Counter-looping from mid-distance

Setup

1. Pairs on a table with plenty of clear floor behind both ends and surrounds between tables.
2. Both players start about a metre behind their end line, forehand corner to forehand corner.
3. A pick-up net or tube at each table; the floor is cleared of balls before every round.

How it runs

1. One player opens with a slow, spinny forehand loop off a simple serve; from then on both players counter-loop crosscourt.
2. Rounds of about 90 seconds, counting the longest unbroken counter-loop rally.
3. Collect the balls between rounds. After three rounds, play backhand to backhand, then let the player in the lead switch the line once per rally.
4. Finish with points from the third ball: whoever wins the counter-looping exchange wins the point.

Coaching points

• Recover to a wide, balanced stance after every stroke; the return arrives sooner than it looks.
• Take the ball as it drops from the top of its arc and brush it forward more than upward.
• Close the bat face further as the incoming topspin gets heavier.
• Drive the stroke from the legs and hips; the arm finishes it rather than starting it.
• Give the ball a safe arc over the net and let the topspin dip it onto the far half of the table.

Common mistakes

• Drifting further back each shot until every loop turns into a lob.
• An open bat face against topspin, sending the ball off the end.
• Hitting flat from distance, so the ball has no spin to bring it down.
• Standing still between shots and reaching with the arm alone.