Minecraft 1.9 is a future update that will include: Shields, Harder Enderdagon, End blocks, the left hand, effected arrows, etc. But the most hated thing is the new combat system.
     
     Minecraft developers have added in different attack speeds for tools, items, and your own hand. Most people hate this because It will force players to come up with a new combat strategy. And as we all know, people fear change. What most people don't know is that the 1.9 combat system will open up for more combos. Incudeing sheild block timing, hit timing, and the use of the fishing rod.

     The fishing rod will now be able to hook players not just animals. So you can position yourself above someone and hook them and fling them into the air and them hit them with your sword. This will do the swords damage as well as fall damage as they come down. Pro players should be useing this if they even go to 1.9.

     A lot of players still use 1.7 because Minecraft removed the ability to block and hit at the same time. I was not effected because I used a different stratigy. Blocking will cause you to slow down, so I never block. I use my speed to my advantage, jumping all around so it is difficult to hit me. If they are blocking It is almost effortless for me to hit them.

     1.9 will make this stratigy even better, because of the shields and the attack speed. This will force the sword to have a 1.6 sec cooldown. If you time it right you can raise the shield and block the attack, after, lower the shield and strike, raise the shield to block, lower and strike. repeat untill your oponent is dead. 

     I personally like the 1.9 update so far, I am currently working on my 1.9 combat strategies and am finding really cool things to do with the new blocks.