The Modern Blocking Game

Rowden Fullen (1990’s)

Over the last few years there has been a shift in emphasis in the blocking game. Blocking used to be more a question of control and waiting for the opponent to make a mistake. Now it is rather more aggressive and the aim is to break up the play and to break out of the control situation and on to the attack as soon as possible.

At the higher levels and especially on the forehand side, the old type ‘control’ blocking game has almost completely disappeared. However it would be wrong to assume that it is no longer necessary for young players to concern themselves with the block. The original block is in fact the basis for the ‘stop’, sidespin and forcing strokes, which are used even at the highest levels in world play.

BLOCK TECHNIQUE.

Stance

  • close to table.
  • racket higher than the elbow.
  • racket facing the opponent.
  • relaxed.
  • weight leaning forward.

Execution

  • early timing, before ‘peak’ ( especially important to emphasize this with the forehand block, which is almost always too late).
  • the weight forward.
  • ‘closed’ racket, but the angle varying depending on the opponent’s spin.

After ball contact

return to ready position so that you are in a position to counter-attack.

TECHNICAL TRAINING

The best method of learning to block is by using multi-ball.

  1. 1 player). The coach stands a little back from the table and loops with topspin. The player blocks. Begin with light topspin and increase the spin element. Work then at varying the topspin so that the player understands the importance of varying the racket angle.
  2. (2 players). The coach plays backspin to player one. Player 1 loops and player 2 blocks.
  3. It is often best to use the better player to loop against the player who needs to improve his or her blocking play.

ALTERNATIVE BLOCKING TECHNIQUE

Stance

  • close to table.
  • racket higher than the elbow.
  • racket facing the opponent.
  • relaxed.
  • weight leaning forward.

Execution

  • early timing, before ‘peak’ ( especially important to emphasize this with the forehand block, which is almost always too late).
  • start with the racket a little higher in the case of the ‘stop’, chop or forcing block or a little lower for the topspin block.
  • acceleration of the forearm is essential.
  • work with a little rotation of the upper body.
  • closed’ racket, but the angle varying depending on the opponent’s spin.
  • contact the ball in front of the body and at the back or top of the ball.

After ball contact

  • return to ready position so that you are in a position to counter-attack.

TECHNICAL TRAINING

The best method of learning alternative blocking is by using multi-ball.

  1. (1 player). The coach stands a little back from the table and loops with topspin. The player trains at ‘stop’, chop, topspin or forcing block. Begin with light topspin and increase the spin element. Work then at varying the topspin so that the player understands the importance of varying the racket angle.
  2. (2 players). The coach plays backspin to player one. Player 1 loops and player 2 blocks.
  3. Players can work at 1 or 2 together without the coach.
  4. The various blocks can be incorporated into normal on-the-table exercises.

There are of course a number of varying ways in which you can block from control to forcing and all the various chop, ‘stop’ and sidespin strokes. Try to bear in mind the modern theory of blocking, unpredictability rather than control. As well as varying speed and stroke, think to vary placement and particularly length. The purpose is to break up the control game and to create attacking opportunities and as early as possible in the rally.