I had a question about the flat hit forehand I am a very good powerlooper and spin looper on the forehand and backand but I have trouble flat hitting, I have to Loop kill everything and it would be a lot easier if on lets say a smash I could flat hit because it seems easier for p_layer_s to return my loop kill than when I flat smash or just to change things up a bit and suprise my oppents from going from a heavy topspin loop to a flat hit. Maybe it is just not a high percentage shot, right now I am playing at about 1700-1800 level. Thanks for your help.

Post edited by: spinscience, at: 2005/08/20 19:15

Spinscience wrote:
I had a question about the flat hit forehand I am a very good powerlooper and spin looper on the forehand and backand but I have trouble flat hitting, I have to Loop kill everything and it would be a lot easier if on lets say a smash I could flat hit because it seems easier for p_layer_s to return my loop kill than when I flat smash or just to change things up a bit and suprise my oppents from going from a heavy topspin loop to a flat hit. Maybe it is just not a high percentage shot, right now I am playing at about 1700-1800 level. Thanks for your help.<br><br>Post edited by: spinscience, at: 2005/08/20 19:15

I'm not sure if you are asking how to hit a flat forehand, or whether you should learn to do so. To learn to do so, you need a coach (or an advanced club p_layer_). As to whether to develop it, it depends. If you are big and strong, or can generate power easily with your loop, then focus on overpowering p_layer_s with your loop against weaker balls. With good ball placement, you don't need overpowering shots to end the point. (Many p_layer_s don't think about ball placement.) But if you are having difficulty penetrating opponents, then you'll need to smash more.

One important note: many p_layer_s ruin their long-term game by focusing too much on smashing. This might be OK for most, but around the 2000-2200 level these p_layer_s get stuck, as loopers begin to dominate and turn hitters into blockers. (Of course, this may be beyond the level you are aiming for.) In general, I'd advise focusing on looping, with smashing a secondary shot. In other words, think loop, smash when you see the chance.

-Larry Hodges

thanks for the replie larry! yes I am aming for a very high level.

Spinscience wrote:
I had a question about the flat hit forehand I am a very good powerlooper and spin looper on the forehand and backand but I have trouble flat hitting, I have to Loop kill everything and it would be a lot easier if on lets say a smash I could flat hit because it seems easier for p_layer_s to return my loop kill than when I flat smash or just to change things up a bit and suprise my oppents from going from a heavy topspin loop to a flat hit. Maybe it is just not a high percentage shot, right now I am playing at about 1700-1800 level. Thanks for your help.<br><br>Post edited by: spinscience, at: 2005/08/20 19:15

spin...if you send me a mailing address and $10 i will put together a cd for you of johnny huang...nothing like Reflex or anything...just a bunch of clips of him playing different guys...if you want to flat hit..hes the only image in your mind you need..

ricky
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Post edited by: ricky, at: 2005/09/21 11:21

Larry is correct. Concentrate on top spin, Smash second. As Rick said, Johnny is the best smasher but he uses short pips. The angle of the blade with the regular rubber is different.

To improve your game, I would suggest you a training DVD called 'forehand Smash Mastery'. You can go step by step and master Smashes. The video is availalbe with the preview on http://www.TableTennisNetwork.com