All-Rounder
The All-Rounder believes there’s a perfect balance to table tennis. Sometimes, they attack, and others, they defend.
They are versatile and creative players, and they don’t make many unforced mistakes. They can play every shot in the book, ranging from smashes to chops, depending on the context.
The All-Rounder is also known as “The Driver”, “The Controlled Player”, “The Counter Driver”.
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Attributes
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Advantages
Adaptability
All-rounders can change their style depending on the situation.
Consistency
These players return the ball consistently in different ways.
Versatility
All-rounders know how to play every shot in the book.
Tactical knowledgecounterplay
All-rounders know how to play against every style.
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Drawbacks
No speciality
They aren’t very good at attacking nor defending.
Shot quality
Their offensive shots don’t have that much power.
Ambivalent style
They don’t impose a style, they adapt to their opponents.
Weak against attackers
It’s hard for all-rounders to beat offensive players.
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Famous Players
SIMON GAUZY
The Frenchman is always a tough opponent. If he isn’t attacking, he’s usually sky lobbing, chopping, or blocking to win points.
VLADIMIR SAMSONOV
The Belarusian legend is a player known by his superb blocks, spinny loops, and consistent lobs when on the defensive.
JUN MIZUTANI
Jun’s comfort zone is mid distance rallies, where he’ll play amazing combinations of sky lobs and powerful loops.
ADRIANA DIAZ
Adriana is always on the highlight reels. She has an endless repertoire of shots, having performed chop blocks, 360 blocks and backspin lobs.
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Beginner Rackets
Killerspin JET400
The best choice for players looking for control, spin and consistency.
Palio Legend 3.0
A fast, hard racket with enough control for pushes and the occasional chop.
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Top Training Exercises
Chop and loop
This exercise is perfect for all-rounders since it works their hand feeling, spin manipulation, chopping, and looping.
The All-Rounder will chop the first ball, their partner will push it back, and the all-round player will open up. After that, the partner will block that ball and the all-rounder will chop it, and so on.
Attack or defense
For this exercise, the All-Rounder will serve any spin and any depth they want. Their opponent can either attack the serve or push it.
If the opponent pushes it, then the All-Rounder has to open up and take the initiative. If the opponent attacks it, then the All-Rounder has to withstand the attack and do anything in their power to win the point.
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Recommended Blades
Stiga Allround Classic
The most sold blade of all time because of its unparalleled feel for the ball.
Yasaka Sweden Extra
A balanced Swedish blade with enough speed and spin for high quality attacks.
Donic Appelgren Allplay
A versatile, flexible blade with superb control and easy spin generation.
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Recommended Rubbers
Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft
A high-throwing, soft rubber that’s ideal for playing spinny shots.
Yasaka Mark V
The ultimate looping rubber, with rapid speed and clicky for topspin play.
Xiom Vega Europe
A soft rubber with great feel and amazing control for blocking and topspins.
Donic Baracuda
A fast, high throwing, spinny rubber, ideal for topspin shots.
Our recommendations not right for you? Try our partner’s quiz at blade-rubber.
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Coaching Tips
Analyze your opponent’s tempo
When you play a match, the first thing you need to do is assess whether your opponent wants to attack you, and if so, whether you can withstand their attacks. If your opponent won’t attack you, or if you can’t withstand their attacks, you will probably have to attack them to win the match.
Practice tricky serves
Unlike most other styles, the All-Rounder feels comfortable in virtually any situation. This is why they can practice long, fast serves, deceptive topspin serves, ace serves, you name it. By doing this, you can make your opponent feel uncomfortable on the receive and also get them in the open rally.
Vary your tactics
The main strength of the All-Rounder is that they can play as an attacker and a defender, depending on the situation. If you vary your tactics in a way that you’re always changing what you’re doing, your opponent won’t be able to adapt to your tactical changes.
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Useful Articles
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8 Strategies To Win More Table Tennis Matches
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Other Playstyles
