Bible Verse of the week
 

1Timothy 4:8  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
 
I am training very hard to reach my table tennis goals, and I really believe that it is a good thing.  However, I must keep the right perspective that tt is temporary.  Serving and loving God has major spiritual benefits in this life and also in the life to come. 
 
 

 
Here are a few simple rules to improving…
 
1. Learn It
First, you need to have a clear understanding about your strengths and weaknesses.  You must also learn new information about how to improve your technique, how to improve your footwork, how to improve your strategy, and other aspects of your game.  The best way to learn it is to get professional coaching – in person or online.
 
2. Remember It

Looping serves is a bit more challenging than many players imagine.  However, if you follow the right thought process and use the right technique, then you will be on your way to major improvement.  Here are some steps…
 
1. Watch the opponent’s positioning at the table and body language to possibly see if he will serve short or long.
 
2. Next, watch his backswing, contact point, and where the ball contacts his side of the table.  At this point, you need to start adjusting your feet while keeping your hand in front.
 

In table tennis, there are five different ways to win points…
 
1. Speed
2. Spin
3. Placement
4. Variation
5. Consistency
 

You are playing the most important match of your life in the final round, crowds have gathered, big money is at stake, you are preparing to serve, the score is 9-9… should you call timeout?
 
This article gives some helpful tips on when to call timeout. The question above could be answered “YES” or “NO” depending on the circumstance. In the above situation, you should possibly call timeout if:
 
1. You need to consult your coach. If you are unsure on what to serve or what strategy to use, ask your coach.
 

In this blog posting, I’ll be detailing robot drills 11-20 and giving some tips on how to perfect your game using these drills.  Every robot comes with FREE lessons when purchased at www.samsondubina.com
 
 
Drill #11

Newgy Robo-Pong 2050
Every robot comes with FREE LESSONS when purchased through www.samsondubina.com
If you are a beginner, I would recommend starting your practice with drills 1-5.  With the spin set on TOPSPIN and the head angle set at TWO, select the drill number and begin.  If the drill is too fast, then give yourself more time between balls by adding +20% on the wait adjust.  As you progress, make it more fun and challenging by decreasing the wait adjust, giving you less time between balls.
 
Drill #1

By Coach Carl Hardin
 
In match competition, trust your training and let yourself play to win.
When receiving a serve or a stroked table tennis ball.
•        Your contact point on the ball is determined by your opponent’s direction of swing, blade angle and the point their blade departs from the ball.
•        Decide and visualize the point of the TT ball that you need to contact in order to stop, continue or change the spin to gain control of the point..

In this article, I would like to briefly talk about changing your mindset in regards to your opponent’s strengths. 
 
Many players fear their opponent’s strengths so much that it messes up all aspects of their game.  Instead of fearing the strength, try to use the strength against him.  I’ll give several examples…
 

The best serves in table tennis are low with good placement as well as good variation in the type of spin and degree of spin.
So how can your read the spin on a good serve?
 
There are 4 ways:
1. Watch the direction of the racket
2. Watch the bounce of the ball
3. Listen for the sound at contact
4. Look for the logo on the ball
 
In this short video, I give some tips about how to read the racket on a forehand tomahawk serve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqLxc6mxj6I