If you haven’t seen my video on developing a European Style Backhand Loop from Youtube, you can watch it here.

Pop Quiz 1
Watch the first sequence and figure out which of the four options represent the best shot selection. A hint is to watch where my opponent is standing, because it will give you the best chance at the answer.

Here is the entire sequence with the answer highlighted.

The reason that the answer “D” is the correct answer is because the down-the-line position exposes the opponent. The reason that this is the best position is because the opponent’s body position has not crossed the centerline. This is how you can create the correct shot selection based on the opponent’s physical position. 

Pop Quiz 2
Watch this sequence and choose the best shot selection of the four options. Now that you have an understanding based on body position, look for the answer that offers the best play that you can make that will be uncontested.

Here is the entire sequence with the answer highlighted.

In this sequence the answer “B” is the correct answer because it is the best shot selection that exposes the open court. The reason that the wide Backhand is the best placement is because the opponent is physically positioned right down the centerline. Playing the ball wide to the Backhand is the best way to take over the sequence of play by playing your opponent out of position.

Pop Quiz 3
Watching this clip below shifts and focus to observing the error. Inside this sequence of play there is an error made, and you want to look back at the formula to find out what component in the technique is responsible for the error.

Here is the entire sequence with the answer highlighted. 

For this sequence of play there are 2 distinct errors that are made that resulted in missing the forehand loop. The first error is the anchor foot shifting back too late after the backhand loop. The only way to stabilize the loop is by having the anchor foot in the back, because it allows the potential for full power. Because of the anchor foot shifting late, the result of this is contacting the ball too late. Both of these errors are responsible for missing the loop.

Post Quiz 4
This next clip still focuses on being able to analyze the error that is made in the sequence of play. 

Here is the entire sequence with the answer highlighted. 

Observing the sequence you can see that the error made is getting to the ball too late, even so, that I was not able to make contact with the ball. The ball is decelerating while trying to contact the ball at the top of the bounce that has already passed. The indication that I’m late is when the ball has landed on the table, I’m still loading the stroke.The reason that this type of detail is important is because you need to be able to plug the error into your formula, and quickly process how the error cam about, and how to correct it so it doesn’t happen again.

Correcting the error
The clip below is a perfect example of how to make the adjustments to making these errors.

Table Tennis competition is fast moving, and the better that you are equipped at quickly analyzing, the better you will be at competing at the highest level. It is important to develop this European Style Backhand Loop, because as you advance in level, you will notice that you have to cover more distance with your footwork. Having this type of Backhand Loop will allow you to still put in quality attacks without creating unforced errors. 

Enjoy your training, and I’ll see you on the table. 

Brian