Playstyle Profile
The
Defender
The Defender is a versatile playing style, which relies on lots of different strokes such as chops, blocks, fishes, lobs, and loops to win games. They never give up.
Defenders pride themselves on the fact that they let their opponents attack them first and they will return each and every power shot.
They will come back at them with spectacular chops, and when their opponent makes a mistake, they can capitalize on it with an attack of their own.
Defenders are the most hard-working players, and they try to compensate for their strategic disadvantages by fighting for every ball.
Technical Anatomy
The Defender profile is built on patience, resilience, and an iron will. They absorb their opponent's best shots and wait for the perfect moment to strike back.
Never gives up. Returns every ball no matter how difficult.
Waits for the perfect moment to counter or capitalize on errors.
Thrives under pressure and fights for every single point.
Rarely takes the initiative. Lets opponents dictate the tempo.
Can attack when openings arise but it is not their primary weapon.
Advantages
Defenders are the ultimate endurance players. Their ability to retrieve seemingly impossible shots and turn defense into frustration for their opponents is unmatched.
By mixing heavy backspin chops with no-spin variations, they create constant uncertainty. Opponents are forced to guess the spin on every ball, leading to a steady stream of errors.
High consistency
Defenders' games revolve around getting the ball on the table.
Fighting spirit
Defenders will return the ball by any means necessary.
Hard to face
Defenders wear their opponents out physically and mentally.
Creative
These players have a wide arsenal of technical resources.
Drawbacks
The biggest challenge for Defenders is generating their own points. Without a reliable attacking game, they depend entirely on their opponent making mistakes.
Against patient, disciplined attackers who can sustain rallies without over-hitting, Defenders can find themselves slowly worn down with no way to change the momentum.
Lack of initiative
They put themselves in a disadvantageous position most points.
Defensive dependency
Defenders naturally depend on their opponents to attack them.
Point generation
They can't win points if their opponent doesn't make mistakes.
Lack of threat
Attackers can get comfortable against defenders who almost never attack.
Famous Players
Joo Se Hyuk
The most iconic defender of all time, he was able to beat the best attackers of his era. He's the source of inspiration for most defenders.
Ruwen Filus
The German chopper is currently the best defender on the men's circuit, the reason being his impassable backhand chops.
Ying Han
Yin Hang is the best female defender because of her patience and mobility. She has an elegant classic defensive style, varying chops and pushes.
Hitomi Sato
Hitomi is a young modern defender from Japan. She plays all kinds of spin shots, alternating jaw-dropping chops with spinny loops.
Beginner Rackets
Killerspin JET400 Paddle
A lightweight, versatile racket that's ideal for players who prioritize safety in their game.
Weight
173g
Blade
5-Ply Wood
Sponge
1.8mm
DHS 4002
A heavy, high performance racket, great for performing spinny chops, pushes and loops.
Weight
195g
Blade
7-Ply Wood
Sponge
2.15mm
Top Training Exercises
Chops until push
For this exercise, the Defender will serve and drop back to chop their partner's attacks.
When their partner decides to push one of the chops, the Defender will come back to the table and open up. After that, play the point out normally.
Chops until forehand
In this exercise, the Defender will chop on their backhand side and counter on their forehand side.
The practice partner will play forehand loops to the backhand side of the defender. The Defender has to chop their partner's loops.
When their partner wants, they will loop to the forehand side of the Defender. The Defender will have to counter loop or counter-drive that ball back.
Recommended Blades
Donic Defplay Senso
A slow, soft blade with great feel and shot dampening qualities.
Revspin Reviews
Victas Koji Matsushita Defensive
A balanced, soft blade for defensive strokes close and away from the table.
Revspin Reviews
Tibhar Stratus Power Defense
A medium hardness defensive blade that's excellent for modern defenders.
Revspin ReviewsRecommended Rubbers
Butterfly Tackiness Chop
A slow, defensive inverted rubber for push play and chops.
TSP Curl P-1V
Long and soft long pimples, ideal for long distance chopping.
Tibhar Grass D.tecS
Good pips for chopping but even better for close to the table blocks.
Butterfly Feint Long III
Balanced, grippy long pips with superb control for easier returns of the ball.
Our recommendations not right for you? Try our partner's quiz at blade-rubber.
Coaching Tips
Don't forget to attack
It may seem counterintuitive to ask a Defender to attack. However, if Defenders don't attack every once in a while, their opponents will play at their own tempo. Attacking your opponent every so often will pressure them to loop your chops, even when it's not an easy ball.
Vary your chops
To become a good defender, you should learn how to vary the spin on your chops. If all your chops are moderate backspin, your opponents will adapt easily. If you alternate heavy backspin chops with moderate backspin, slight backspin, and no-spin, your opponents will make all kinds of mistakes when reading your chops.
Practice your serve receives
It's crucial for a defender to be a great serve receiver. If defenders can't receive in a way that bothers their opponent, they won't be able to get into the rally in a favorable way. If you don't give your opponent easy chances on the receive, you will be a lot more successful.
Useful Articles
Defensive Match Strategies
Become a better table tennis defender by learning these 5 match strategies that will you become a winning machine.
Short Pimples vs Long Pimples
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Short Pips vs Long Pips debate. Find out if these are suitable rubbers for your game.
Should Beginners Learn a Defensive Style?
The defensive style has become less popular over the last few decades, with most table tennis players choosing to play a more attacking game. Should beginners choose to play a defensive style?
