Playstyle Profile
The
Aggressor
Limit tester by nature, the Aggressor is always willing to take risks if they think there is a chance to score a fantastic winning shot that'll shock both their opponent and the crowd.
The Aggressor is a player who wants to attack at all costs. The harder, the better. They use speed and spin as their main weapon to score points, rather than consistency or smart placement.
Because of this, it is common for them to take their offensive nature too far and lose easy points on unforced mistakes.
Technical Anatomy
The Aggressor profile requires a specific blend of explosive power and calculated courage. Consistency is often traded for pure point-ending velocity.
Hits with unmatched speed and spin on every shot.
Never backs down from risky, high-reward plays.
Dictates the rally by attacking first whenever possible.
Sacrifices reliability in pursuit of outright winners.
Rarely waits for the right ball. Forces the action early.
Advantages
The Aggressor thrives on raw power and relentless offense. Their forehand loops and backhand punches generate enormous speed and spin, making it extremely difficult for opponents to return the ball cleanly.
When firing on all cylinders, Aggressors are nearly unstoppable. They dictate every rally from the first ball, using aggressive serves to set up devastating third-ball attacks that end points before the opponent can settle into a rhythm.
Shot quality
These players hit with unparalleled speed and spin.
Fearlessness
Aggressors take the game to their opponents every single point.
Point generation
They can generate points easily because of their sheer power.
Little counterplay
When Aggressors get in the flow, it's difficult to stop them.
Drawbacks
The all-out attack approach comes with clear vulnerabilities. Because Aggressors rely so heavily on power and speed, they often struggle when opponents slow the game down with heavy backspin or well-placed blocks.
This playstyle also demands peak physical and mental sharpness. On off-days, when timing is slightly out or footwork is sluggish, the Aggressor's high-risk shots become unforced errors, and matches can slip away quickly against even lower-ranked opponents.
One dimensional
If their attacks aren't going in, they lose easily.
Risky playstyle
Aggressors are prone to having many unforced mistakes per game.
Lack of defence
If they are attacked first, they lack defensive shots.
Inconsistent style
Aggressors often lose against weaker players on bad days.
Famous Players
Ma Long
Known as The Dragon, the greatest player of all time. He achieved such status by having the most powerful forehand on the circuit.
Darko Jorgic
The 2022 European Champion is capable of hitting outright winners with his mighty backhand loop against the best players in the world.
Quadri Aruna
The Nigerian legend is known for his powerful forehand 3rd ball attacks and relentless backhand punches.
Sun Yingsha
The 2021 World Champion is a young, hard hitting Chinese superstar who will tirelessly attack every single ball.
Beginner Rackets
Killerspin JET400 Paddle
A lightweight, high-quality racket, with a speed and control perfectly balanced.
Weight
173g
Blade
5-Ply Wood
Sponge
1.8mm
Palio Expert 3.0
A controlled, spinny racket that lets beginners develop an attacking style with confidence.
Weight
174g
Blade
All Wood
Sponge
2.2mm
Top Training Exercises
Falkenberg drill
It consists of hitting one backhand, then stepping around and hitting a forehand on the backhand corner, and then hitting a wide forehand.
It is a great exercise to work on movement and coordination, all while attacking your opponent.
¾ of the table forehand with open-up
For this exercise, the Aggressor will serve backspin and their partner will push long anywhere on the table.
The Aggressor then must open up and their partner will block anywhere on the table except the backhand corner. The Aggressor must hit everything with their forehand.
This is a great irregular exercise for opening up and following the open up with more forehand attacks.
Recommended Blades
Butterfly Viscaria
Ideal for spin-based, powerful styles. Used by world no. 1 Fan Zhendong.
Revspin Reviews
Butterfly Timo Boll ALC
A fast yet balanced blade with a huge sweet spot. Blade of choice of Timo Boll.
Revspin Reviews
Tibhar Stratus Power Wood
A classic offensive with great feeling. The best for the developing attacker.
Revspin ReviewsRecommended Rubbers
Butterfly Dignics 09c
A fast hybrid rubber with immense spin potential. The best for power loopers.
Dignics 09c Review
Butterfly Tenergy 05
The ultimate looping rubber, with rapid speed and clicky for topspin play.
Tenergy 05 Review
Tibhar Evolution MX-P
The fastest rubber, designed to hit shots past your opponent effortlessly.
MX-P Review
DHS Hurricane 3 NEO
Offensive rubber, ideal for 3rd ball attacks and counter topspins.
H3 NEO ReviewOur recommendations not right for you? Try our partner's quiz at blade-rubber.
Coaching Tips
Analyze your shots
As Aggressors are ultra offensive, they often take low-percentage shots. It is a good idea to analyze what bad shots you are taking to stop making as many mistakes.
Practice your serves often
Aggressors love to perform 3rd ball attacks. To enable their prodigious shots, they must have high-quality serves. This is why aggressors need to practice their serves consistently.
Think about tactics
Aggressors are often the players with the least tactical knowledge. They rise up the ranks due to their amazing shots but then plateau because they have little tactical knowledge and their opponents start exploiting their weaknesses. To avoid this, think about what you could improve on a regular basis.
Useful Articles
Common Mistakes in Table Tennis
After coaching hundreds of students, I've identified the top common mistakes in table tennis. Discover some actionable tips for you to avoid these mistakes.
How to Play the Forehand Drive
The forehand drive forms one of the four basic shots of Table Tennis, along with the backhand drive, forehand push and backhand push. Master these four shots and you will graduate from a beginner to intermediate player.
Technical Tips for Attacking Players
Here are 8 key technical tips that will transform your offensive table tennis game. Perfect for any Aggressor or Controller playing styles.
