Blocking Problems on the Forehand
Strokes and Technique
Cristh Garrido Asked 12 years ago
Hi Alois and Pingskills
I find it difficult to adopt a defensive position. When i am recieving if i don't let return the ball short or i don't flick it, generally i loose the point. i push long and i stay in the middle of the table waiting for the attack of my opponent, but if the ball goes to the forehand i don't hit it, and there i loose a lot of points, because i don' know where will go the ball. What i can do?
Please HELP!!!!!
Besides i want to ask you a video of the RPB topspin against block, please to see the correct technique.
Thanks
Jeff Plumb Answered 12 years ago
Hi Cristh,
The forehand block is more difficult than the backhand block. With the backhand the ball comes to you and you are right behind the ball so it's easier to watch the ball right onto the bat. With the forehand, it's out to your side a bit and can feel strange at first.
To improve this stroke you need to practice it. Watch our video on the Forehand Block and get a good picture of the stroke in your mind. To start with see if you can get a training partner to play forehand topspins straight to your forehand and see how many blocks you can play in a row. Once you get better at that, see if you can get your partner to serve a backspin ball, you push it long and have them topspin again to your forehand.
For the block you don't need to take a big swing. Make sure you are watching the ball really closely onto your bat.
Thoughts on this question
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Cristh Garrido Posted 12 years ago
Thanks Jeff, but is not the stroke that complicate me, the consistency of my forehand block is maybe better than my backhand block, the big problem is that i push the ball and generally to my opponent is one point, because i don't know where will go the ball...maybe i don't push very well, maybe i don't push with a lot of backspin, maybe i push to high, then i push and i adopt a deffensive position on the table, but the ball can go to my backhand or to my forehand, and is there where i loose a lot of points
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
I see Cristh,
It sounds like you have part of the solution. By improving your push you will make it more difficult for your opponent. A short push can be very effective as it stops your opponent from making a strong loop. If you do push the ball long, then as you mention, try to get it very deep and with plenty of backspin. Then the key is to get ready for the loop. The key to this is watching the ball extremely closely. If you track it right onto your opponents bat, you'll start to pick up earlier where they are hitting the ball to. This will help you get in position and make the block.
Cristh Garrido Posted 12 years ago
Thank you so much Jeff
And if i want attack the serve of my opponent with a flick...is that more effective than push long or short???
Thanks again
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 12 years ago
The flick is just another option. It will depend on each opponent that you play. Some players may like it when you flick the ball but others may not. It is a matter finding the best return to make against each opponent.
mat huang Posted 12 years ago
I dont know, but to me, flick is not a stroke used often because it could noy generate a lot of power and speed.
Äccording to normal situation, if short and low push it.
If long loop it
Cristh Garrido Posted 12 years ago
Thanks