Brett Clarke - Forehand Topspin like a Bear

ttEDGE - William · Nov 17, 2014

I'm not a dramatic type of guy but this is probably the most insightful table tennis video I have ever seen. It takes a form of genius to explain a concept that few top coaches understand using nothing more than a stuffed toy.

I often get asked what should start your swing - your body or your arm. I challenge you to find me better forehand topspin technique than this darn bear.

Michal_Z · Nov 17, 2014

Unfortunately I dont think I can ever do this like the bear..

ttEDGE - William · Nov 17, 2014

I think it will make people view the shot differently in their own minds. The bear has perfect technique with no arm acceleration or tenseness in its arm whatsoever. I hope and think that players will have an aha moment when they then think about their own topspin.

Tony's Table Tennis · Nov 17, 2014

Michal_Z said:
Unfortunately I dont think I can ever do this like the bear..

Thats obvious.
You not cute enough

RajaLoopah · Nov 17, 2014

I was just doing this during a match yesterday.My coach was shocked that the ball was spinny

dannyreventon · Nov 17, 2014

Is this what the chinese do to have those monstrous FH loops?

Brett Clarke · Nov 17, 2014

dannyreventon said:
Is this what the chinese do to have those monstrous FH loops?

It's a big part of it. The Chinese tend to have a straighter arm than others, as they use the momentum from their core on the backswing and stroke.

Baal · Nov 18, 2014

Clearly the bear is the boss.

Brett Clarke · Nov 18, 2014

Baal said:
Clearly the bear is the boss.

Baal, I'm going to make a forehand series. LL Beary say's it's - Like a Bear! I feel it should be - Like a Boss! Your input would be highly appreciated here and I know you have an interest in the outcome. Do you really want to walk around saying - Like a Bear?

Der_Echte · Nov 18, 2014

But I AM a BEAR already!

TTD members Carl and Brice and Firdaus will testify in court to that effect.

I got a lot of nicknames, but Tiny Tim isn't going to be one of them.

Der_Echte · Nov 18, 2014

TTD members had better POUND the daylights outta the like button. For crying out loud, a Verified Pro Player (and hiz associate coach) are telling us something worthwhile. We don't get that every day.

Does anyone/everyone think they are full of it?

I certainly thing Coach Clarke is full of IT !!! (It being much fun and luv of the sport)

Does anyone trust the Government more than these two?

Would everyone hit like button like a sheep zombie if it said to do so?

Der_Echte · Nov 18, 2014

This is almost funny silly situation as every month on a TT forum somewhere, some member posts a vid and asks why he isn't able to loop like he or she should and is utterly wondering and asking for things that are contributing to sapping their power and control.

Coach Clark is slapping us upside our rock heads showing us some really common (yet seem to be top secret stuff for many) reasons why we are sapping power and control.

Baal · Nov 18, 2014

Baal, I'm going to make a forehand series. LL Beary say's it's - Like a Bear! I feel it should be - Like a Boss! Your input would be highly appreciated here and I know you have an interest in the outcome. Do you really want to walk around saying - Like a Bear?

I prefer like a boss because I am a boss and not a bear and so like the recognition of "like a boss". On the other hand, my stroke is somewhat like the bear's. I also like honey. I am deeply conflicted and need more time to study this. In spite of my indecision, I like the videos.

dannyreventon · Nov 18, 2014

Brett Clarke said:
It's a big part of it. The Chinese tend to have a straighter arm than others, as they use the momentum from their core on the backswing and stroke.

Correct me if I'm wrong. By having a relaxed arm to do a good forehand topspin, we're like treating the arm like a whip?

Brett Clarke · Nov 18, 2014

dannyreventon said:
Correct me if I'm wrong. By having a relaxed arm to do a good forehand topspin, we're like treating the arm like a whip?

Hi danny, you got it...exactly like a whip. The bear obviously has no muscles and yet his arm is moving super fast as a result of the momentum from the core...not by forcing his arm. Cheers, Brett

Thewimo · Nov 18, 2014

Brett Clarke said:
Hi danny, you got it...exactly like a whip. The bear obviously has no muscles and yet his arm is moving super fast as a result of the momentum from the core...not by forcing his arm. Cheers, Brett

Hmm does that mean that for example Ma Long does this sort of technique? When i see him playing like this, the dragon and the bear got similiar movements.

Brett Clarke · Nov 18, 2014

Thewimo said:
Hmm does that mean that for example Ma Long does this sort of technique? When i see him playing like this, the dragon and the bear got similiar movements.

I think the Chinese use their waist better than players from others countries in general. Both the bear and the dragon have a fairly straight arm at the point of contact.

TTFrenzy · Nov 18, 2014

I dont know why but it actually reminded me this technique in Karate Kid 2. If u observe Ralph macchio he is actually executing the exact same technique. Core rotation with totally relaxed arm, b**** slapping the enemy like a boss

Go directly @ 4:19

Brett Clarke · Nov 19, 2014

TTFrenzy said:
I dont know why but it actually reminded me this technique in Karate Kid 2. If u observe Ralph macchio he is actually executing the exact same technique. Core rotation with totally relaxed arm, b**** slapping the enemy like a boss

Go directly @ 4:19

Mr. Miyagi and LL Beary trained together in Okinawa, so it's no great surprise that D. Larusso uses that technique too.

dannyreventon · Nov 19, 2014

Thanks Brett! I've applied it to my matches today, and I would definitely say my topspin loops became better.

Brett Clarke - Forehand Topspin like a Bear

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