Blocking

Jeff and award winning coach Alois,

Congratulations on your coaching award. Good to see you receiving recognition.

I play fairly close to the table and like to block to try and maneuver my opponent or as a defensive shot when someone loops aggressively. The idea is to try and get into position for my own loop or against a looper to force an awkward return from them as at my level many players will not recover against a quick and well placed block taken off the bounce. My coach has told me that I should be playing a more orthodox forehand block as I tend to point the tip of the blade up. This way of blocking apparently limits the movement in the wrist. I'm not doubting the truth of this, but I have got used to blocking this way and I wonder if shorter players like myself find this way to in fact be superior especially when close to the table and taking the ball off the bounce. I will try to learn both ways but do you think a players height affects how shots are technically played?

Hi Nigel,

I think taking the ball early off the bounce to block can be useful.  I feel like you could still utilise your wrist effectively from this position. You could try to get a little closer to the table with your body as well.  Having the wrist down definitely gives you more options if the ball comes a little slower of higher.

The physical attributes of a player can make a difference to the way things are done and adaptation is important.