Using a sample of 3.8 M psi(2S) events accumulated with the BES detector, t
he process psi(2S) --> pi(+) pi(r)-J/psi is studied. The angular distributi
ons are compared with the general decay amplitude analysis of Cahn. We find
that the dipion system requires some D wave amplitude, as well as S wave.
On the other hand, the J/psi-(pi(+)pi(-)) relative angular momentum is cons
istent with being pure S wave. The decay distributions have been fit to hea
vy quarkonium models, including the Novikov-Shifman model. This model, whic
h is written in terms of the parameter kappa, predicts that D wave pions sh
ould be present. We determine kappa = 0.183 +/- 0.002 +/- 0.003 based on th
e joint m(pi pi)-cos theta(pi)* distribution. The fraction of D wave amplit
ude as a function of m(pi pi) is found to decrease with increasing m(pi pi)
, in agreement with the model. We have also fit the Mannel-Yan model, which
is another model that allows D wave pions.