Targeting the Transition
 
 
“You need to attack his middle.”
“I recommend that you play 80% of your hits to his transition point.”
“Hunt the elbow – play the elbow – your opponent gets jammed easily!”
 

 
 
 
 
 
“Everybody is a winner”
“Good job my little champions”
“All the kids here get ribbons”
“No one loses”
 
These are some of the common statements that I hear from kids classes, preschool groups, and sports camps.  For young children, many teachers just want to encourage kids and make them feel nice but this approach does create some problems.
 

 
 
 
 
 
In the table tennis world, giving players recognition is very important.  I think it is great when tournaments have an award podium and make the awards ceremony very official.  The Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy will be promoting more and more recognition in the sport as we continue to grow.  However, some players only play for the recognition from others.  IF THIS IS YOUR MINDSET, IT WILL HINDER YOUR PROGRESS!!!

We are thrilled to be opening the NEW Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy!  Until we open, we will be continuing our Monday classes and Thursday leagues at the Shaw JCC.  From May 2nd onward, we will be open Monday-Saturday at the new location.

 
From now through April 25th Shaw JCC 750 White Pond Dr. Akron, Ohio
Starting May 2nd NEW Samson Dubina TT Academy 2262 South Arlington Rd Akron, Ohio
 

In this blog, I will be outlining five vital steps in a peaking for a tournament 30 days from now.
 
#1 Same Equipment
Every time you change equipment, it takes 2-3 weeks to fully adjust.  During those 2-3 week, your game will go down slightly.  Make sure that you keep using the same rubber, blade, glue, and shoes during those final 30 days before your big event.
 
#2 Same Strokes

2019 Ohio Mega Camps  (click the links below for more info)
Online Entry Form
Coaches and Training Partners
Testimonials

 
 
During the camp, you will get about 30 hours of drills, multiball, game situations, and match play.  In addition to the scheduled times, you will also have plenty of opportunities for match play in the evenings.  If you would also like to schedule a lessons with one of the coaches or practice partners, you can schedule it now or when you arrive.
 
Chance Friend (June 10-15 and June 17-22 and July 29-Aug 3 and Aug 5-10)  Cost is $20-$40/30 min
Sameh Awadalla (June 10-14 and Aug 5-9) Cost is $25-$40/30 min

 
 
 
 
Out-of-Sync
 
After not playing for a few weeks, you might feel a bit sluggish or out-of-sync with your game.  In this article, I want to explain why and give a few helpful tips that you can use to quickly restore and build your playing-level!  When you don’t play at all, these are the first three things that you usually lose…    timing, footwork, and serve return.
 
Timing

 
 
 
 
Breathe Man, Breathe!
 
Breathing both BETWEEN points and DURING the point is a very important, and often neglected, aspect of the game!  Players who have learned to properly exhale at contact improve their timing, power, mental focus, and endurance.
 
So how do you test it?
 
Just warmup forehand to forehand.  Is it natural for you to exhale with each hit?  If it feels unnatural, you probably haven’t been doing it!  Now play some points, ask a spectator to stand close and listen for the exhale and watch your chest. 

 
 
 
 
Pay-Per-Time vs Pre-Pay
NEW Samson Dubina TT Academy
 
For both private lessons and group classes, we offer both Pay-Per-Time and Pre-Pay options.  So which should you choose?
 
 
Pay-Per-Time