Forehand and backhand block

Setup

1. The blocker (P1) stands close to the table, roughly an arm's length behind the end line and centred near the middle.
2. The attacker (P2) stands a step back from the forehand half of the other end.
3. Spare balls stay in a box beside the table, not on the floor.

How it runs

1. P2 plays steady topspin, or firm drives, alternately to P1's backhand half and forehand half.
2. P1 blocks every ball back to P2's forehand so P2 can keep a rhythm.
3. Two minutes, then swap roles. Count the longest unbroken rally.
4. Second round: P2 plays at random to either half while P1 still blocks to the one spot.

Coaching points

• Bat out in front and early: meet the ball just after the bounce, on the rise.
• Close the bat against topspin; the heavier the topspin, the more closed the bat face.
• Keep the stroke short and firm. The incoming pace does most of the work.
• Backhand block in front of the body; forehand block a little to the side with a small turn of the waist.
• Bring the bat back to the middle, in front of the body, after every block.

Common mistakes

• Swinging at the ball, so blocks fly long.
• An open bat against topspin, sending the ball high and off the end.
• Drifting back from the table and blocking from below table height.
• Leaving the bat on the last side and arriving late on the other.