In this tutorial video Seth Pech shares what he’s learned about that most foundational (and important) of table-tennis shots – the block.
Fundamentals:
- keep the racket in front rather than blocking on the side of your body. You can see it better and transition faster
- for the basic block just use the opponent’s energy – don’t add anything
- for backhand, block in your normal backhand posture (rather than a lollipop, or poking) to aid transitioning to attack
- don’t bend your wrist back lots – it’s painful. Bend it back just a little.
- timing: catch it on rise or at top of the bounce, rather than just off the bounce
- against a heavy-spin loop, let the ball come to you and push down on it. Don’t move into it
Backhand punch block:
- have a relaxed wrist
- small backswing – imagine your hand hitting a sheet of paper and getting a nice “smack” on it for a “pop” sound
- catch ball at the top of the bounce. Going early makes it hard to get over the net.
- ascend very slightly through shot for a tiny bit of topspin (but tiny, as it’s still a punch)