Counter-Looping Is Simpler Than You Think
This is a brand-new, technique-focused column in a question-and-answer format. The mystery figures answering are two former national team members, both now veteran coaches. So the “Reaching the Summit” column was born.
How do I receive over-the-table short balls well, so the opponent struggles to get on the offensive or fire?
At the instant of receiving, variation should be much, deception strong. For strong deception, reduce hand motion, especially shorten the time gap at the instant of receiving — that is, make your motion and variation only at the instant you are very close to the ball. This way the opponent has less time to prepare, more easily errs, and struggles to get on the offensive. For example, for a short touch, control it to start moving only when the ball is about ten centimeters from the bat. If too early, the opponent is prepared. In this short distance, you can take the ball’s rising phase — short touch, side-slice, long chop or flick, as you please. Of course, the premise is your footwork is in place, the center of gravity is pressed, you have read the ball’s landing spot clearly, and you wait there for the ball. This way, the opponent dares not move easily, and your eyes can watch the opponent’s position before deciding how to return.
How do I learn to counter-loop the opponent’s topspin loop?
The stroke essentials are actually very simple: move toward the incoming ball, aim with the right foot first, lead the bat with the body, the bat-draw height roughly even with the incoming ball’s height. If time allows, swing the upper arm; if no time, brace the body forward and just recover the forearm. That is, this one is mainly braced through by the body, with the forearm recovery just adding reverse friction to create arc and spin. Why do people feel counter-looping is hard? Mainly because footwork is not in place and the center of gravity does not brace forward. Slow reaction, panic, fear of watching the ball, and so on. Both driving and looping should have a feel: like hugging someone in front of you, looping with the ball hugged to your chest. If the incoming ball is too fast and you are pinned, do not overthink the arm’s motion — just brace the ball back with the center of gravity. The core of defending loops is also: brace with the center of gravity. The forehand has a “hugging” feel; the backhand a “pressing” feel.