Coaching Forum Article
ROBO-COACH
Backhand Loop Against Topspin
By:
Richard McAfee, USATT National
Coach
Perhaps the greatest change in the sport over the last ten years can be seen in the ever growing strength of the backhand loop. Not long ago, this stroke was only used against backspin returns to simply open up the point. Today, it is very difficult for the topspin attacker to be successful without equally powerful forehand and backhand loops. Let's take a look at the mechanics of the backhand loop stroke against topspin.
The Basic Elements Of A Good BH Loop Stroke Are:
- Timing: Contact the ball while rising or at the top of the bounce.
- Touch: Fast loops blend both friction (spin) contact, with force (hitting) contact. However, there is more friction contact than force. Remember that force always has a direction. With a fast loop against topspin, it will feel like you are pushing downward at contact.
- Ball Contact: At the top of the bounce, contact ball above center. If contacted on the rise, the ball contact point moves higher, towards the top of the ball.
Stroke Description:
The key to a strong backhand loop against topspin is making the proper backswing for the stroke. Your backswing should place the racket on your left hip (right-handed) and NOT between the legs as you would for a loop against backspin. This will allow you to swing more forward and to be able to contact the upper part of the ball. For added power, bring your left foot backward. This will rotate your upper body backward and allow you to transfer your weight into the shot. This starting position should place your wrist down and back. At ball contact, the wrist swings up and forward. As in all strokes, you want to generate maximum acceleration while the ball is in contact with the racket.
Practice Drills:
Drill 1 - Counter and Loop Drill
Set your Newgy Robot to deliver a deep fast topspin
ball to your backhand. Alternate between making two
backhand counters and then one backhand loop.
Concentrate on making good friction contact (spin) when
looping and good force (hitting) contact when
countering.
Drill 2 - Build-Up Power Drill
Again, set your Newgy Robot to deliver a deep fast
topspin ball to your backhand. Execute your first
backhand loop from the normal backhand counter position
(left foot forward). On the second return, drop your
left foot back and execute a series of three backhand
loops, each a little harder than the last. The third
loop should be hit with full weight transfer and
power.
To see a good example of a power backhand loop, watch the QuickTime movie of Togo National Team Member, Kwaovi de Souza. Look for the racket backswing position and the wrist action at contact.
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