Common Blocking Mistakes in Table Tennis / Ping-Pong

Thanks and regards,
Nadeem

Blocking a loop can be tricky, since you have to judge the correct bat angle for the amount of topspin on the ball. I've got more explanations elsewhere of how to perform the stroke correctly, along with photographs and videos (Forehand Block and Backhand Block), but here are some of the common things ping-pong players do wrong when blocking:

• Overswinging - Using too big a swing when trying to block a loop is a very common error. Too much swing makes it hard to time your contact of the ball properly, especially if your opponent possesses good variation of speed. Six inches to a foot is more than enough swing to get the job done. Much more than that and you are making things harder, not easier.

• Overhitting- Trying to hit the ball too hard is another mistake made by many players. You are blocking because the opponent has put you under pressure - forget about trying to hit winners and try to get the initiative back by placing the ball where he finds it hard to attack instead. People try to copy the way pro's counterdrive loops - the only problem is the professionals have spent countless hours practicing this shot to perfect it. And notice that when under real pressure, a professional will not hesitate to use a control block to stay in the rally.

• Rushing the Block - Let the ball get above the net before making contact with your block. Blocking the ball a bit above net height makes it easier to get the ball over the net since you only have to let the ball bounce forward off your racket, and maybe even a bit downwards onto your opponent's court, which will let you block a bit faster. Block the ball too early (i.e. well below net height), and you have to time it just right to get the ball up and over the net, and then have it come down again on the other side of the net.

• Delaying the Block - While you don't want to hit the ball too early, blocking the ball too late isn't great either. If you let the ball get too high above the net, the ball has more time to deviate off the table due to the spin on the ball (especially if your opponent has put sidespin on the ball), and the higher the ball gets the harder it is to keep your block low and hard to attack.

• Overspinning - Some players try to put too much spin on the ball when blocking - almost like a small counterloop. While this type of block can be effective, it requires very good timing to pull off consistently. So unless you are practicing many hours a week, trying to copy this professional technique is asking for trouble. Don't try to use much spin at all to start with when blocking. This gives you a better chance of hitting the ball with clean consistent contact.

• Underthinking - Hitting the ball straight back at the looper to have another go is another common error. Watch your ping-pong peers playing sometime - and notice how often the blocker just puts the ball right back where it came from so that the looper can have another free shot at hitting a winner! Think about where you want to place the ball - make your opponent move his feet if he wants to keep attacking. Wide to his forehand or backhand or into his playing elbow are the recommended places to aim at.

• Underpracticing - The block doesn't always get the respect it deserves from players. Some players only want to hit the ball hard, and when it is their turn to act as the feeder in training, they switch off and block without thinking. This can result in poor technique, and the failure to develop the ability to place the ball where desired. Don't make the same mistake - the block is an essential part of any player's repertoire of strokes - and often the best way to turn defence into attack!