Style Summary: In the classic defensive style, the emphasis is put on the safe backspin retrieval of the ball over and over again. The idea is to keep the ball in play until the opponent makes a mistake. As such, the classic defender tends to shy away from taking risks, and instead is looking to make as few errors as possible.
How Long Pimples Are Used: The use of long pimples can help the classic defender by providing him with a 'safe' side to hit the ball with. The heaviest and fastest of loops can be countered by using the long pimples to chop the ball. Spin variation is also used to make the attacker misread the spin and hit into the net or off the table.
The classic defender won't try to attack many balls with the long pimples, as the margin for error is too high. He will usually counterattack only easy setup balls, using his normal rubber to do so. His preferred position is at least 6-8 feet (2 metres) from the table, so that he has more time to hit the ball, and can do so as the speed and spin of the ball is decreasing.
Requirements: The classic defender requires patience and self-control, and is usually the type of player who avoids taking risks. The higher the level he plays at, the fitter he will need to be, in order to cover an increased defensive area. The ability to turn or twiddle the bat as desired is also an asset, in order to be able to return any difficult balls with the safety of the long pimples.
Level of Play: The classic defender is usually found at the beginning and intermediate levels of play. Once their opponents are capable of consistent looping, they find it very difficult to cope with the power of today's speed glued loops. The best can compete at the advanced level, but need to be in peak physical condition and have the cunning of a fox. At professional level for men, the classic defender is almost non-existent, but some can be found in the women's game, due the lesser power of women players.
Not everyone agrees with my assessment of the popularity of classic defenders in advanced play, as evidenced by this discussion in the forum.
Next: Modern Defender Style
