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blocking very heavy topspin

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    Posted: 12/01/2020 at 1:42am
I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lightspin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 2:00am
If the player is spinning the ball and you do not counterloop it, they will just continue to slow spin because it is safer for them.  You might try to counterloop it even if you miss because you might catch on after a few shots, you might scare them into not doing it again or you might make them less accurate because they have to worry about what happens next. 

If you do not want to try counterlooping, try to block with an inside out motion.  If you do an inside out motion in front of you right now in front of your computer without the racket, your motion will probably be very level.  The worst thing to do with a spinny loop is to go up.  Also turning your racket inward (for a righty turning it to the left for a fh block or to the right for a bh block) can also help with closing the angle. 

The spin is also dying really fast, so if you back up just ever so slightly you will be dealing with a much easier ball. 

As a last resort you can try to flat hit the ball into the bottom of the net and hopefully it will go on the table but I would try the other 3 suggestions first.  Good luck!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 2:13am
Originally posted by Lightspin Lightspin wrote:

If the player is spinning the ball and you do not counterloop it, they will just continue to slow spin because it is safer for them.  You might try to counterloop it even if you miss because you might catch on after a few shots, you might scare them into not doing it again or you might make them less accurate because they have to worry about what happens next. 

If you do not want to try counterlooping, try to block with an inside out motion.  If you do an inside out motion in front of you right now in front of your computer without the racket, your motion will probably be very level.  The worst thing to do with a spinny loop is to go up.  Also turning your racket inward (for a righty turning it to the left for a fh block or to the right for a bh block) can also help with closing the angle. 

The spin is also dying really fast, so if you back up just ever so slightly you will be dealing with a much easier ball. 

As a last resort you can try to flat hit the ball into the bottom of the net and hopefully it will go on the table but I would try the other 3 suggestions first.  Good luck!
Haha I actually tried to counterloop, only got 1-2 on the table for a success rate of maybe 10% lolll. It's just way too spinny to control Dead

Interesting tip about the inside out block, I never tried that before, though I'm also learning/practising the inside out counter. i think that could be very disorienting for the looper if he suddenly has to deal with them in addition to the normal blocks. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mjamja Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 11:10am
A couple of things to try.

1. Make sure your backswing is very high.  On the Bh side I tell students to touch their shoulder with their hand.  On the Fh side backswing with the hand well above the elbow so racket is at least chin high.  This ensures you will be blocking down and not up.

2. Contact the ball at just above net height as it is rising.  If you wait too long and let the ball get too high you have no chance.  On the slower, shorter loops this means you have to step in to get to the ball before it gets too high.  If you make contact before the ball is above net height you also have problems since you tend to block up in those situations.  If the loops are deep you need to step back just slightly so the ball can rise above the net before you contact it.
Note: This assumes you are using a positive forward blocking motion and not a pull back motion which is best executed right off the bounce.

Trying to block the ball into the bottom of the net is a great trick that really works.  If you can not overcome you muscle memory then you just have to trick it.  I played a couple of guys where I ended up trying to block into the table in front of the net in order to force myself into the right angle and downward motion.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lgxb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 11:16am
if you are penholder, you can do Malin's side chop trick right after the ball bounce off the table(when the spin is at the lowest level)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jpenmaster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 12:04pm
To me it sounds like your grip is too tight and you are just trying to touch the ball back because of the spin. Loosen your grip and guide your block a little more. You will absorb some energy and give the ball some more time on your racket. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NextLevel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 12:15pm
Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 



You are probably playing a bit too close to the table to deal with a player on his level for the level you currently play at.  While you may not win, if you take a step back and block, the balls will likely start going on the table again.
I like putting heavy topspin on the ball...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Valiantsin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 12:49pm
Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 



You are probably playing a bit too close to the table to deal with a player on his level for the level you currently play at.  While you may not win, if you take a step back and block, the balls will likely start going on the table again.
Agree - unfortunately equipment of attackers is much more evolved comparatively to what you have as as a blocker/defender.
Sometimes you just can not block loops and need to go from blocks back to defense and chop them from distance.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JohnnyChop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 2:32pm
Originally posted by jpenmaster jpenmaster wrote:

To me it sounds like your grip is too tight and you are just trying to touch the ball back because of the spin. Loosen your grip and guide your block a little more. You will absorb some energy and give the ball some more time on your racket. 

this is good advice... I like doing a mini loop to guide the ball in if that makes sense. 
I wouldn't intentionally back off to block as you will have to loop or chop for your shot to be threatening. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 5:30pm
Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 



You are probably playing a bit too close to the table to deal with a player on his level for the level you currently play at.  While you may not win, if you take a step back and block, the balls will likely start going on the table again.
Yeah that part is true, but I'm pretty sure I'll be destroyed even worse if I step away from the table haha.....Guy is an unmerciful attacker... 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 5:32pm
Originally posted by lgxb lgxb wrote:

if you are penholder, you can do Malin's side chop trick right after the ball bounce off the table(when the spin is at the lowest level)

I actually know how to chopblock, but there's no way I'm chopblocking his loops when I can't even block them haha. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 5:38pm
Originally posted by mjamja mjamja wrote:

A couple of things to try.

1. Make sure your backswing is very high.  On the Bh side I tell students to touch their shoulder with their hand.  On the Fh side backswing with the hand well above the elbow so racket is at least chin high.  This ensures you will be blocking down and not up.

2. Contact the ball at just above net height as it is rising.  If you wait too long and let the ball get too high you have no chance.  On the slower, shorter loops this means you have to step in to get to the ball before it gets too high.  If you make contact before the ball is above net height you also have problems since you tend to block up in those situations.  If the loops are deep you need to step back just slightly so the ball can rise above the net before you contact it.
Note: This assumes you are using a positive forward blocking motion and not a pull back motion which is best executed right off the bounce.

Trying to block the ball into the bottom of the net is a great trick that really works.  If you can not overcome you muscle memory then you just have to trick it.  I played a couple of guys where I ended up trying to block into the table in front of the net in order to force myself into the right angle and downward motion.

Mark - Nominated for a Timmy (TT Emmy) for his portrayal of a coach on MyTT.net.

Thanks those are some great cues!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NextLevel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 5:41pm
Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

Originally posted by NextLevel NextLevel wrote:

Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 



You are probably playing a bit too close to the table to deal with a player on his level for the level you currently play at.  While you may not win, if you take a step back and block, the balls will likely start going on the table again.
Yeah that part is true, but I'm pretty sure I'll be destroyed even worse if I step away from the table haha.....Guy is an unmerciful attacker... 
Not necessarily - it gives you time to hit the ball - think about it as expanding your game in a way that is necessary for you to get better.
I like putting heavy topspin on the ball...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mykonos96 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 7:39pm
Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 



Its not enough to close the angle, the ball flies when the ball sinks into the sponge and hits the blade. When you feel the ball has bittens the topsheet not the sponge you press the ball forward so the ball cant transfer the energy..the key is a very short contact

I saw very closely when eugene zhang blocked calderano loops and the block landed very close to the net. Using this technique ,you can block anything given if you are fast enough to minimize  the contact.

Also you overloop the ball like fan ,as soon you touch the loop the blade goes upward. Coach li sun explained this in a video.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/01/2020 at 9:29pm
Originally posted by mykonos96 mykonos96 wrote:

Originally posted by blahness blahness wrote:

I thought I was a good blocker until I met a crazy looper a few days ago. Guy had Timo Boll loops starting from a very low position (exaggerated  haha) which were completely on another level of spin, even when I try to close the angle to ridiculous levels the ball just flies a few foot outside the table. He also moves fast and pounces on any half long serve like bees to honey. 

I only succeeded when I use my entire body to absorb the energy and press it down and forward, unfortunately once he increased the angles and I didn't get in position in time, the ball was just close to impossible to control on the table, much less do anything useful with it. It didn't help that he had such good footwork that he could just keep on looping so spinny  from both wings even when I blocked it well.... 

Lost badly except for 2 games where I tricked him with serves and weird receives to win lol... it's also super irritating that he serves 90% super heavy short backspin which means I couldn't do my chiquita at all... and he has a better short game than me so he always gets to loop first. 

How do you guys deal with consistent, ultra spinny loops like this? 



Its not enough to close the angle, the ball flies when the ball sinks into the sponge and hits the blade. When you feel the ball has bittens the topsheet not the sponge you press the ball forward so the ball cant transfer the energy..the key is a very short contact

I saw very closely when eugene zhang blocked calderano loops and the block landed very close to the net. Using this technique ,you can block anything given if you are fast enough to minimize  the contact.

Also you overloop the ball like fan ,as soon you touch the loop the blade goes upward. Coach li sun explained this in a video.

Yes I use this technique too, but pretty much you gotta get the body behind the ball, if it's not you can't really press the ball down+forward sufficient enough to control the spin.... 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stiltt Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/02/2020 at 12:44am
The slow speed of the ball does not make it peaceful, its super high spin is a form of extreme aggressiveness.

A good player, Bill Ryan from San Diego visiting Seattle told me at a Taco Bell after playing: "a good player will give you what you give him." 

If a slow and extremely spinny ball (e.g a Timo Boll opening loop from under the table for example) is aggressive and Bill is right, then your answer can only be aggressive which means grazing the ball tangentially covering it with a very fast stroke is the right move. Controlled answers lose here, the touch is in your speed on par with his spin (I meant), winning retaliation lies in a killing blow that will teach him to play 1/2 ass Timo. He might push more after a couple clear messages.

The more I think of it the more I see it as the best move in a tough situation, better lose the point doing the right thing to keep a chance of winning the point than bending over to get your head cut off. It's frustrating at first due to the high failure rate but if it's the only move to survive, let's go for it, we'll learn with practice trying again and again in the right mindset.

As a go player said in a silly but entertaining action movie full of clichés: "When we can't get out, we need to go further in." and also "You must think like a man of action and act like a man of thought." -Henry Bergson.


Edited by stiltt - 12/02/2020 at 10:30pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/02/2020 at 6:36am
Originally posted by stiltt stiltt wrote:

The slow speed of the ball does not make it peaceful, its super high spin is a form of extreme aggressiveness.

A good player, Bill Ryan from San Diego visiting Seattle told me at a Taco Bell after playing: "a good player will give you what you give him." 

If a slow and extremely spinny ball (e.g a Timo Boll opening loop from under the table for example) is aggressive and Bill is right, then your answer can only be aggressive which means grazing the ball tangentially covering it with a very fast stroke is the right move. Controlled answers lose here, the touch is in your speed on par with his speed, winning retaliation lies in a killing blow that will teach him to play 1/2 ass Timo. He might push more after a couple clear messages.

The more I think of it the more I see it as the best move in a tough situation, better lose the point doing the right thing to keep a chance of winning the point than bending over to get your head cut off. It's frustrating at first due to the high failure rate but if it's the only move to survive, let's go for it, we'll learn with practice trying again and again in the right mindset.

As a go player said in a silly but entertaining action movie full of clichés: "When we can't get out, we need to go further in." and also "You must think like a man of action and act like a man of thought." -Henry Bergson.

Haha I did land a couple of crazy killer counterloops but he didn't stop doing it because my failure rates were laughably high....

Tbh it's really good experience, I think if I practice more against him I'm gonna really level up in my blocking/countering skills haha... 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cole_ely Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/02/2020 at 9:22am
Originally posted by stiltt stiltt wrote:

The slow speed of the ball does not make it peaceful, its super high spin is a form of extreme aggressiveness.

A good player, Bill Ryan from San Diego visiting Seattle told me at a Taco Bell after playing: "a good player will give you what you give him." 

If a slow and extremely spinny ball (e.g a Timo Boll opening loop from under the table for example) is aggressive and Bill is right, then your answer can only be aggressive which means grazing the ball tangentially covering it with a very fast stroke is the right move. Controlled answers lose here, the touch is in your speed on par with his speed, winning retaliation lies in a killing blow that will teach him to play 1/2 ass Timo. He might push more after a couple clear messages.

The more I think of it the more I see it as the best move in a tough situation, better lose the point doing the right thing to keep a chance of winning the point than bending over to get your head cut off. It's frustrating at first due to the high failure rate but if it's the only move to survive, let's go for it, we'll learn with practice trying again and again in the right mindset.

As a go player said in a silly but entertaining action movie full of clichés: "When we can't get out, we need to go further in." and also "You must think like a man of action and act like a man of thought." -Henry Bergson.

Yeah for Bill Ryan!  One of my favorite guys in the sport.  He lives in wichita now last I knew.  Not really able to play much at all any more, unfortunately.  I used to stay with him when we worked the zeropong booths maybe 15 years ago.

On the question at hand, the more the ball is spinning the more you have to hit through the ball to force it down.  I coach people all the time who try to touch block the ball.  Gotta drive it forward and down. Almost spike it.


Edited by cole_ely - 12/02/2020 at 9:41am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Magic_M Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/02/2020 at 4:57pm
I think, your own equipment is a big part of your problem against such loopers, because both rubbers (H3 + D09C are extremely spinny. This is a big advantage if YOU dominate the game, but it is also a disadvantage if you are the passive player. Therefore you have 2 options in my eyes: 1. you MUST answer with an aggressive counter loop as some other members already mentioned or you should change your backhand rubber. For example a Nittaku Factive or Butterfly Rozena are spinny enough for an opening loop and they are MUCH less reactive to incoming spin.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/02/2020 at 5:37pm
Originally posted by Magic_M Magic_M wrote:

I think, your own equipment is a big part of your problem against such loopers, because both rubbers (H3 + D09C are extremely spinny. This is a big advantage if YOU dominate the game, but it is also a disadvantage if you are the passive player. Therefore you have 2 options in my eyes: 1. you MUST answer with an aggressive counter loop as some other members already mentioned or you should change your backhand rubber. For example a Nittaku Factive or Butterfly Rozena are spinny enough for an opening loop and they are MUCH less reactive to incoming spin.

Haha yes, they are very spinny (and spin sensitive) indeed which is bad vs extremely spinny loops... I use them to emphasize my advantages in serve/receive (in terms of creating weird spin and angles with control). I wouldn't want to give away these advantages though, think I just need to level up my blocking skills. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BH-Man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/02/2020 at 9:24pm
One safe way to keep the ball on the table is to LOOSEN the grip and take the ball VERY SOON - like within a few inches of the bounce if you can manage it, try not to take the ball higher than net, it will require several times the touch.

That is a simple block that is not active. It is for safety and consistency. Once you really learn how to be real loose on that grip, you can block anyone's spinny loop.

Later, the issue may be that that looper will loop again, or hit, or do something else to get the point. You have to use what skills you have hte best you have... maybe find his middle, find where opponent does not do a good job of taking a step or two to loop, or has difficulty if you block wide FH and then block wide BH.

At some point, you learn the punch block where you let ball come up over net, close bat enough, and really jam into the ball with a short jab stroke. This is very intuitive for many players on BH and tought for many on FH.

At some later point, you learn to be active. Keeep loose grip early to eat opponent's spin and help your consistency, but you will not have a devestating ball. Later, learn impact timing and firm up grip at impact and really go through it, then you got pace and spin and a troubling ball for opponent.

All these later things take finer anticipation, position, and timing.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WingTT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/03/2020 at 5:40am
If you're willing to be evil another option is to turn to the dark side. OX long pip reversal might ruin his day depending on his level. Antispin or Medium and short pips could allow you to attack through his spin. You could have a spare evil setup or two you could bust out when you play against him.


Edited by WingTT - 12/03/2020 at 5:41am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/03/2020 at 7:57am
Originally posted by WingTT WingTT wrote:

If you're willing to be evil another option is to turn to the dark side. OX long pip reversal might ruin his day depending on his level. Antispin or Medium and short pips could allow you to attack through his spin. You could have a spare evil setup or two you could bust out when you play against him.

Lollll I heard that he struggles with pip players....but I'm definitely not able to play with long pips just like that haha
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote WingTT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/03/2020 at 8:45am
No, no. Anyone can play with LP. Don't you know they're talentless, out of shape hacks whose biggest skill is blocking backhand on the forehand side? :> Hell, even I used to do it from time to time just for the fun of it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cole_ely Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/03/2020 at 9:04am
from what I've seen it takes a lot more skill to block with long Pips because the spin makes the ball tail up. You've got to really work hard to kind of poke through the spin and force the ball down. For me short Pips make the easiest blocking or just a well-used inverted

Edited by cole_ely - 12/03/2020 at 9:05am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/06/2020 at 6:33am
I actually played the guy again, and I'm having much better luck blocking and redirecting his shots thanks to some of the tips here lol... I think I'm almost even with him in matches after some practice sessions thanks to the improved blocking/countering...and after playing with him blocking other people's loops seem almost so easy haha...

It's so good to play with players of his quality, it really forces me to move and anticipate faster, and be smarter in covering off possible angles.


Edited by blahness - 12/06/2020 at 7:34am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote vanjr Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/06/2020 at 3:49pm
I have found that some players that loop crazy heavy is to give them weak topspin serves and not push to keep their loops from being so spinny.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/06/2020 at 5:34pm
Originally posted by vanjr vanjr wrote:

I have found that some players that loop crazy heavy is to give them weak topspin serves and not push to keep their loops from being so spinny.

I tried that, doesn't work, loops are almost equally heavy regardless lol....
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote smackman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/06/2020 at 9:33pm
Hay since you are from Australia and we have all the cups here
Ill help you out
 Do you want to win firstly or just improve your blocking against powerful loops?

You already know how to win by serving well, getting in first and keeping it tight and keep to the strategy of making him reach and avoid playing to his strengths
If your main emphasis is being better at blocking, keep playing him and don't worry about the score, go and see a junior coach and ask to be a blocking partner for high level students
and watch others playing him
and and have practice partners where they loop and you block and the swap

lastly he just maybe better than you
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote blahness Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12/06/2020 at 9:52pm
Originally posted by smackman smackman wrote:

Hay since you are from Australia and we have all the cups here
Ill help you out
 Do you want to win firstly or just improve your blocking against powerful loops?

You already know how to win by serving well, getting in first and keeping it tight and keep to the strategy of making him reach and avoid playing to his strengths
If your main emphasis is being better at blocking, keep playing him and don't worry about the score, go and see a junior coach and ask to be a blocking partner for high level students
and watch others playing him
and and have practice partners where they loop and you block and the swap

lastly he just maybe better than you
 

Haha yeah tbh I just like to improve my blocking against his quality of loops xD, winning is just a welcome side-effect. 

You're completely on point with how to win, i.e. serve well, get in the first loop and give him awkward af receives to reduce his quality of the first topspin. 

I think just playing against him for a few sessions already improved my blocking a lot, some of the other players loops which I struggled with previously look like slow-mo shots which I can do whatever I want on them. Basically it kinda forced some of the bad habits out of me (because I just wouldn't be able to block any of his shots if I had these bad habits) -> i.e. reaching to block without moving the feet, not using the body to control the ball, not loosening the bat enough, not going forward and downwards with the stroke. 


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