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The

Brick Wall

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Attributes

Consistency
90%
Reflexes
80%
Accuracy
80%
Attack
50%
Footwork
40%

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Advantages

Transformative style

They can turn defense into attack with just one block.

High consistency

They make few unforced mistakes.

Reversal qualities

They can use their opponent’s attacks against them.

Match experience

Blockers are smart players who have lots of match experience.

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Drawbacks

Lack of initiative

Brick walls don’t attack much on their own.

Shot quality

Blockers usually don’t attack with a lot of power.

Improper footwork

Lots of brick walls stand in place blocking.

Blockers’ nature

They rely on their opponents to attack them.

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Famous Players

JAN OVE WALDNER

For many the best of all time, Waldner excelled at placement and touch shots. His feeling was impeccable, and his blocks were sublime.

KOKI NIWA

A crowd favourite, Koki is known for his no-sweat approach to the game. He moves his opponents around effortlessly.

LUKA MLADENOVIC

Luka has perfected his antispin technique and he uses his devastating blocks to set up attacks, pivoting with his forehand or twiddling his racket.

MANIKA BATRA

The worst nightmare of any offensive player. She’ll block or hit with her long pimples and capitalize on opportunities with her forehand loop.

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Beginner Rackets

Killerspin JET400

A lightweight, high-quality racket with the perfect balance speed-control.

DHS 4002

A heavy, solid racket that has a stiff 7-ply blade for increased stability.

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Top Training Exercises

Block anywhere on the table

This exercise works the Brick Wall’s reflexes and footwork

For this exercise, the Brick Wall will block everything to their partner’s forehand. Their partner will loop anywhere on the table and the Brick Wall has to block every shot to their partner’s forehand while moving properly and taking the ball over the bounce.

Push long, then block

For this exercise, the Brick Wall’s partner will serve backspin and the brick wall will push long. 

The Brick Wall must know how to deal with different types of open-ups and how to bother their opponents with their blocks.

The Brick Wall can take the speed out of the ball by blocking it short, they can chop block, block actively or block to an awkward place on the table. After that, play the point out normally.

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Recommended Blades

Stiga-Allround-Classic

Stiga Allround Classic

The most sold blade of all time because of its unparalleled feel for the ball.

Butterfly Timo Boll ALC

Butterfly Timo Boll ALC

A classic blade with a huge sweet spot, the best choice for fast blocks.

Yasaka Sweden Extra

A flexible Swedish blade with great feel and control, ideal for better placement.

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Recommended Rubbers

Yasaka Rakza 7

Yasaka Rakza 7

Offensive that’s quite insensitive to incoming spin, great for blocking.

Tibhar Evolution MX-P

Tibhar Evolution MX-P

One of the fastest rubbers, well placed blocks are almost unreturnable.

Tibhar Grass D.tecS

Long pips with great deceptive capabilities when blocking close to the table.

Dr. Neubauer ABS

Frictionless antispin rubber that’ll return the ball with enormous amounts of spin.

Our recommendations not right for you? Try our partner’s quiz at blade-rubber.

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Coaching Tips

Tips-Icons-1

Work on your placement

It’s essential for a blocker to know where to place the ball. The 3 main areas you want to place the ball are the wide forehand, the wide backhand, and the elbow. Hitting these spots consistently will make you a very dangerous player.

Analyze your opponent

In tournaments, you will play against a different player every match. Some are good with their forehands, others are good with their backhands, and others hate it when you place it near their elbow. Try thinking about what placement your opponent struggles with the most.

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Variate your blocks

If you’re going to use blocking as your main source of points, then you need to variate your blocks. You can’t block the ball the same way all the time because your opponent will adapt quickly. Use a mix of active blocks, passive blocks, chop blocks, and short counters while variating your placement and your blocking game will be a nightmare to deal with.

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Useful Articles

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Other Playstyles