How to Hit a Forehand Loop in Table Tennis

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The loop shot is an aggressive variation of the block shot. Master the forehand loop before you attempt the backhand version.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Bend your knees and crouch down fairly low, almost into a sitting position.
Step 2

Step slightly back with your paddle foot and hold your paddle low and back, behind the upper part of your calf. This action will cause your torso to wind up, ready to hit.
Step 3

Unwind from your waist to begin your swing as the ball bounces off the table and approaches the apex of its bounce.
Step 4

Swing upward on the ball with a closed paddle.
Step 5

Hit the ball at the peak of its bounce, or just after it, with a very closed paddle (facing down). Swing in an arcing "loop" motion to strike the ball, which will cause heavy topspin and a short hit.
Step 6

Follow through so the paddle points in the direction of your shot.
Step 7

Recover to your ready position quickly.

Tips & Warnings

Practice the loop motion without the ball for a while. When you are actually playing, you won't have time to think in terms of step-by-step motions.
A perfectly hit loop shot will land short on your opponent's side, topspin forward aggressively, and have a very short bounce.

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