Forehand & Backhand Loop Opening vs. Backspin

with Coach Matt Hetherington

Two-Part Tutorial for Intermediate Players

Part 1: Forehand Loop vs. Backspin

Goal

Accelerate from under the ball to generate as much topspin as possible

Coil
  • Start low in neutral stance
  • Move the leg on your playing-hand-side a step backwards and shift your weight to that side of the lower body
  • Utilize your core to twist your upper body outwards, so that your racket’s starting position is by the playing-side knee
  • Keep your racket face angle open to generate more topspin
  • Focus: Optimum positioning for weight/momentum transfer
Release
  • Push off from your weight-bearing foot
  • Uncoil your body (up and inward)
  • Release your the momentum through your swing and accelerate through the ball
  • Keep your stroke as linear as you can
  • Focus: Synchronizing movements to maximize momentum

Part 2: Backhand Loop vs. Backspin

Goal

Still to accelerate from under the ball to generate as much topspin as possible

Inverted Coil
  • Start low in neutral stance
  • (Optional) Move non-playing leg a step backwards
  • Shift your weight to the non-playing leg
  • Utilize your core to twist your upper body inwards, so that your racket’s starting position is by the non-playing-side knee
  • Keep a clearing area between your body and your playing arm, with your elbow further out to help your shoulder stay relaxed
  • Focus: Optimum positioning for weight/momentum transfer
Release
  • Push off from your weight-bearing foot
  • Uncoil your body (up and outwards)
  • Release your the momentum through your swing and accelerate through the ball
  • You can use your wrist to generate extra momentum
  • Focus: Synchronizing movements and making sure your stroke stays linear all the way through
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About Matt Hetherington

Matt Hetherington is a JOOLA-sponsored coach and auto-immune athlete. Originally from New Zealand, Matt has represented his home-country in table tennis tournaments all over the world. He currently coaches at Lily Yip Table Tennis Center in New Jersey and runs the popular coaching blog, MHTableTennisPreviously, he served as the Media and Communications Director for USA Table Tennis (USATT).

Connect with Matt:

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