Site Products
How to Make Your Strengths Stronger with Serve and Receive

Coaching Tip of the Week: Don’t “Guide” Your Loop

Posted on

(By Larry Hodges)

Many players, when learning to loop or when under pressure, try to guide the shot consciously. This is a mistake and leads to a weak and erratic loop. Instead, let the shot go, accelerating smoothly through the shot. Don’t try to “muscle” it – that just leads to spastic shots and a loss of control. Watch how the top players do it almost effortlessly, and with enough practice, you’ll be able to do it. When you miss, adjust the shot on your next shot, and again let it go. If you still have trouble, there are two simple remedies: get a coach or copy the top players. And table tennis is a sport where you can absorb by watching – when you do so, your subconscious picks up on it, and can do a surprisingly good job of copying what it sees. One huge key – once you start looping competently, remember the feel of the shot – the entire stroke, from start through contact – and then just repeat. It’s as simple as that!!!

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Austin Table Tennis Club

September 6, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) The Austin Table Tennis Club is located at 8956 Research Blvd in Austin.  They are just… Read More

Togami Wins in Togami

September 6, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) Shunsuke Togami, World No. 14, was the top seed in Almaty for this week's WTT… Read More

WTT Champions Macao: Preview

September 6, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) The draws were released today for the WTT Champions Macao 2026.  The seedings… Read More

Taiwo Adeyinka – Backhand Counterattack & Ball Placement

September 6, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips,  Taiwo Adeyinka is working with a student on the Backhand… Read More

Rachid El Bou Bou – Forehand Opening & Backhand Follow up

September 5, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is executing at Serve, Backhand Loop,… Read More

Taiwo Adeyinka – Tournament Highlights

September 4, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) n this Bowmar Sports Tournament Highlights,  Taiwo Adeyinka is in action at a tournament in… Read More

Kou Lei – One vs Two Counterlooping

September 3, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Kou Lei is doing a drill called "One vs Two… Read More

MLTT Meet the Teams: Princeton Revolution

September 2, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Princeton Revolution enter Season 4 as a formidable and balanced team, retaining… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

/* Constant Contact Universal Code */