Block faster loops
Match Strategy
Abhiram Reddy Asked 11 years ago
When you know that you have given your opponent an easy ball to kill, do you go forward and block or move away from the table ?
I like to stay a foot away from the table as I prefer to loop the ball. When my opponent is going for a faster loop the ball rises faster because of it speed and I block awkwardly at shoulder height or it moves too far away from me by the time it reaches me. Should I move in against my instincts that tell me to get away and come in and block when I don't have the time to topspin? How do I train myself to overcome my instincts and come forward to block and prevent being caught out of position once I step forward?
Can you also describe the footwork to move backwards in general with the shuffle stance?
Thanks a lot.
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Abhiram,
Finding the right distance is a matter of experience. In general when you give them a higher ball it is better to move further away from the table to give yourself more time to see the ball and to return it. Trying to topspin it back is a very difficult thing and a low percentage option. You are better off moving back and just trying to get one more ball back that they have to play.
If you are an extremely good blocker with great reflexes then you can try staying up close to the table.
The footwork for moving back is still a sideways shuffle but you are angling yor body so that the sideways shuffle gets you further away from the table.
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Gordon L Posted 11 years ago
Here is a match between Ma Long and Zhang Jike with the camera at a different angle that shows their incredible footwork.
Abhiram Reddy Posted 11 years ago
Thanks for the video Gordon.I've never seen this camera-angle in matches and it is incredibly helpful.