Some folks take the opposite approach, trying to blast through a blocker using their hardest attacks all the time. Against passive defenders you have a little bit more leeway, and can push a bit higher, and take less risks with your normal attack, since you know that they aren't likely to counter-attack you too much. Whether it's slow, heavy spin deep on the table, or light high topspins to the wings, grit your teeth and keep using it until you get the return that you know you can put away with power. Against aggressive blockers you need to use whatever return they don't like often, while you wait for that setup ball to come along. In this case, patience means waiting for the right ball to attack with power, and controlling your aggression until it comes along. Just like the old adage goes "Don't try to argue with a fool - they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience", don't suddenly try to out-block the blocker - you'll be playing the game that they have been practicing for years. This is not bad advice, but it is important to add a proviso - don't try to beat the blocker at his own game. Most people would advise you to be patient against blockers. Once you find out what that is make sure you give him lots of it. Anyway, knowing what he likes helps you to narrow down what he doesn't like. It's the price you pay for not scouting him out in advance. It's OK if your opponent hits a few winners while you are trying to find his weaknesses. Your job is to find out which ones they are. Remember, the pace of the ball, the spin on the ball, the depth and placement of the shot, and the height of the ball can all be varied by you - somewhere in that combination will be a return your opponent is not comfortable against - probably more than one. Does he prefer to block against flat, fast drives? Or is he better against the slower, spinnier loops? Does he like to play crosscourt or down the lines? Does he favour his forehand or backhand block? These are the things you need to know in advance, or find out fast when the match starts. It's up to you to find out what that rhythm is, and avoid it most of the time. The typical blocker thrives on matches where he can play at his own rhythm. Use it intelligently and to your advantage, by playing with a little more spin and less pace while you wait for the right ball to put away. So remember, you have a little bit more margin for error, not a lot. They love nothing more than watching you slowly lose your cool, your temper, and your mind as they stick their bat out and plod the ball back again and again. It's just that he would rather wear you down bit by bit, letting you beat your brains out against his defence while he reduces you to a long dribble of sweat (a line I stole from squash great Jonah Barrington). The passive blocker is still out to win, make no mistake about that. The mistake to avoid here is getting sloppy and losing your concentration or form. I'll talk a bit more about what your plan should be in a little while, so stick with me.Īgainst passive blockers you have a little more margin for error, since you know that you can push the occasional high ball, or make a less than perfect attack, and they won't punish you for it. Every weak attack or bad push that you make will cost you. You can't afford to let up against these guys at all - you must stick to your game plan at all costs. Is he an aggressive blocker, looking to use his block to out-manuever you and set up his own attack? Or is he the wall-like defender, content to simply put every ball back on the table and wait for you to beat yourself as you hit harder and harder, and try to angle the ball wider and wider?Īggressive blockers must be handled with care, since any lapses in concentration on your part will be swiftly punished with lightning counter-attacks. My first suggestion would be to consider your opponent and how he approaches the match. One of the most frustrating experiences in Table Tennis can be playing someone who imitates a wall and sends every ball you hit right back at you! I've been there and done that a few times, so today I'm going to list a few suggestions for you to use when trying to get past these modern day counterpunchers. By Greg Letts - an Australian state coach, an International Umpire and one of the top ranked players in his country.
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