The Block
By Dan Seemiller, U.S. Certified National Coach
Mar. 22, 2004

The block is a defensive-posture shot made against heavily spun topspin or smashes. Players seldom block to win a point outright. They block to keep the ball in play or to set up a point-winning-shot. Blocking requires good balance and much finesse. When blocking, keep the bat to the side at contact for a forehand, but directly in front of the body for a backhand.

Against a Loop: When blocking against a loop, block from the top of or above the ball, while on your toes, and press down with your bat arm at contact. When blocking a loop made against your own underspin, wait a little longer and cover the ball at impact. For either variation, to effect a quicker return, block on top of the ball and push forward. This will act much the same as a counter, using an opponent's spin to your advantage.

Against a Smash: While up at the table and attempting to block against a smash, open your blade and cushion the ball back to your opponent's end by relaxing your grip. Here, it is best for you to try to play yourself back into the point instead of trying to win it. Consequently, a well-placed block is usually the best option. To have any chance of trying to place the block, however, you need to remain balanced. Often, this is asking to much; just returning the ball and not losing the point outright is frequently the best you can do against a smash. If you are up at the table, any return will be a good one, for your opponent will have very little time to get ready for another smash.