How To Block Heavy Topspin Loops - Table Tennis University

In this video, taken from the Coach Q&A section of Table Tennis University, Coach Tao Li answers a TTU student's question on how to block heavy topspin (slow loops).

This video is a free preview from our Table Tennis University course, taught by professional Chinese table tennis player and coach Tao Li.

Who is Coach Tao Li?

A former professional Chinese player, he trained and competed with some of the best players in China during his era and is a former Chinese national champion and sought-after coach. His coaching has positively impacted thousands of players worldwide.

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[axsg]

I dont find him hard to understand at all. Very nice video, clear and intuitive explanations and demonstrations. Thanks!

[gryphon]

Coach Li please keep these videos coming, I am a beginner and I was able to implement your technique and overcome a heavy top spin the first week instead of just blocking I was able to return strong! Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the game and please just ignore the haters, the 15 year old kids that have nothing better to do than make fun and the wanna be experts out there maybe if they took the time to ask you an intermediate level question and you can video it to appease them also.

[TableTennisMaster]

He says, "you need to find a partner who's loop is very spinny."

We realize Coach Li's English isn't perfect but he's doing the best he can. We've provided captions so if you have trouble understanding him feel free to turn them on.

[PRODMUDDY]

Had no issues understanding this man. Wholesome guy, thank you.

[skindiver]

thanks so much for the tip..i am playing a big t/s looper tomorrow night. ill be back with my results. cheers from Australia

[andremth]

thanks Coach Li.  My game improved tremendously

[TableTennisMaster]

Yes, counter looping is a better option if possible. The student's question indicated that the incoming ball wasn't high enough for him to effectively attack though and Coach Li answered the question with that in mind.

[lepoldbuttersstotch]

I believe he's talking about active block, possibly some small counter-loop. Coach Li is speaking of the pure topspin block where you just adjust racket angle to counter the heavy topspin.

[ZaCungHnin]

Thank you! I will use that tactic starting from now on.

[TableTennisMaster]

Thanks Tony! We'll be releasing more soon :D

[TableTennisMaster]

Glad to hear about your fast progress. Thanks for the feedback. :)

[TableTennisMaster]

You must learn to walk before you can run. This is a necessary foundational skill to develop before moving onto a more advanced return.

[isico]

It also helps to keep the paddle extremely lose in the hand. That way it absorbs more of the balls speed/energy.

[alinash]

helped me in the blink of eyes. wow thank u couch

[TableTennisMaster]

Thanks for the comment. To answer your fitness question, the best way would be to do something that you enjoy... then it's not such a chore :). Remember though that consistency and progressive overload is critical to increase one's fitness level.

[jcmyst]

I think this "blocking" technique is only useful when you're able to place a shot where it would be difficult for the opponent to return; otherwise, the opponent will likely be able to return with a more powerful shot, and the game's over...

[TableTennisMaster]

What do you mean by "push it towards the table"? That they move their racket forward while performing the block?

[hamidlajouie]

I don't think it may be mainly because of the movement, sometimes you just hold the racquet and the ball flies back out, which in this case u gotta block using very soft hand, cause that acts like a cushion and gets the spin or starting the block a lil bit higher, which u can change it to a punch afterwards, I highly recommend counterspinning those balls cause they're mostly hard to block and easier for your opponent to attack u again

[wealthfikir]

thank you, u the best all this for free, omg

[missmisiowa]

looks fine. however. i experimented with side spinning the incoming loop. this is very effective especially when i have time to step back, half a step and then side spin to counter the incoming top spin. the spin is not taking effect on my rubber and also opponent gets side spin to deal with. it feels that with side spin, the control and placement are easier. try it. also, once the side spin block is 'mastered', the player is one step closer to performing a counter loop.