The Backhand Loop of Oh Sang Eun

By Wei Wang, USATT Hall of Famer and Certified National Coach

Oh Sang Eun is the first Korean shakehand player to make it into the top ten of the ITTF World Rankings. At well over 6 foot tall, Oh was one of the athletes who were able to meet the additional physical requirements when the ball size was changed from 38mm to 40mm in 2000. But even before the change, he impressed us with his impeccable timing, deft touch and awe-inspiring power. While he uses his long arms to generate extraordinary racket speed on his forehand, his most impressive shot is the backhand loop. There is an ease in the way his hand “flows” over the ball that contrasts with the raw power with which the ball leaves his racket. Much of that power is due to his timing. By accelerating his arm at the correct time and contacting the ball at the appropriate phase of its flight he maximizes the severity of the impact. But equally important, if not more so, is his use of the large muscles in his body – thighs, back and shoulder.

When I first saw him at the 1996 U.S. Open, I was surprised at how much of his technique was completely different from what was traditionally considered the “Korean Style.” Of course this is largely due to his shakehand grip, but even within that style, he had developed a game that was usually associated more with Chinese players. Rather than using lightning-quick footwork, Oh truly uses both wings equally to cover the court, and instead of having a monstrous forehand stroke, he generates power with a relatively short, concise stroke and creates pressure with penetrating placement.

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