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

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Choosing a Beginner Racket

by Samson Dubina on Fri, 2013-11-22 21:02
5 Things to Look For

Choosing a Beginner Racket
 
When choosing a beginner racket, there are several key elements to look for.
1. Surface
Choose a racket that has inverted rubber.  It should have sponge that is about 1.5 mm with a pips-in topsheet that is slightly grippy.
 
2. Speed
The speed should be medium-low to allow for best ball control and stroke development.
 
3. Weight
The weight should be fairly light, especially for juniors.
 
4. Approved
For tournament use, the rubber must say “ITTF Approved”. 
 
5. Type

Mastering the Professional Serve

by Samson Dubina on Fri, 2013-11-22 20:59
Watch These Video Clips!

Most players want to improve their serves, but many of them don’t know where to start.  Here is what I would recommend…
 
#1 Decide what serves best match your game
 
#2 Find a top player who serves those exact serves
Here are some sample videos…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbrmRarOysk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miIX2BxpQ4E

Advice To Coaches

by Samson Dubina on Sun, 2013-11-17 15:22
Coaching Tips
12 Tips About Coaching Table Tennis!

 
     Since the beginning of 2008, I have been coaching table tennis for a living.  Right now, I have eighteen students ranging from 600 level to 2200 level.  In this article, I’m going to give twelve practical ways that I use to maximize my students’ potential.
 
Tip #1 - Goals

Tournament Food

by Samson Dubina on Tue, 2013-11-12 10:43
Learn about eating, drinking, and snacking at tournaments!

Tournament Foods
 
 
 
I have several tips about eating at tournaments that I would like to share with you.  Apply these principles and you will be better energized for your next event.
 
Rule #1
Eat a good breakfast.

Mental Strategies - Part 8

by Samson Dubina on Tue, 2013-11-12 10:21
The Dangers of Successes and Failures!

The Dangers of Success and Failures
 
You are a 1800-rated player competing at the 2014 North American Teams.  So far, you have had a great tournament with several good wins.  Your goal is to break 2000, and you need one more good win.  You are playing in the last team match of the tournament against three 2100-rated players.  Your goal is to win one match.  That’s all you need, one win.  Surely you can beat one of them.
 

Mental Strategies - Part 7

by Samson Dubina on Mon, 2013-11-11 12:07
Find You Best State of Mind For Every Tournament!

Find Your Best State of Mind
 
Most club players across the US give about 70% effort during club matches while socializing, playing relaxed, and hitting great shots throughout the night.  The average club players try much much harder in tournaments and often play a much different style in tournaments.
 
Sometime, when I see a player at the club hit a very good shot, I will pose the question,
“Could you do that in a tournament?”
 
The answer nearly always come back with, “No.”
 
I respond with, “Why not?”
 

Table Tennis Quiz

by Samson Dubina on Fri, 2013-11-08 23:27
Test your knowledge about current table tennis facts!

Table Tennis Quiz
 
 
1.  When did table tennis become an Olympic Sport?________
a. 1988  b. 1996  c. 2012
 
2.  According to the International Olympic Committee, table tennis is now the _______ sport in the world, based on total tournament players.
a. #1      b. #2      c.#3
 
3. Spin is the main factor that distinguishes recreational ping pong from professional table tennis.  The ball can spin up to__________ rotations per minute.
a. 78       b. 780    c. 7800
 

Mental Strategies - Part 6

by Samson Dubina on Fri, 2013-11-01 13:05
Hesam Hamrahian
Learn to analyze your opponent in less than 10 seconds

Blog --- Mental Strategies Part IX
Think Quickly!
 
 
     In practice matches, you probably play against opponents that you feel comfortable playing against.  You understand your opponent’s basic strengths, weaknesses, serves, and common patterns.  Often, in a tournament, you will compete against a variety of styles.  From the first few points, it is critical that you quickly make a game plan then continue to readjust your game plan as the match progresses.

Mental Strategies - Part 5

by Samson Dubina on Wed, 2013-10-30 08:14
Learn about the proper amount of anticipation to use

Mental Stratgies – Part VIII
Guess or Not to Guess?
 
     In table tennis, there are 2 aspects of anticipation.  The first is to have a reasonable guess as to where your opponent will hit the next ball.  The next aspect is watching his body position and racket angle and adjusting based on the direction of his swing.

Mental Strategies - Part 4

by Samson Dubina on Sun, 2013-10-20 20:16
Learn how to make your game unpredictable!

Blog – Mental Strategies Part IV
Throw a Curve Ball
 
You have heard the expression many times, “My boss threw me a curve ball,” or “my day threw me a curve ball.”  The expression basically means, something happened that you didn’t expect.  In a close table tennis match, it is important to “throw a curve ball” to your opponent;  something that he doesn’t expect.  At the same time, it is critical that you do something that you can reasonably achieve.
 
Here might be some good options for you:
Serving from a different location

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