Strokes Used
In this style, one side (typically the forehand) is used to attack the ball with loop strokes, and the other side is used to block, drive or smash with little spin. A shakehand grip is normally used. Some players prefer to use a spinny loop stroke to help set up their smashes on the other wing, while others use their drive or block side (typically the backhand) to help control the rally until they can hit a powerful loop from their other side.
Distance from the Table
The preferred distance for the table for this style is close to the table (within 3-4 feet).
Typical Equipment
At high levels, these players will generally boost or speed glue both sides of the bat. The loop side will be inverted rubber of 2.0mm or thicker sponge, while the drive side is usually a short pips sandwich rubber. In the seventies through to the early nineties, the block or drive side was often an inverted rubber as well, but this has become comparatively rare these days due to the weakness of having a side which has not enough aggression or variation.
Popularity
This style is still quite common in the lower levels of the game, but is now on the decline at an elite level.
