Chop defence and recovery

Setup

1. One defender and one attacker per table; the defender's end needs several metres of clear floor behind and to the sides.
2. The defender starts two to three metres back from the end line, in the centre; the attacker stays close to mid-distance.
3. Clear the floor of balls before each set, and keep surrounds between tables so balls do not roll across.

How it runs

1. The attacker serves or feeds and then loops at a steady pace, alternating forehand side and backhand side of the defender.
2. The defender chops every ball back long and low, then recovers to the centre before the next loop.
3. Sets of about two minutes. Every few balls the attacker may drop one short; the defender moves in, pushes it long and backs out again.
4. Three sets, swap roles if both players defend, then play points where the attacker must win with at least five loops in the rally.

Coaching points

• Move the feet first so the ball is chopped beside the body, not reached for.
• Start the bat high, at about shoulder level, and brush down and forward under the ball as it drops.
• Let the ball fall to about table height or lower before contact; patience buys time and control.
• Vary the spin with the same-looking action: a heavy chop, then a lighter or floated one.
• Recover to the centre after every chop with small, quick steps.

Common mistakes

• Chopping straight down, so the ball drops into the net.
• Staying on the last side and getting caught by the switch.
• Standing too close to the table, which leaves no time against a fast loop.
• Chopping high and short, giving the attacker an easy kill.