First we started warming up so that we were nice and loose and ready to do the drills. For the warm up we just started rallying with each other using any type of shot just getting used to the ball. We done this for about 5 – 10 Minutes before moving onto the main activity and skill based exercise.
In the main activity we focused on one main defensive shot, the block shot.
The first part of the Block Shot is to position yourself, keep your knees bent shoulder width apart, with both feet identically opposite each other and make sure your body is square on to the table and your opponent. This is so that you are ready for ball when it comes at you.
When the ball comes towards you, stand close to the table and take a stance facing the line of play. Using a short stroke, your racket arm should move from the elbow in a horizontal plane whilst your free arm should point towards the ball to assist with your balance. This is so that you can get the ball where you want. Hit the ball as it’s rising using 50% of your stroke action before hitting the ball and 50% after hitting the ball. Your body movement should be minimal when you play this shot. This is done because you need to get the ball just over the net and by doing this it allows you to make the opponent work.
After getting used to the shot we added in some mats in which we targeted, we first start rallying at a reasonable speed and then we would take it in turns to aim for the mat on the table. We did this for a while that the accuracy of the shot would then improve. After a while it was then turned into a competition in which allowed us to try harder to get the point allowing our technique to improve.
Block Shot Technique:
1. Stand square on towards the table
2. Legs shoulder width apart
3. Start with holding your bat up nice and high
4. Close up your bat angle against heavy topspin
5. Open up your bat angle against light topspin
6. Remain balanced and stable
The Block Shot from Sam Ainsworth on Vimeo.
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