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Table Tennis: A winning formula

Table tennis is a remarkable sport! Just think about it. Here you are standing about 10 to 12 feet away from your opponent trying to hit a small white or orange ball that sometimes travels about 100 miles per hour. Talk about eye-hand coordination! Not only do you have to learn how to hit the ball, but you also have to move your feet very quickly from side to side and forward and backwards. You have to hold your paddle just the right way to deal with a variety of speeds and spins imparted to the ball by your opponent. If that isn't enough to keep you busy, you also have to deal with many "outside" distractions, such as noise, balls drifting into your playing area, people moving about, poor lighting, etc. Finally, we all have to deal with a lack of media attention to our beloved sport even though it is contested in the Olympics and played in almost every civilized country in the world!

There have been many books and articles written on the subject of how to win at table tennis. For me, the secret to winning can best be described as follows:

1. Wear USATT approved clothing. Looking good is important for the sport and good for you as a player.
   


2. Obviously, you need to practice the fundamentals. Spend more time working on your strokes (forehand & backhand), footwork, and serves, and less time playing games. (I know it's more fun to play games, but if you "groove" your basic strokes, you will make fewer mistakes during those tough matches.)
   


3. Develop an offensive attitude about the game. A good offensive player will usually defeat a good defensive player. Think attack every time you strike the ball. Even if you push or chop the ball, do it with an offensive frame of mind. Don't expect your opponent to make a mistake.
   


4. Concentrate on finding the weaknesses of your opponent. (We all have at least one weakness.) Naturally, if you find that your opponent has a tough time when you loop to his/her backhand, then loop to his/her backhand from time to time. Change the pace and spin of your shots so that your opponent doesn't get into a rhythm.
   


5. Work on your serve. It's the only time you have total control over the ball. It's usually better to serve short most of the time. Load up the serve with lots of spin. The idea is to take the first offensive shot, so don't let your opponent attack your serve.
   


6. Use common sense in how you present yourself to your opponent and spectators. If you "rant and rave" when things don't go the way you want, it's like a shot of adrenaline for your opponent. It can be distracting to other players around you, and it doesn't present our sport in the best light to those watching the match. Be courteous. Don't shout with joy when you get a net or edge ball. Hold up your hand when you are fortunate enough to get a lucky point. Always shake hands at the end of your match.
   


7. Finally, develop mental "toughness." This is difficult to define, but I think it means that in a close, tough match, try to block out all outside distractions and increase your level of concentration and intensity. Go for the win; don't expect your opponent to "give" you the match. Mentally tough players win a high percentage of those 11-8, 11-9, or deuce games.

When you think about it, table tennis is truly a fun, challenging sport that can be enjoyed for most of your lifetime. If you decide to participate in this sport you might as well develop a winning formula. You and everyone around you will benefit. After all, isn't it more fun to win?

Donald Young
Genesee Valley Table Tennis Club
Rochester, NY

Webmaster    Last updated: 7/13/2005