Coach Samson Dubina US National Team Coach 4x USATT Coach of the Year
 

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Negativity

by Samson Dubina on Fri, 2014-01-17 15:36
Written by Ricky Vesel

Despite its reputation as a leisurely game, at the competitive level table tennis brings out some potent extremes of emotion.  And I hate to say it, but it'd be silly to deny that I've earned a reputation as one of the fairly "hot-headed" players in the Ohio region.  I've been approached about my use of language one time (oops), and have overheard other players scolding my emotional outbursts, or learned about their bemused reactions through the grapevine.

Hydration

by Samson Dubina on Wed, 2014-01-15 18:42
Learn the perfect balance of fluid intake for training and tournaments

What to Drink for Proper Hydration During Exercise
How much water or sports drink is needed for proper hydration during exercise
By 
Updated April 15, 2011

 

 
Common Causes of Dehydration In Athletes

School Exhibitions February 24-26

by Samson Dubina on Tue, 2014-01-14 21:53
The Ping Pong Man is Coming to Akron Ohio

Scott Preiss and Samson Dubina School Exhibitions
February 24-26, 2014
Akron, Ohio
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYtA5qXGemA
 

Wang Zhen's Experience

by Samson Dubina on Mon, 2014-01-13 22:19
Read a Coaching Tip From a Player Rated 2815

I asked Wang Zhen if he had any thoughts to share with us about his recent match against Fan Zhendong at the ITTF Grand Finals.  Here is what Wang says...
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BreKhWaa5ZY
 
Let's talk about the match. Before the match Dejan (my coach for the match) helped me to analyze Fan's game, we both agreed I need to be more aggressive then usual, otherwise I won't have any chance to challenge him with my regular performance.

Beat the Champ

by Samson Dubina on Sat, 2014-01-11 22:04
Learn Mental Strategies Against Elite Players!

When you play against high-rated opponents, do you play better or worse?
 
If you play better against them, it is probably due to the fact that you are more mentally relaxed having a “nothing-to-lose” mentality.  If you have this focused, relaxed attitude – wonderful!  Try to go into every match and every practice session giving your best, having fun, and not putting the pressure on yourself.  This is a great experience!
 

National College Table Tennis Championships

by Samson Dubina on Fri, 2014-01-10 13:51
The NCTTA is looking for volunteers

Come One, Come All!  NCTTA Championships Needs Your Help!

Tournament Advice

by Samson Dubina on Wed, 2014-01-08 22:10
Learn from Blake Cottrell

It is important to always keep a positive attitude even when you are losing.  In my short table tennis career, I have seen many players beat themselves as they gave up when losing or beat themselves up after playing a poor point.  Everybody makes mistakes in their strategy and/or technique during matches, even the most elite players in the world.  I have made comments to younger players that were losing to stay positive and heard back “Positive?  This guy is killing me!  I have no chance.”  I often say to myself, “This isn’t over yet.  I can do it.”

Beat the Lefty

by Samson Dubina on Tue, 2014-01-07 22:03
Learn 6 New Strategies!

Generalizing all lefties into one category is difficult, but I’ll do my best to explain some general strategies that would apply to most lefties.  I’m assuming that you (the reader) are right-handed.
 
Serve Return
When the lefty is serving a forehand serve from the backhand side, adjust your position slightly more to the right.  The lefty will often use a sidespin serve to curve the ball away from your wide forehand.  By standing more to the right, you will be able to better cover the wide forehand.
 
Down-the-Line Block

The Comeback

by Samson Dubina on Mon, 2014-01-06 15:43
Learn Some Strategy from Shreyans Bafna (age 15)

 

Start Thinking the Right Way

by Samson Dubina on Mon, 2014-01-06 15:36
Learn a tip from Roger Liu (age 12)

Your mental attitude has a TREMENDOUS influence over the outcome of the game. It can help you beat players rated much higher than you. However it can be a humongous factor in losses against players rated much lower than you. This can set back your goals in table tennis. So how do you fix it?

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