I just finished playing the US National Team Trials in Fort Worth, TX.  I gave 100% effort on every match and suffered a devastating loss to Jim Butler on the final day with ended my chances of making the US Team.  I gave it my best to win, and I'm not discouraged from the loss.  I love life and love playing tt but I also have the hope of eternal life in heaven.  This afternoon, I was encouraged by a Bible verse in Philippians...
 

When learning a new serve, focus exclusively on developing maximum spin with your wrist.
 
When smashing topspin, step back away from the table, while smashing forward and slightly down.  When smashing backspin, step close to the table, which smashing forward and slightly up.
 
Remember to anticipate with your feet, while keeping your racket in-front for last second adjustments.
 
When blocking, remember to think about ball control, placement, and extending the rally as long as possible.
 

While traveling for table tennis events, I have had many opportunities to speak to players about the good news of Jesus Christ.  There have been several questions that come up frequently and I would like to take the time to answer them in this blog post
 
Question:            Samson, is it narrow-minded to think that Jesus is the only way to God?  Aren’t there other ways to reach heaven?
 

The Fastest Way to Improve
 
     If you would like to improve your game 50-100 points in the near future, focus on improving your ball placement.  To make stroke changes, it takes persistent coaching over an extended period of time.  However, if you can take the strokes that you currently have and improve your placement, then you should see instant progress.