Jan Ove Waldner - The Power of Block

Check out the best block by one of the greatest table tennis players of all time: Jan Ove Waldner.
The video was created for ITTF by Danilo Franco, the owner of GecaPhoenix youtube channel:
/ gecaphoenix .
and TableTennisRulez FB page:
/ tabletennisrulez
©TMS International
Thanks to Reflex Sports for use of footage from their videos. See tabletennisvideos.com for DVDs and tt-news.tv for online viewing of WTTC events in HD

[@AdamOlaso]

i love how he walks away like a boss!

[@hmangaihkimahrahsel2748]

yea he act like a boss :)

[@aytacqasimzade5742]

ɷɷɷɷ I Havee Watchedd Thisss Moviee Leakeddd Versionnn Heree : - t.co/RlKbv1hghK

[@sw2de3fr4gt]

Love how he starts walking away even when the ball is still live.

[@argentumec2184]

super comment!!) i think this too)

[@nikolaikester]

SAVAGE

[@Centrinario]

1:59 - Blocks and walks away at the same time. The only player in history who can do that. I'm so fortunate to have met him in person. One of the best moments of my life.

[@zevlibin3403]

Golden Boy The only player in history who can be this cocky and still be loved by every1

[@lespaul5734]

It never ceases to amaze me how he makes Timo Boll look like an amateur in that first point. Not only is Waldner not bothered by his attacks but he uses them against him! Wish we had such smart and unique plays like this nowadays!

[@thoughtrover6400]

if you just dont look at the scoreboard lol.

[@genoric4094]

@@thoughtrover6400He’s trashed Timo Boll at multiple other occasions so meh

[@robt3078]

I'm a proud citizen of Västertorp, a suborn outside of Stockholm. Jan Ove Waldner was born here. We must honor him with a statue over here!

[@felipeksetrock8328]

Hi.Do you know him personally?? Greetings..

[@helpupass]

he must be the most known Sweden in China.

[@TheJustin500]

@@helpupass Pewdiepie exists

[@ajitbhale8211]

Very true

[@aashishsharma9106]

@@TheJustin500 KZbin is banned in china

[@EnoVarma]

The phrase LIKE A BOSS was created for 1:59.

[@Christestament]

EnoVarma You're absolutely right. Poor Timo Boll. He suffered a lot every time he played with Walder.

[@LaughingStock71]

+EnoVarma That was kind of like "A lot to learn you still have, young padawan!"

[@arminnurkovic7018]

LaughingStock71 and then he learned and destroyed waldner later.

[@Kevin-zl3ci]

Armin Nurkovic 2004 OG

[@ein99999]

lmfao

[@Iennal]

So calm and genius play! one of the legend of ping pong history!

[@robertlindberg7090]

Sheer magic. Look at the other players running like mad. J-O just stands there, in full control. Master!

[@GammaRayBurst417]

i really appreciate how gracious he is in victory, never choing or uttering a single word, despite making such great shots

[@matonatomic]

Yes, the Swedes are generally like that - look at their great Tennis Players - Stafan Edberg, Matts Willander...etc...Very calm and gracious.

[@yehenry2281]

Moregard gives you a big thumb down

[@ArnHaz]

​@@matonatomic Surely the best example would be Bjorn Borg?

[@matonatomic]

@@ArnHaz I would agree, but Bjorn Borg at his peak was before my time. Sadly, he has one blemish in that his arrogance tricked him in coming out of retirement to 'try' and beat the younger players with his wooden racket.

[@ghlieme]

The man with the golden wrist. Easily my favourite player of all time.

[@ABooJaed]

That "Nonchalant walk in the park" at 02:00 and "That's how it's done" at 03:13, though.

[@reng.2588]

I think the penholder was Liu Guoliang

[@gladiator7731]

This is not just a talent. This is a gift from above because such perfect blocks and hits in miliseconds and delivering with such comfort and ease, have to be given by God.

[@bravehome4276]

Amen! One can't put in what God left out....

[@recruitmentch]

he just seems to be totally in one with the ball, table and bat. effortless

[@KennyMcGavin]

Waldner playing TT reminds me of how Pirlo looked playing football. They made their respective sport look absolutely effortless, all while landing some of the most insane shots/passes you've ever seen vs the best players in the World 🔥

[@bamboozledbob3298]

must be so frustrating to play against him...

[@sonnyrosenlozada5911]

lol idd

[@AugustinDelgado]

Rlly..

[@marcosmusixpcmusicam]

That's what Timo said in an interview

[@kaustuvpattnaik8553]

Very frustrating.

[@1michael1maze]

3:08 No words....Simply The Best!!!

[@hulimei1574]

He can see the future...

[@iuwdbwudbvhwduivhbwduivbii431]

Who can see the future...

[@vika0194]

Doc Brown can see it.

[@nithilas7211]

His Observation Haki is more advanced than Katakuri

[@MastroGeppetto96]

@Asian Caillou DIIIIIIOOOOOOO

[@chiranthmukund3843]

@@nithilas7211 one pieeeeecceeeeeeeee

[@silversurfer4441]

Waldner's placement is uncanny. He does what he does so effortlessly when everyone else is hopping around like a jackrabbit sweating bullets.

[@parthsavyasachi9348]

Yaa but at the first point against boll he was down two games to nil and in that game down 9 to 4. So may be all that placement didn't really help him.

[@glenngastonjonsson7954]

Waldner lost a lot of matches 'cos he was lazy@@parthsavyasachi9348 . This video is addresing his briilliant shots.

[@elwhagen]

@@parthsavyasachi9348 The block was helping him win that point in a very nice fashion, so I would say it helped him very well in that situation. And that's why it was selected. For the future of our gene pool I really hope that you can understand that...

[@ramabhir]

Yeah but boll vs Waldner in the early 90s …it’s a wrap man …respect to his longevity..imagine the Chinese players he played against coached against him !!.. enough said …easily the GOAT

[@ramabhir]

The person closest to Waldner ..Federer ..but hey that’s a slightly different sport 😁

[@fobef]

Mozart was the Waldner of Composers.

[@andrewmccauley6262]

fobef Mozart had equals like Bach, Beethoven etc. Waldner didn't.

[@andreialexandruparfeni7129]

Andrew McCauley Well, Ma Long looks to be a threat to his GOAT ranking, and so did Liu and Kong in the past.

[@andrewmccauley6262]

I have great respect for Ma Long's skills, but I'd have to say there isn't much beautiful about his game like there is about Waldner's.

[@andreialexandruparfeni7129]

Andrew McCauley Of course, Waldner was able to be one of the greatest ever while also playing a "beautiful" style, with blocks and serves. It is subjective. I like Ma Long's fast loops but I understand that others prefer Waldner's old-school style.

[@iuwdbwudbvhwduivhbwduivbii431]

Mozart never played table tennis !!! 👿

[@ger7177]

1:59 I dont know what is so amazing about that, its really easy! I tried that... i walked away just like Waldner did... of course, i missed the ball for a couple of meters but walking away is easy! xD xD what a genius!!!!

[@incognito8980]

JAJAJAJAJA

[@isithardtobevegan53]

Ger 717 i actually reproduced that Waldner walk and block but i blocked it with my backhand not forehand and my team mate told me “just like Waldner”.

[@rvsalonga3065]

@@isithardtobevegan53 i play table tennis too. How do you rank yourself ryt now? And is it really hard to be vegan?

[@isithardtobevegan53]

@@rvsalonga3065 not hard to be vegan in my opinion and I am still an amateur in the world of table tennis. Still.trying to improve of course.

[@rvsalonga3065]

@@isithardtobevegan53 how long have you been vegan dude? And what racket r u currently using ryt now?

[@gfweis]

A part of the game I have never seen mastered like this. His nickname should be "eye of the storm" for his astonishing, casual cool in executing unbelievable closing shots off of blocks.

[@christianadriananiceta2753]

I'm new to this sport. and this guy play differently than the others... I mean the others focus on who can rally the most.. but this guy play so smart :D

[@polychronio]

+Christian Adrian Aniceta waldner is the king of table tennis...

[@christianadriananiceta2753]

polychronio I agree :D .. though I decided to based my style on Liu Guoliang since it felt suitable in my playing style more..

[@Ahldor]

+Christian Adrian Aniceta Yes indeed, you cant really copy Waldners playing style. It would be like coping Einstein in making equations. Sure, you can try, but you will most probably not even come close. Play a style that you love the most yourself. Everyone got their own style and that is what makes it more interesting.

[@christianadriananiceta2753]

Ahldor yeah :D playing penhold is hard but sure is fun for me.. and I play flat hit with short pips .. it seems to suit me better

[@dang5874]

Koki Niwa is also a pretty relaxed player and seems like he doesn't care at all hahaha also he has some crazy blocking skills with his chop block (watch the "Art of chop block" video). Kenta Matsudaira is also interesting

[@jagutichsachma]

I am german and Boll is an amazing player himself but it's hilarious how frustrated he is getting beat by those blocks.

[@Zapruder1984]

Excellent skill. Confident, purposeful movement and focus without any wasted energy.

[@edoson01]

by far the most inspirational TT video out there

[@RaviKumar-vi9tb]

A well practised man can only play like him so simply and effortlessly. I remember Roger's quote here when somebody asked him how he plays with such simplicity and effortlessness.

[@michelmks]

Jedi Ove Waldner

[@RegisChapman]

I first played competitively during a time when he was the king of TT, and I am so glad for it.

[@Kovalainenn]

2:00 his majesty Waldner the king

[@ani3327]

2.00 That block to timo boll was hillarious! :D He made timo boll look like a beginner. Jan ove Waldner you legend!

[@Carraidas]

One of the greatest players in the world, if not the greatest.

[@dimasabd3186]

@Prototype10 who's the greatest?

[@劉子暘-y8m]

​@@dimasabd3186Ma Long rn Double grand slam,longest WR NO.1 and a lot more

[@glassjaw2007]

02:12 "this is already finished kiddo" walks away like a BOSS

[@davidbarth80]

I love the way he plays. Places the ball where ever he wants. Plays with his opponent. Will watch other players and make a comparison about styles to see the differences.

[@mohdsoffi902]

JO Waldner inspired me since 1990 he won Gold Olimpic Medal. He is really calming like a boss.

[@xaviertipene9084]

Everyone comparing his game to today's, he had a gift for the game point blank......past, present, future.....

[@freakomat]

Look at all these poor dudes, struggling like there's no tomorrow. And Waldners just like: whatever…

[@MRDOA66]

Jan Ove Waldner, the Maestro, Tactician, one of the all time greats of Table-Tennis.

[@lazyboy456ify]

Lol the match at 1:56 where he literally starts to walk off and proceeds to block while doing so.

[@erberlon]

And his opponent is like "dude what?"

[@Hhbvfhhhhgvbbfdccd]

Ken Yun the craziest bit is that that opponent is Timo Boll!!

[@imperialmarchinhumanbowels5726]

Such confidence "I know you are going to return it exactly here and I know you will not return my block."

[@dickn.ormous1064]

@@imperialmarchinhumanbowels5726 He knew he was going to direct it cross court because returning a ball with so much sidespin down the line is extremely difficult.

[@cbsxxz]

He looks like a 👧

[@Brothaz2]

Back then Table tennis was a Swedish national treasure and J-O Waldner was both king and conqueror.

[@ramabhir]

The Yoda of table tennis ..absolute class…

[@robboham2614]

The play at 2.00 is probably the best executed point I have ever seen...Genius.

[@lidstrom3565]

Genious! I just love this ❤! The true GOAT of table tennis 🙏😍!

[@Heiheikki]

Jan Ove Waldner was so chill😎

[@galangveteriner13]

His reflex is just ubelievable

[@amarabudi1000]

1:58 he is already know a second in the future

[@jiwonkim7536]

1:55 " I'm gonna beat you Jan!" 2:00 " You were saying?"

[@arimanno74]

looks like aikido in table tennis. Or a weird kind of premonition... absolutely amazing!

[@Greyalist]

2:00 is fantastic

[@gronz]

my all time favourite

[@niklastorshagen6365]

1:07 Pure genius

[@badenbaldry50]

Waldner. Stationary, subtle, sublime.

[@jasonhuhare]

Waldner is always the greatest player forever and ever...

[@suddendeath4318]

Der Roger Federer des Tischtennis...!! Einfach der genialste Spieler aller Zeiten!!

[@rafishaikh3598]

Waldner, no doubt, REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST GIFTED & TALENTED table tennis players of ALL TIMES. ESPECIALLY NO LOOK BLOCKS & DEFENSE SKILLS IN TABLE TENNIS. SO ACCURATE, SWISS WATCH. OPPONENTS WATCH HIS BLOCKS. RAFI KITTERY MAINE USA

[@glenngastonjonsson7954]

I suppose you got your message across. And I agree, JO is special. But he doesn't want people to shout about it.

[@prabhu4325]

superb....we love you "Waldner".

[@Nerdcrusher]

Congrats, Timo, you get to be in a highlight reel.

[@renassahin857]

he is like "oh that's a fast ball coming right at me but no worries I'm just gonna block it to the other side of the table with no sign of giving a fuck "

[@tesleemmudashiru6993]

Extraordinary.

[@__Aurora__]

I love his determination and his shyness. 💪🇸🇪

[@FEDE80]

Love his style!

[@AncientWisdom222]

Fantastic anticipation ! Even Boll appreciated the genius.

[@hotmixal]

Super reflex!

[@CloneHat]

You can return anything in table tennis if you know where it's going. The question is: how did he know?

[@marcosmusixpcmusicam]

because when you block timo boll and the ball goes too fast to his right, the probabilities are: 90%, he will make a cross shot to the right of waldner, 10% he will shot to the left of waldner. He knew it.

[@holdemehha]

Experience and tremendous understanding of the game (table tennis IQ, if you will), that allows him to read and anticipate.

[@KEmil-zl7xp]

Like in this montage you can see a certain pattern in his blocking: He often plays wide angles. The "Waldner push" is a stroke that is said to originate from him - a spinny sidespin push to one side of the table that does not leave the opponent much time or space to place the ball in another way than to go cross-court. Thereby Waldner's anticipation was so good he needed much less effort for his style.

[@anmolmonga1933]

I think he stretches the opponent continuously hence forcing them do what he wants. He does not attack same place all the time. If the ball is to far in the left the player can either return in the centre or the Right. Left is pretty risk. He forces them to make the shot. Now the question is how does he make such accurate shot. which can easily go out of the court.

[@kernzyp]

The cheekiness is awe inspiring :)

[@MrVoland999]

this is so beautiful its almost art....very few people can match Waldner in that department. Maybe Samsonov....

[@jerpetmokum4946]

It looks like for Waldner time is going slower, unbelievable precision in his shots. It keeps amazing me how relaxed he is behind the table, completely in control

[@tomrailton9201]

Definitely THE GOAT in my book I was a good player in my day County standard and I don't think I would have got a couple of points off of him that man is a genius. Take care Jan and stay safe mate love to play you one day. Tom.

[@VittRomani]

He "simply" sends the ball the further from the opponent. Unlike the majority of players, who keep sending the ball where the opponent already is.

[@bannlystman8644]

That first point against Boll, I mean give me a break, that just ridiculous - he was something else, I cant think of a player but perhaps one or two that comes close to his control. Outstanding.

[@ikarljoseph]

He is joy to watch. Not just offence all the time.

[@Manuj_]

haha that look on Timo's face.. Epic!!

[@PongisteAnonyme]

Simon Gauzy made nearly the same block against Wang Yang at WTTC 2019 !

[@juanfernandocastilla2845]

besides hours of practice this guy is extremely talented. IT'S talent it's a gift from the GODS

[@Shirish255]

He is simply Great 😌.

[@emanuel82]

The best blockplayer ever. He used the opponents power against themselves like in kung-fu

[@quadrazid]

Legend

[@laurentzeitoun4490]

Waldner jeune aujourd'hui, médaille 🏅 d'or jo2024, le meilleur

[@tommyhur4294]

1:59 I can see the future

[@alonsopereda6570]

The Greatest Of All Times

[@rired2005]

Timo was quite young here... his beginning and Jan's wrap-up...

[@Arkantosi]

Doesen't even feel like Waldner is taking this seriously. He just humiliates the players making them run around the table like good dogs.

[@darkdrag2007]

3:15 Just give me my damn towel!

[@somanshusingh7209]

Return with their own power!

[@seantiwell9717]

1:59 like a BOSS!!!

[@TheWladovic]

2:00 - LIKE A BOSS

[@ЗахарКим-б7г]

Лучше мастера не видел, браво!

[@Destames]

1:55 OMG!

[@sladjanivkovic2]

Man, he plays it so effortlessly. I can see why people call him GOAT.

[@nedras025]

Tata i kraj... jedan jedini svih vremena.

[@sumitozidan8818]

I'm really happy

[@OreriyoSan]

Waldner is not human.

[@niharm6780]

So goddamn effortless!!!

[@Hokuto4life]

Is a genius, pure talent, the best.

[@maxbowie6074]

At his absolute peak I would favour him over any other player, Ma Long included. Just phenomenal skill. Could impart all kinds of spin with perfectly judged power, and his ball placement was just uncanny. You won't see another like him. Goodness me

[@Albie3664]

This guy is a magician in table tennis

[@AllmobileYT]

WONDERFUL.. GREAT!

[@FrankGixx99Motovlog]

Jan Ove Waldner- The TERMINATOR in table tennis

[@nawazpasha5519]

I bet Ma Long can never face Waldner... Huge fan of you Sir... Respect from India 🙏🙏🙏

[@petertordjunehag1055]

I dont care about them chinese players titles. This is the most gifted player ever. He does things noone can believe. Its crazy, beyond normal

[@2hughdna]

Perfect wall.

[@FunkeeDonkee]

This is sick.