Why do Zhang Jikes Movements Look so clean?

[riemsesy]

However the thing I miss most in the modern game is 5 serves even though I think there are aspects of the 11 point game which are good for the game as a spectacle

This is what I hear from the old stars at my club too. So one day per week, where only 55+ players come, they play 21 points per game.

 

[banbekas]

Depends in what you modeled, Zhang Jike uses his upper arm out of sync with the body more than most modern forehands. With spin on the celiuloid ball, it was easier to get away with that, but with the plastic ball power requirements, it just placed much more pressure on technique.

Forehand topspin and no problem so far. Feels great and awesome. I don't notice the difference in spin back then and today. As a matter of fact, people are still using H3 and Tenergy with plastic ball. Even though those two rubbers are meant for celluloid. Barracuda, Vega Pro and older gen ESN rubbers are still perfect for today's game.

That being said, Jike had been dealing with injuries even before the change to plastic. After his win against ML in German WC, I remember I read somewhere about article everyone was calling his technique as the most advanced. Now that he's retired everyone is calling his technique is the reason behind his injuries.