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

Playing the Fisher

September 14, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame) The fisherman (or fisherwoman?) . . .… Read More

Anav Gupta – All Table Forehand Loop

September 14, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is executing the All Table Forehand Loop with… Read More

MLTT Week 1 Recap: Opening Weekend in Duluth

September 13, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT's Michael Mixon) Major League Table Tennis kicked off its fourth season this weekend… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: BAPPA Table Tennis

September 13, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) BAPPA Table Tennis is a USATT-certified club in Milpitas, California, whose website greets visitors with… Read More

Moregard Back on Top in Macao

September 13, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Truls Moregard took home the Men's Singles title today in Macao.  He entered… Read More

Edmarie Leon – Backhand Loop Ball Placement

September 13, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Edmarie Leon is focusing on her Backhand Loop Ball Placement… Read More

Anav Gupta – Duel Counterloop off the bounce

September 12, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is working on his Forehand Counterloop off the… Read More

Chirag Pradhan – 2026 US Nationals U 15 Highlights

September 11, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Chirag Pradhan is in action at the 2026 US Nationals… 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 */