Blocking
Strategy
Stefan Liew Asked 14 years ago
Hi PingSkills,
When I play with with my friends, whenever they do a backhand block, they hit ball right after it touches making it go fast and seem to block all of my topspins. Is this the right method and if so, How should I counter this move?
Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago
Hi Stefan,
This is a good method of blocking. You can take the ball anywhere from close to the bounce to the top of the bounce.
To counter a good blocker, vary the pace. Don' try to hit through them, but rather use variation of spin to throw them off.
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Tactics Against Penhold Players
When playing penhold players it is important to remember to first analyse your opponent as you would if they used any grip. What are their strengths and weaknesses? A common weakness of penhold players is their forehand block especially against a slow spinny topspin. Their backhand may be a weakness if they use the traditional style, or you may wish to explore the crossover point if they are using the reverse penhold backhand.
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Abhiram Reddy Posted 11 years ago
I haven't tried this on the table yet as my block is essentially a mini-slower counter-hit,but what are the advantages of blocking at the moment of bounce(placing the bat like a wall) and hitting it as it rises(mini-counter-hit)?
I am used to blocking as the ball rises often resulting in awkward angles whenever I cannot move back fast enough.So I should probably try blocking at the moment of bounce against long balls or fast balls.
Hi Abhiram,
If you hit it earlier it means your opponent has less time to react to the next ball.
It is more difficult for you as well though, especially if the ball is still very low. If it is low, you have less margin for error over the net.
It is important to be in a balanced position when you hit the ball and contact it close to your body.