Smashing instead of looping

Hi guys, 

I have my forehand loop being performed very consistently over the last month or two. I get very good spin and am able to place it in many locations. However, my opponents are able to return it very easily sometimes with an aggressive counter drive. The reason I believe is that even how hard I try, it does not come in fast enough. I close my racket a lot, and use my entire body with much force and effort, but it is not that fast. I have the same problem on low, high, short, and long pushes.

I do not think that my rubber is limiting my power. I use yasaka rakza 7 soft and think it is very good. I know it is not my physical strength because I am very strong in my chest, arms, core, and legs. Even with maximum effort, I do not hit hard enough.

Should I attempt to solve the problem by smashing the higher pushes therefore sacrificing consistency for power? Should I practice smashing only? Is my racket brushing too much? Should I make a flatter loop? Please advise whether I should begin using smashes only or please tell me how to have a more devastating loop. Thank you so much.

Hi Anthony,

Try two things.  Firstly try to flatten the contact slightly.  MAke sure you keep the same action finishing above your eye level but by flattening out the contact the ball will travel faster.

The other thing to think about is to stay relaxed with your swing.  If your arm tightens it will decrease the speed.  This comes from trying too hard to hit the ball fast.  The first muscles that tighten are usually your shoulder muscles.  See how relaxed you can keep these as you swing through.

Smashing is not the answer as it decreases the percentages too much.