Most players agree that if you win a spectacular rally or win an easy point, it just counts as one point. BUT actually, they don’t…
 
Let me give you a scenario.  You are winning 9-7 in the final game.  You serve short topspin and your opponent reads your serve as backspin.  He steps forward and pushes your short topspin serve giving you an incredibly easy popup.  At point-blank range, it would have been nearly impossible for him to return your powerful weapon, BUT unfortunately for you…   you miss your smash!
 

 
 
 
 
Pips Scenario:
1. Player A and B are both using grippy inverted.  Player A gives good topspin and player B blocks. Player B's rubber grabbed the ball and it returned with topspin. The spin changed and therefore stayed topspin.
2. Player A is using grippy inverted and player B is using long pips or anti without any friction at all.  Player A gives good topspin and player B blocks. Player B's rubber did not grab the ball and the same rotation continued back to player A, which is now backspin.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In order to improve your table tennis game, there are 2 main aspects that you need this year.
#1 You need to have the right info
#2 You need to spend quality time practicing
 
 
 
 
How do you get the right info???  There are several ways:
A. Record yourself practicing and analyze the video
B. Read coaching articles, reading coaching books, and watch coaching DVDs
C. Receive group lessons (most cost around $20/hour).

 
 
 
 
 
 
Last week at the local table tennis club, there were about 10 players rated 1800 and 1 player rated 2100 who was a controlled looper.  I asked the 2100-rated player what he could possibly do to improve to the next level…  After a bit of discussion, we agreed that he needed to learn to play more aggressively and develop his power shots. 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
During my 19 years of playing, I have competed in nearly 400 tournaments.  When I look back at those events, I see probably…
100 good tournaments
250 average tournaments
50 absolutely terrible tournaments
 
By terrible, I mean that my performance was much worse than I had hoped for and that I didn’t perform even close to my full potential.  So, if I would have avoided playing those 50 tournaments, would my playing career have been better during the last 19 years?????? 
 
Absolutely not.
 

 
 
 
 
For many years, players have served with their forehands from the backhand side of the table.  I often have asked club players why they serve from that position, most have no answer. 
 

 
 
 
 
I just finished playing in my first poly ball tournament.  There were a few differences that I would like to comment on…
 
 
Shorter Serves