Study how the table tennis player imparts topspin by brushing the ball's upper half with a closed racket face
Forehand loop
Loop shots are executed away from the table and when the ball is on its way down. The player swings upward while "brushing" or grazing the upper half of the ball with a closed racket face (the top of the blade tipped toward the net). This imparts topspin to the ball.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Forehand chop
The forehand chop is executed away from the table and when the ball is on its way down. The player, standing in a square-on position, swings downward while "brushing" or grazing the lower half of the ball with an open racket face (the top of the blade tipped away from the net). This imparts backspin to the ball. A quick, smooth follow-through is desirable.
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