The Subtle Key Technique Adjustments of the TPB
Over the last few weeks, my TPB block vs power loops or heavy spin confidence has improved tremendously as well as my consistency. I do use the RPB but that is saved mostly for slower balls I want to loop. With my upbringing & comfort level, I much prefer pure blocking on the BH with TPB.
One thing that has always plagued me was frustration in reading a ball, seeing that it's faster & spinnier and still blocking it long. Granted this will happen from time to time but I've seen other old time TPBers handle these balls better and far more consistent. Then by pure chance in watching an old RSM instructional video by chance, I noticed key technique adjustment that has changed everything on making that block easier. Watch closely to what RSM is doing.
The head of the blade should be pointing up. Almost at a 45 deg angle.
This is hard to explain in text so I'll encourage you to take your paddle in your hand and try this exercise.
First hold the bat like this (
note: this is how I use to block which is incorrect and actually taken form a video of mine)
View attachment 18081
Try to close the bat as much as you can. Even with your thumb slid outward (don't think in the picture here I am) it's hard to twist your wrist much more isn't it? This is a major problem vs heavy spin.
Now use this grip with the head up vs more parallel to the ground as I showed above.
With the head more facing upward, you can now more easily simply bend your wrist back. It would be like in the "extension" diagram pictured here.
Where before when the paddle is parallel to the ground you have to twist your wrist. With the head up, all you have to do is bind your wrist back more. An easier movement to do.
That closes the angle more easily. Blocking power loops & heavy spin made easy. Sure you might still miss one every now & then. But at least it won't be anymore because you physically can't close the face of the blade in time.
Hope this helps any of you as much as it has me.