Style Summary:
Push/blockers tend to keep themselves close to the table, and vary the speed and spin of the ball in order to upset their opponents timing and rhythm, and provide themselves with attacking opportunities. Aggressive push/blockers are looking for the chance to attack wherever possible, while the more defensive push/blockers are content with wearing down their opponent by taking no chances and allowing their opponent to miss.
How Long Pimples are Used:
An aggressive push/blocker will use long pimples to allow him to stay close to the table while absorbing the speed and spin of his opponent's attack. Powerful attacks by the opponent are countered with the long pimples where possible, in the hopes of having the opponent struggle with the next shot, which can then be counter-attacked. The long pimples are also used when pushing to have the opponent misread the speed and spin of the ball, allowing the return to be attacked with the normal rubber.
A defensive push/blocker will also use the long pimples to handle the attacks of his opponent, but is generally hoping to use the spin and speed variation provided by long pimples to force mistakes from his opponent's attacks, rather than taking the offence himself. The long pimples are also used to affect the opponents timing and rhythm, resulting in slower pace in the points.
Requirements:
Push/blockers find good reflexes an advantage, in order to handle the first strong attack of the opponent. Good serves and return of serve is also beneficial. A gritty character is also needed to maintain their position close to the table when the push/blocker knows a strong attack is coming. Mental sharpness is also a plus, for spotting opportunities to take the offence or tempt the opponent to attack.
Level of Play:
Push/blockers are usually found in the beginning and intermediate levels of play, where they can be very awkward opponents. At the advanced level the push/blocker starts to struggle, due to the power and spin of the modern attacker, combined with the increased consistency of attack at this level.
Push/blockers are no longer found at the professional level (as far as I know!), due to the overwhelming advantages of modern equipment and the two color bat rule which work in their opponent's favour. I think the last real push/blocker of this type in the professional men's ranks was a Hong Kong player who was ranked #4 in the world in 1985, and made the semis of the World Championships in that year.
Next: Attacker Style
