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Techniques for the Month of July 
This months exercise will be the use of the wing block or slant block and the umbrella block or payong. Please refer to the two images above for this month`s exercise/drill. The one on the left is the umbrella block and the one on the right is the wing or slanting block. These are the names I have learnt for the two blocks but some other groups may call these blocks by other names. However the mechanics are the same.
1. Have player A attack with an over head smash/strike or a forehand strike and B block using the umbrella block. Switch roles. Once both of you get a feel for it then pick up the pace.
2. This ones is the same as above but using the slanting block as your response to the attack.
3. Player A forehand attacks and backhand attacks and Player B blocks with umbrella block and slanting block
4. Now we put it togethere in a flow drill. The attacks and blocks will be a give and take where player A forehand attacks and B blocks with payong and then hits A using a forehand strike. Player A blocks using the umbrella block and then hits B with a backhand strike. Player B blocks with slant or wing block and returns a backhand where A uses a slanting block. Repeat the cycle.
The drill above looks confusing in writing but it is easier than it looks. It is quite fun and you really get a a good work out when you crank up the pace. Start moving around and vary the height of your strike not always the same location. Have one player on the ground or low to the ground and work your leg muscle while the other one is on high etc...
Using this flow drill as your base you can maybe practice disarms and and other applications during the course of exchange hits and blocks. Play with it and have FUN!!!
NOTE: While you are doing your blocks your `alive hand` should be pushing or warding away your opponents striking hand. Having said that of course you can practice using the block by itself. This will help you get the feel for the block, how you apply the block at certain angles will have different effect. For example more of angle will lessen the force of the strike and vice-versa.
Also practice angulation. When the strike comes zone to the left or right accordingly. Sometimes you dont`t have the luxary of time so you have to take a stand and block where you are. When this happens zone your head out of the way.
Any questions, comments or other feedback? Drop me a line.