OOAK Table Tennis Forum

That's entirely fair. I've been using a defplay & was wondering if it might make it any better, but as Skilless_Slapper mentioned its probably more of a technique issue.

Speaking of techniques, I noticed Han Ying using a short pip chop block when she was caught close to the table against Cheng Meng. You can see an example at 0:53, but you could find others throughout the match. Does anyone have experience with this? Would this be something worthwhile to learn as a way to keep up backspin defense when close to the table, or is better to just go with a SP block (again, assuming you don't have time to back up & chop)?

That's a chop block vs a very weak ball from Chen. She just did a reactionary block vs Han's short pip hit, giving Han the advantage to do a fancier technique.

For amateurs, consistency is more important than the tricky spin variations in my view. People are used to facing double inverted players, who can also chop block and do side spins etc. so facing short pips is not really THAT different for them. Compare that to using long pips, which will result in more dead balls and reversal, while giving you more control and an easier time returning shots.

Really though, at the realistic levels I assume you'll be playing at... just pick whatever style you like and go for it! How do you plan to win points? Do you have a big attack? Just chop on both sides? Mainly chops with a smash every now and then?

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SOULSPIN CUSTOM BLADES
Fh: Spinny rubber
Bh: Not so spinny rubber...

I think it is worthwhile to learn both. If you can predict the opponent's attack and placement, you can do a real block, meaning short after the bounce, using the speed of the opponent's loop against him-/herself.

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There's always stuff to improve!

My blog on being a LP defender beyond 2000 USATT and the pips discrimination that comes along with that