Between pitches in baseball, the batter steps out of the batter’s box to re-focus.
The same thing is true in table tennis; the pros often call this the “think circle.”
Between points, step back about 4-6 feet away from the table and draw an imaginary circle around yourself and collect your thoughts in your think circle. Every pro athlete has a different method of processing the points, relaxing, and gearing up for the next point, but I’m going to give you the method that I personally use.
#1 Ask yourself the question, “What just happened?”
While the point is fresh in your mind, you should replay the details of each hit. If you can’t remember how you messed up, you will likely make the same mistake again. If you can’t remember how you scored, then you won’t likely be able to capitalize on your opponent’s weak points.
#2 Remind yourself of your primary tactics.
From the first few points of the match, you should be forming some specific tactics based on your strengths and the opponent’s weaknesses. Point by point, you should be willing to adjust your primary tactics, especially if you are losing.
#3 Breath deeply.
Deep breathing has a calming effect allowing you to forget about that missed smash, calm your anger, and come back focused for the next point.
#4 Ask yourself the question, “What’s next?”
If you are serving, first determine exactly what you plan to serve and what the possible returns will be. If you are receiving, then ask yourself how you plan to deal with fast serve, how you plan to deal with short backspin serves, how you plan to deal with no-spin serves. Remember, you must stay fairly neutral when receiving and be ready for anything while at the same time, having general tactics against various serves.
This method that I briefly explained is the method that I use to analyze the point, remind myself of the plan, calm myself down, and get to the specifics. I would encourage you to develop your own method and be consistent at using it during drills, club play, leagues, and tournaments. As with any skill, it takes time to develop, but it is definitely worth the effort!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, we now have a brand new YOUTUBE CHANNEL that will be featuring new training videos, training tips, training tactics, demonstrations, and more! Subscribe NOW so that you don't miss out on any of the upcoming action!
Thanks for subscribing to our NEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Power Pong Testimonials!
“The Power Pong robot is a BEAST! All the control that you need can be used through your phone. Every spin and drill imaginable can be programmed with ease.”
-Ron a Satisfied Power Pong User
“I love this app. It makes programming routines a snap. Very impressive and the interface is extremely intuitive. I use the robot for both training and as a cardio workout device. This unit should be in rehab centers everywhere. It takes the boredom out of cardio workouts and keeps the mind occupied, the time flies. Great work!”
-Tom a Satisfied Power Pong Omega User
“I bought the Power Pong Robot for my dad and he loves it. The customer service provided by Coach Attila is excellent. I will highly recommend Power Pong!”
-Vicky a Satisfied Power Pong User
“I just wanted to tell you that I finally got the Power Pong setup and it’s great! I want to thank you so much for all you help with everything. My little boy is using it and he loves it. It’s a great machine and I’m not going to hesitate to recommend it to anyone!”
Joe a Satisfied Power Pong User
“This robot might be on the expensive side but it is hard to underestimate all the features it has—different spins, placements, trajectories, and speeds in the same drill. Highly recommended.”
-Sergiy a Satisfied Power Pong User
“Best practice robot, not cheap but worth every single penny. Does everything as advertised, with quality. The app is easy to use and very intuitive and user friendly; you can change any exercise with ball placement, trajectory, and spin.”
-Javcolin a Verified Power Pong Customer
“I’ve been using my Power Pong machine since the beginning of COVID-19. Using my Power Pong machine has been so beneficial. I love using it to work on my backhand openings and how I can put any spin, even no spin on any ball.”
-Caleb a Satisfied Power Pong User
“The Power Pong machine is a wonderful high level training tool. I really enjoy how the machine has many different settings to give me such a versatile training session. Being able to adjust the robot to fit my needs is why I love this robot so much!”
-Ayush a Satisfied Power Pong User