Mastering the Table Tennis Backhand Loop: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
The backhand loop is now just as popular as the forehand. High level players are developing a "two-winged" style of play where they can spin the ball from both sides and create superhuman rallies. Before practicing the backhand loop, you should have mastered the backhand drive. This tutorial will cover the body mechanics, paddle angle and stroke trajectory, ball contact point and timing, and drills to help you utilize the backhand loop in actual game situations
Understanding the Backhand Loop
The backhand loop is a heavy top spin, powerful, arching shot used to hit high speed and spin against any ball, regardless of the type of spin that is on it. It relies heavily on a stable core and shoulder, a pivot at the elbow, and a snap of the wrist for acceleration and spin. With it you can take the offensive initiative against any half long and long ball that you receive to your backhand side
Stance
Basic table tennis stance is discussed in detail in phase one of our Free Beginner to Intermediate Table Tennis Lesson Plan
Position to Table
Stand 1 meter away from the table and position yourself to the backhand corner. Stand with your feet and shoulders square to the path of the ball. In the situation of learning this stroke, that means facing diagonal across the table
Technique
Backswing:
As the ball is about to bounce on your side of the table, tense up your core, raise and point your playing elbow at the path of the ball to stabilize your shoulder joint. With your palm and forehand rubber facing your stomach, let your wrist relax so the tip of the paddle points towards your belly button. It should be within an inch or two of it actually
Forward Swing:
As the ball bounces on your side, further tighten your core slightly bringing your shoulders down and forward towards the ball
Allow your forearm to pivot around your elbow like a windshield wiper
Contact Point:
Finally let your relaxed wrist snap just over the back of the ball when it reaches the height of the bounce or shortly after. Ensure the racket face is very slightly angled forward only about 15 to 20 degrees to add topspin
When looping you should hear the ball engaging the rubber and the wood equally which will create a high-pitched clicking sound
Follow-through:
The arm does not end at full extension, more like 135 degrees at the elbow and the tip of the paddle pointing at the path of the ball
Stay loose and begin your backswing quickly to repeat the process
Practice Drills
Shadow Practice:
Without a ball, practice the motion of the backhand loop in front of a mirror. Focus on your stance, grip, and follow-through
Basic Drill:
Stand opposite a partner that blocks consistently to your backhand corner as you focus on backhand looping consistently with good form at a slow to moderate pace. Only pick up the speed when you can both continually return the ball across the table to each other without messing up
Movement Drill:
Have a coach or partner block to your backhand and middle. You use small lateral shuffle steps to move into position to backhand loop back to the blocker. You are moving, but the blocker is blocking from a static point on the table. Be sure to work in a drill where you randomly transition between your backhand loop and forehand loop. If you skip this in practice you will lose matches due to an inability to integrate the two techniques during high pressure moments
Match Play:
Integrate your backhand loop into practice matches. Focus on using it strategically against your opponent's shots and try to place it to different areas of the table
Common Mistakes
Exaggerated Stroke: Focus on technique over power. A well-executed shot often beats raw strength.
Forgetting Footwork: Always be ready to move. Don't reach for the ball. Proper footwork is essential for effective striking wherever the ball may land. Watch where your opponent is hitting the ball and get your body behind its' path to execute clean technique
Racket Angle: Ensure your racket angle is correct at contact. Most people close the paddle face too downward. For the backhand loop the paddle angle is slightly angled forward allowing you to brush up and forward just above the back of the ball. This creates massive amounts of topspin. If the paddle face is too horizontal i.e. pointing at the ground, you end up with slippage where the balls dies because it does not create enough pressure to rebound off of the rubber
Early Timing: For some reason, people extend their arm out and rush the backhand loop. The stroke then looks discombobulated. In this way contact is made when the arm is extended, and all of the power is exerted before touching the ball. You should let the ball come close to the body before the forward stroke starts
Pivoting at Shoulder: If the shoulder joint and upper part of the arm are loose, you will see an inconsistent backhand loop that is out of control. Keep the shoulder and upper arm completely still. Only pivot the forearm by rotating it around the elbow like a helicopter blade and release that energy into the ball by snapping the wrist at the moment of contact with the ball
Conclusion
A high-quality backhand loop is one of the most difficult shots to develop. It can take years to become consistent and we highly recommend working with a coach as you begin learning it. The shot is intricate and far from intuitive. As we say often, unlearning bad technique is so much more difficult and wastes a lot of time if compared to following a well sorted training plan with professional coaching. Learning the backhand loop will test your patience and your level of grit to continue playing table tennis. If you take on the challenge, and succeed, you will see yourself transcend to a whole new level in the game.
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