“What are the approximate BAT ANGLES and ARM MOVEMENT ANGLES that Ma Long uses for his OPENING FOREHAND LOOP against HEAVY BACKSPIN? And how do these same angles compare to the BAT ANGLES and ARM MOVEMENT ANGLES Ma Long uses for his FOREHAND COUNTER-LOOPS against HEAVY TOPSPIN?”
My alter-ego Graham tried new rubber and a new all forehand attacking style today. He got a few longer fast balls back today that he normally missed and did well most of the time in his singles games brushing the top of the short balls with his forehand. It will be interesting to see how he goes against better players who smash or block his first attack shot back at him quickly. Or people who disguise their serves well. E.g. causing him to miss hit or by aceing him when he moves to far to the forehand. It will also be interesting to see if the new rubbers and blade work well for his push and chopping game. Most people loop long (single bounce) balls but Graham tries to loop low short (double or triple bounce) balls. Usually pushing or flicking is used instead of off the bounce forehand loops.
I noticed the following: 1) How far down he starts the loop. His racket is actually between his knees. This is necessary to get enough power for the topspin. 2) Where he hits the ball in relation to his body. The small space right in front of his chest is the "sweet-spot". As far as I know you should always hit the ball in the space where your hands meet in front of you with outstretched arms, - no matter what kind of strike you are going to do. 3) How he "closes" his racket after he hits the ball. The racket-angle should almost always end on top of the ball. 4) How he jumps into position immediately after the first stroke. This is so necessary to be in position for the next ball. This should be an automatic reaction after doing an opening loop so close to the table I guess.
