Cramped block

Hello Alois.

I am mostly an offensive player and have been playing like that since i started playing. As a result I am unable to return the ball well when my opponent executes a good first attack to my forehand. Although i favor my forehand for looping and i could back away from the table and counterloop i think a better tactic would be to block and place the ball well especially when i do not have enough time.  When the ball lands in front or just to the right of my right shoulder-blade (i am a righty)even though, technically, it is in my forehand zone should i continue to block it with my backhand as long as the ball does not land in a position which is comfortable for my forehand (Iv seen Timo Boll do this) or should i play the block with my forehand by extending my hand more forward?

PS:My backhand block is much better than my forehand block which often sends the ball slower and higher over the net although i am hoping to fix that in next few training sessions.

Hi Abhiram,

You can use your backhand in the middle area.  This is often an easier shot to make than the forehand block from a cramped position.

The only issue is that if they play slower or higher you need to be able to change position to make a forehand attack from there which is your preferred shot.