World’s best Push blocking setup?

Took a 1yr+ break from table tennis, coming back now and hoping to try a new squirrelly style. After watching some cool pushblocker videos, I’d like to try this style with backhand push blocking and forehand smashing/looping. Wanted to call upon our collective brains to think of the world’s best push blocking setup!

Is it no sponge long pips? Long pips with sponge? Anti?

Well... top rated is amelie solja with frictionless anti

Here's a few thoughts as I used to play this style:

- For a true "pushblocker" squirrelly style, I agree with IanMcg on Dtecs, Chaos, Talon, and Dornenglanz. I'd recommend OX if you want the most spin reversal. These aren't as great for attacking strokes, but the pushblocker style/strategy doesn't often call for attacking with the LPs. Rather, your LPs set up your attack with your FH smash or loop.

- For max spin reversal and squirrelly balls, blade choice can be tricky. Balsa blades are good for spin reversal when combined with anti or low friction LPs as the dwell time is minimal. Balsa is also relatively fast, which can give your opponent issues, but can sometimes be difficult to control with faster LPs like Dtecs. Defplay is a great blade, but requires more active play with LPs as the blade is pretty flexible and has more dwell time. I haven't had much luck with composite blades, but if it works for others then it may be worth trying. OSP makes a really nice combo blade specifically for OX pushblockers...worth checking out.

- You'll want to develop a VERY spinny backspin serve as this is the bread & butter of the pushblocker strategy. So a spinny FH rubber is essential (like H3 or a hard sponge tensor). Here's the basic strategy:

#1 - You serve with heavy backspin.
#2 - Your opponent returns with either a push or a loop.
#3 - If they push the return, then you aggressively push back with your LPs. This will be very deceptive as the spin reversal will give your opponent some degree of topspin (even though it looks like a push). If they push again, then get ready for a nice high ball to smash.
#4 - Or if they chose to loop your serve, then block it off the bounce with your LPs for massive spin reversal and another heavy backspin ball back to your opponent...and that just leads you right back to #2.

The problem with this strategy/style is when more advanced players aren't deceived by the spin reversal, or if your opponent also plays a similar style, or if your opponent plays a low-spin style (like SPs or dead rubber). In that case, the best thing you can do is develop your FH smashing and looping. Don't be a one-trick pony and make sure you've got good offense if your opponent isn't affected by your defense.

Wow I did not expect so much good advice so quickly! To clarify, prior to my hiatus, I played two winged attacking looper with a big forehand loop drive. So I’m hoping that adding push blocking as my backhand will help set that up.

I kinda thought your inverted backhand was at least pretty good and getting better.

HuLimei wrote: bes wrote: LP pushblocking, like everything else in TT, is much more about your touch, technique, and strategy than about the "best" rubber.    Blasphemy!!!!

Haha yes, of course technique, practice, and youth help. But when you only play less than <1x/week, you concentrate on other enjoyable parts of playing rather than increasing your meaningless rating or winning tournaments ... like researching and buying equipment and trying out different styles

I went with Defplay senso V3 and dorenglanz, thanks all!