a neurological problem so that it is difficult to move out of my partner's way in our doubles games. When I receive a serve in doubles I use my backhand and usually try to flick the short serves and topspin any longer serves. That may let me cover the table with my forehand for my turn with less movement. My opponents of course know my present limitations and take advantage of it.

Do you have any suggestions that might be better for my game?

Harry

I think that hitting the short ball by loop is a bit dangerous in the case your opponent is able to make an effective response by hard block or counter-loop. This might catch you in the wrong position too close to the table. Some good players use to provoke their opponents to play flick or loop right over the table being themselves ready to respond quickly while opponent's stomach is on the table. :) 

Hi Harry,

It is more about where your partner hits the ball when it is his turn.  If your partner hits the ball to a position that is diagonal to you then your opponents are likely to hit the ball back towards you.  Try to get your partner to hit the ball down the line more.  This should mean that you are then in a better position to hit the ball.

Thank you. Only a few of our elderly crowd are good enough to control their shots but I will try to 'teach' some of them how to move properly.

Harry