I am very happy for Lily Zhang who just won a bronze medal in the Youth Olympic games.  She is the first American ever to win a medal in table tennis for the US at any Olympic games.  I feel that Lily is really a role-model in several aspects...
 
1. Training.  Even if Lily can only practice a couple times per week, she does it with all of her heart.  There isn't waisted time with lobbing, trick shots, and chatting with the other coaches and players.  It is obvious to see during her practices that she has a goal and it focused on that goal.
 

In table tennis, there are ten common training methods – drilling with a training partner, serving practice, robot training, multiball training, practice matches against a variety of opponents, video analysis of your own game, video analysis of top players, physical training, mental training, and tournaments on a regular basis.  I will talk briefly about the first four and then show you a short video demonstrating each of those elements of training.

 
 
The Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy has been growing and expanding lately.  With 28 students taking private lessons and many students taking group lessons, we plan to purchase a very large building in 2016 to host junior programs, private lessons, leagues, and tournaments.  We would like to send out a congrats message to some recent accomplishments this year!
 
Congrats!
Blake Cottrell - State Senior Olympic Singles and Doubles Gold Medalist
Hesam Hamrahian - US Open u2250 semifinalist and US Open u2400 quarterfinalist

On September 26-27, the 8th Newgy Akron Open Table Tennis Tournament will be at a new location this year.  Walsh University's main gymnasium will host the 150-player 30-table event featuring the nations top athletes from 8 different states aiming to take home the title and a portion of the $3000 cash prizes.

Scott Badillo (the ironman) currently holds the title of the most USATT tournament matches played in 2014.  He has so much desire to perfect his game that he recently moved from Michigan to Akron, Ohio to receve more lesson from coach Samson Dubina.  With a full training and tournament scheduled planned this fall, we are anxious to see some good results from Scott.  Welcome to Ohio!

Here are some rules regarding the new plastic balls....
 

1. Plastic balls will be used at ITTF Sanctioned events from 1st July 2014
2. As an exception celluloid balls will be used at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games and at four (4) ITTF Junior Circuit events taking place after 1st July 2014 but before the 2014 YOG

Here is the list of the four (4) ITTF Junior Circuit events exceptionally using celluloid balls in the period between 1st July and 15th August 2014:

 
 
To sign up for our free monthly newsletter, please e-mail tt@samsondubina.com
 
You will receive one e-mail per month with updates about coaching, equipment, tournaments, and other news at the Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy.  Thanks!

Our September tournament will be staged at Walsh University's main gymnasium.  This state-of-the-art facility was built in 2011 and has 800 lux lighting, very high ceilings, and an amazing wood floor that can accomodate 30 tables.
 
We are now accepting more entries.  Enter today to reserve your spot!!
 
 
Entry Form and Details:
http://samsondubina.com/node/289

There are a few updates that I would like to share...
 
Update #1 Credit card, debit card, paypal, cash, check, and money orders are now all accepted with no additional fees for private lessons, group lessons, robot sales, clinics, and tournaments.  You can now pay online, over the phone, or in person.
 
Update #2 For those students who are paying monthly, they will receive $10 discount per session on group lessons.  For a Friday-Saturday group lesson (3 sessions) each monthy paying student receives a $30 discount if participating in all the sessions.
 

 
 
 
A Great "Dey" For Taprabrata
 
 
The Newgy Cincinnati Open was the first 4-Star USATT sanctioned event held in Cincinnati during the last 8 years.  With over 100 entries and 20 professional tables, this (soon to be) annual event has had a great beginning.  We plan to continue with the same giant round robin format – groups of 8 with the top 4 players advancing to the next round.