Site Products
Try, try again, Chuang Chih-Yuan

BUTTERFLY FAVORITES: Chuang Chih Yuan – Backhand Flick

(by Steve Hopkins)

The first video of Chinese Taipei player Chuang Chih Yuan is from 2017.  It shows him developing his backhand flick in two common game situations – (1) for use against short serves to his forehand side, and (2) as an attacking shot following a short return of his serve.  In 2016 and 2017 Fan Zhendong had great success with this tactic on his way to World No. 1, and as this was in 2017, this was likely early in Chih-Yuan’s development of the tactic.  Many players use both of these tactics on the Pro Tour today.  Usually when we see practice video, it shows players confidently striking their best shots and working on their rhythm and pace to get used to a tournament venue.  It is rare to see a player as they develop a new stroke – with misses and adjustments and frustration.

The second video is from earlier this year – a Chuang Chih-Yuan upset win over Harimoto at the Qatar Open in March.  Note that both players regularly use the backhand flick on short serves to their forehand.  Obviously, Chuang Chih-Yuan’s work paid off and three years later the technique is effectively integrated into his game.

Chuang Chih-Yuan uses the Zhang Jike Super ZLC FL blade, Dignics 05 on his forehand, and Tenergy 05 Hard on his backhand.

_________

 

 

Latest News

Latest Rankings: Chuqin to 1, Calderano to 3

September 16, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) China’s top two paddlers swapped spots in the latest World Rankings, with Wang… Read More

A Chopper’s Delight

September 16, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) When the Sugarhill Gang released “Rapper’s Delight”, few could have imagined either the immediate or… Read More

MLTT Is Back in Charlotte!

September 15, 2025
(by: Major League Table Tennis) See the Carolina Gold Rush Next Weekend Get ready for an action-packed three… Read More

Chopping and Playing Choppers – It’s All About the Mindset

September 15, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame I’ve coached many choppers during a match,… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Folsom Table Tennis Club

September 14, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins) The Folsom Table Tennis Club has two locations nestled in the greater Sacramento region of… Read More

WTT Champions Macao: A New Number One ?

September 14, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) The surprises ended on the final day, as the higher seed won each of… Read More

ITTF Pan American U11 & U13 Championships: Recap

September 14, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) The ITTF Pan American U11 & U13 Championships concluded last week in Antigua… Read More

WTT Champions Macao: Anders Lind Makes Semis

September 13, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Anders Lind headlined the penultimate day with a 4-3 upset win over World No.… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.