How to Play as a Blocker

Hey Alois, is it also ok to attack long easy balls that are easy to attack?

Thanks.

Yes it is a good tactic. A lot of blockers don’t feel comfortable making the attack but if you can then do it.  It is what the attacking player hates the most.

Thanks for the tips Alois. 

Also saw my question in the Ask the Coach Show, which helped me a lot too. 

Johny,block-attacking strategy was used by the best player of all time,the Master Jan-Ove Waldner,who was able to continuously beat  the Chinese for more than 20 years in a row.

So it can be really good idea if you are good at it.

DK, you mentioned the blocking-attacking strategy-which was probably the type of blocker I wanted to play as.

I didn't just want to be a blocker who just blocks, blocks, and blocks.

I like making an attack as Alois suggested to mess up the attacker. 

I really need to get better at placing the ball though. 

Then good luck,Johny

I am also trying to imitate the style of one of the  legends of Waldner's time: the defense master Koji Matsushita.

But because I am extremely untalented (and not only in table tennis),I can never reach even a bit of his skill.

It is because I hate looping.

I wish that you and every other who tries to imitate his/her idol to be more succesful than me,a person whose only talent is to make things go wrong.

DK, I personally believe there is no such thing as talent in this world. 

If you try hard enough to succeed at something, like imitating a great players style, you will succeed. 

It may be difficult, because of the amazing capabilities of Waldner, Matsushita, but we can all succeed. :)

A quote by Eric Thomas that I always remember-'When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful.'

I was just wondering when playing as a blocker, should I be letting my opponent to attack, or should I be working to stop them from attacking easily too?
Thanks.

It is best to make it as difficult as possible for them to attack.  If you give them an easier opportunity they will be able to dictate the pace and spin on the ball.  Sometimes it is also good to make the first attack at them.

Ok, thanks Alois.