Mid-Length Topspins When I get short balls, I like to flick them, and when balls are long I topspin them; however, mid-length balls are difficult. They are too long to flick, but just enough over the table so that I can't lower my bat. I generally automatically prepare for a long stroke, but then at the last second recognise that it will not be long, and awkwardly lunge forward with a weak return. Passive or defensive players generally have more half-length balls than aggressive players, so I tend to struggle against their returns, especially if it is backspin. The main questions are, what stroke should I use for those type of balls, and how should I prepare to avoid weak returns and getting off balance?   Knowing When To Commit To A Playstyle Change Due to a shoulder injury, I played mostly defensively with my backhand (pushing, chopping, blocking) the past couple of months, instead of being more active. I just slapped a random thin (1.3) inverted control rubber on the backhand and started defending, and to my surprise, did quite well with it. Now that my shoulder has mostly recovered, I'm wondering, should I stick with it or should I switch back to my old style? My backhand was never my strong suit, however I was decent at opening up the game with it but I was never able to keep the pressure up because I think my movements were too large and inefficient. Also, if I keep playing defensively, should I adjust my setup? I tried long pips but that was catastrophic and broke my brain a bit. Maybe short pips or a 1.5 rubber to block more aggressively?   Plastic Ball Debut Hi coaches! sam here, im just really curious... what year was the celluloid ball last used, and when did the plastic ball make its official ittf debut?   Muscle Memory The latest research into muscle memory seems to indicate it takes about 10 hours of practicing one skill to train your brain to have good muscle memory. Doing two activities during the 10 hours reduces the learning of the first training. The other thing that was suggested was to push the boundaries in learning the one skill you are training for. I was told the Chinese when training young kids focus on one stroke for 3 months. How would you do this in training without becoming boring? Do you think there is any validity of this approach in Table Tennis?   Links In This Episode Singapore Smash Who Am I Episode 10

<h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/midlength-topspins" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mid-Length Topspins</a></h4> <p>When I get short balls, I like to flick them, and when balls are long I topspin them; however, mid-length balls are difficult. They are too long to flick, but just enough over the table so that I can't lower my bat. I generally automatically prepare for a long stroke, but then at the last second recognise that it will not be long, and awkwardly lunge forward with a weak return. Passive or defensive players generally have more half-length balls than aggressive players, so I tend to struggle against their returns, especially if it is backspin. The main questions are, what stroke should I use for those type of balls, and how should I prepare to avoid weak returns and getting off balance?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/knowing-when-to-commit-to-a-playstyle-change" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Knowing When To Commit To A Playstyle Change</a></h4> <p>Due to a shoulder injury, I played mostly defensively with my backhand (pushing, chopping, blocking) the past couple of months, instead of being more active. I just slapped a random thin (1.3) inverted control rubber on the backhand and started defending, and to my surprise, did quite well with it. Now that my shoulder has mostly recovered, I'm wondering, should I stick with it or should I switch back to my old style? My backhand was never my strong suit, however I was decent at opening up the game with it but I was never able to keep the pressure up because I think my movements were too large and inefficient. Also, if I keep playing defensively, should I adjust my setup? I tried long pips but that was catastrophic and broke my brain a bit. Maybe short pips or a 1.5 rubber to block more aggressively?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/plastic-ball-debut-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Plastic Ball Debut</a></h4> <p>Hi coaches! sam here, im just really curious... what year was the celluloid ball last used, and when did the plastic ball make its official ittf debut?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/muscle-memory-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muscle Memory</a></h4> <p>The latest research into muscle memory seems to indicate it takes about 10 hours of practicing one skill to train your brain to have good muscle memory. Doing two activities during the 10 hours reduces the learning of the first training. The other thing that was suggested was to push the boundaries in learning the one skill you are training for. I was told the Chinese when training young kids focus on one stroke for 3 months. How would you do this in training without becoming boring? Do you think there is any validity of this approach in Table Tennis?</p> <p> </p> <h4>Links In This Episode</h4> <p><a href="https://worldtabletennis.com/eventInfo?selectedTab=Overview&amp;eventId=2536" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Singapore Smash</a></p> <p><a href="/competitions/who-am-i-episode-10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who Am I Episode 10</a></p>

Show #368 - Choosing A Playing Style

Welcome to another ask the coach show where we answer your table tennis questions. If you have a table tennis question then head over the PingSkills website and ask away. We love talking about table tennis. I hope you enjoy this week’s show.   Serve Selection  How to select the serve to use in different situations ? When do we use long serve? When do we use backhand serve? Which serve should should be use at 9-10 ?   Rubber Thickness I noticed that when I was playing with (two different) 2 mm thick rubbers on FH side, almost all my topspins was landing to the table. And with maximum thick rubbers, I have some troubles. When I do FH topspins, several FH topspins in a set flies off the table.  Is it coincidence? With thinner rubbers is it easier to do FH topspins? Or depends on many other things: blade, opponents' strokes, position during the stroke (technique), etc ?   Sleeping Well The Night Before A Contest Hi Alois, I have this problem where I struggle to sleep well the night before a league or tournament because I am too excited and tend to overthink about the matches. I always end up not playing at my usual level during the contest. This has happened to me 2 times already and I hope that it doesn't happen again in the future. How do you calm down in the night before a tournament or league?   Video Analysis  I recorded two matches of my local RR matches (approx 20 mins each) uplinked to youTube channels. I am looking for feedback to what I am already doing well &amp; areas for improvements, tendencies, serves &amp; returns. What are your thoughts &amp; fees?   Links In This Episode: Choosing A Table Tennis Bat Who Am I Episode 10

<p>Welcome to another ask the coach show where we answer your table tennis questions. If you have a table tennis question then head over the PingSkills website and ask away. We love talking about table tennis. I hope you enjoy this week’s show.</p> <h4> </h4> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/serve-selection-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serve Selection </a></h4> <p>How to select the serve to use in different situations ? When do we use long serve? When do we use backhand serve? Which serve should should be use at 9-10 ?</p> <h4> </h4> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/rubber-thickness-7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rubber Thickness</a></h4> <p>I noticed that when I was playing with (two different) 2 mm thick rubbers on FH side, almost all my topspins was landing to the table. And with maximum thick rubbers, I have some troubles. When I do FH topspins, several FH topspins in a set flies off the table.  Is it coincidence? With thinner rubbers is it easier to do FH topspins? Or depends on many other things: blade, opponents' strokes, position during the stroke (technique), etc ?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/sleeping-well-the-night-before-a-contest" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sleeping Well The Night Before A Contest</a></h4> <p>Hi Alois, I have this problem where I struggle to sleep well the night before a league or tournament because I am too excited and tend to overthink about the matches. I always end up not playing at my usual level during the contest. This has happened to me 2 times already and I hope that it doesn't happen again in the future. How do you calm down in the night before a tournament or league?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/video-analysis-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Video Analysis </a></h4> <p>I recorded two matches of my local RR matches (approx 20 mins each) uplinked to youTube channels. I am looking for feedback to what I am already doing well &amp; areas for improvements, tendencies, serves &amp; returns. What are your thoughts &amp; fees?</p> <p> </p> <h4>Links In This Episode:</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/choosing-equipment/choosing-a-table-tennis-bat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Choosing A Table Tennis Bat</a></p> <p><a href="/competitions/who-am-i-episode-10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who Am I Episode 10</a></p>

Show #367 - Meat Pies and Tomato Sauce

We answer 4 excellent questions in today’s show that will hopefully help you in your table tennis journey. One listener also correctly identified our current who am I athlete and wins either one hour of online coaching or one month’s free premium membership. We also give our tip of the week and round out the show with some OMG facts.   Pendulum Topspin Serve I can do under spin, side spin pendulum serve, but unable to figure out how to do top spin serve. Saw a few videos but not sure what am i missing. Please share some tips and/or videos to help learn it.     Ball Dents In New Rubber Hello guys, I just replaced my Rakza 7 rubber on my/your bat.I did everything right from your ytube video. Is it normal to see ball indentations on the new rubber? Thanks, Bernie   Low Balls  I have just been watching basic strokes showing the position and movement of the bat, but the demonstration shows the ball bouncing to a convenient height to return the ball. What do you do when the ball bounces low and short, in other words, it could bounce twice in the middle of the table unless you get to it quickly?   Training Composition I would like to ask though: the training with the second club looks only like "10mins of warm up and then 90 mins of matches. No drills no combinations no practise. Only matches."  Does such a system make sense to you? I mean...matches surely have their importance but playing ONLY matches without a chance to recognize mistakes or working at them? What do you think about the training system difference?   Links in this Episode: Guess the latest 'Who Am I'

<p>We answer 4 excellent questions in today’s show that will hopefully help you in your table tennis journey. One listener also correctly identified our current who am I athlete and wins either one hour of online coaching or one month’s free premium membership. We also give our tip of the week and round out the show with some OMG facts.</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/pendulum-topspin-serve-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pendulum Topspin Serve</a></h4> <p>I can do under spin, side spin pendulum serve, but unable to figure out how to do top spin serve. Saw a few videos but not sure what am i missing. Please share some tips and/or videos to help learn it. </p> <p> </p> <h4></h4> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/ball-dents-in-new-rubber-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ball Dents In New Rubber</a></h4> <p>Hello guys, I just replaced my Rakza 7 rubber on my/your bat.I did everything right from your ytube video. Is it normal to see ball indentations on the new rubber? Thanks, Bernie</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/low-balls-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Low Balls </a></h4> <p>I have just been watching basic strokes showing the position and movement of the bat, but the demonstration shows the ball bouncing to a convenient height to return the ball. What do you do when the ball bounces low and short, in other words, it could bounce twice in the middle of the table unless you get to it quickly?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/training-composition" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Training Composition</a></h4> <p>I would like to ask though: the training with the second club looks only like "10mins of warm up and then 90 mins of matches. No drills no combinations no practise. Only matches."  Does such a system make sense to you? I mean...matches surely have their importance but playing ONLY matches without a chance to recognize mistakes or working at them? What do you think about the training system difference?</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong>Links in this</strong> Episode<strong>:</strong></h4> <p><a href="/competitions/who-am-i-episode-9" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Guess the latest 'Who Am I'</a></p>

Show #366 - Go Lefties

Today we discuss how Alois used short pimples on his backhand for a year. We answer questions about receiving, the service rule, and the playing styles of Mima Ito and Vladimir Samsonov. We hope you enjoy the show.     Thoughts Before Receiving In A Match Since the server has so many different options for a serve, what should the receiver be thinking of before the point begins?   The Wall  What is the plan of Vladimir Samsonov's playing style?    Mima Ito Playing Style  I like to play close to the table. So I’d like to play like Mima Ito who is currently ranked third in the world among female players. She uses short pips on her backhand. When she returns ball during rallies, she pushes back the incoming ball forward, especially on her backhand side. She doesn’t use a conventional BH stroke. Actually she covers about 70-80% of the table using this style of play. She used her FH drive only when the ball come to the far right. I use regular FH and BH strokes. But I have been thinking of stopping to swing a BH stroke and using her playing style. What do you think of her playing style?   Dimitrij Ovtcharov's Tomahawk Serve Toss  In Dima's matches, I see that he uses the tomahawk serve a lot and he is tossing the ball very sidewards and it looks pretty obvious that it isn't a legal serve. But the umpires don't fault him for that toss. Why is no one stopping Dima from his sidewards toss?   Links In This Episode: Perfect Pushes

<p>Today we discuss how Alois used short pimples on his backhand for a year. We answer questions about receiving, the service rule, and the playing styles of Mima Ito and Vladimir Samsonov. We hope you enjoy the show.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Thoughts Before Receiving In A Match</strong></h2> <p>Since the server has so many different options for a serve, what should the receiver be thinking of before the point begins?</p> <h4> </h4> <h2><strong>The Wall </strong></h2> <p>What is the plan of Vladimir Samsonov's playing style? </p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Mima Ito Playing Style </strong></h2> <p>I like to play close to the table. So I’d like to play like Mima Ito who is currently ranked third in the world among female players. She uses short pips on her backhand. When she returns ball during rallies, she pushes back the incoming ball forward, especially on her backhand side. She doesn’t use a conventional BH stroke. Actually she covers about 70-80% of the table using this style of play. She used her FH drive only when the ball come to the far right. I use regular FH and BH strokes. But I have been thinking of stopping to swing a BH stroke and using her playing style. What do you think of her playing style?</p> <p> </p> <h2><strong>Dimitrij Ovtcharov's Tomahawk Serve Toss </strong></h2> <p>In Dima's matches, I see that he uses the tomahawk serve a lot and he is tossing the ball very sidewards and it looks pretty obvious that it isn't a legal serve. But the umpires don't fault him for that toss. Why is no one stopping Dima from his sidewards toss?</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Links In This Episode:</strong></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/intermediate-strokes/perfect-pushes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Perfect Pushes</a></p>

Show #365 - Happy Valentines Day

In today’s episode Alois tells us about the best match he has ever seen. Jeff tells 3 funny jokes that he heard on the radio and we give you our tip of the week. Of course we also answer your table tennis questions as the name of the show suggests!   Backhand Sidespin Loop  How do you do a backhand sidespin loop?   Head Heavy Rackets  Are head-heavy, handle-heavy, or balanced bats better for any specific playing styles, or is it just purely a matter of preference?    Serving Low How do I serve low and close to the net?    What About A Dry Run Because of Corona there's no training possible in my area for the time being. So I wonder if a dry run at home could be helpful just to maintain the feeling for the ball and the stroke movement. So anything one could do with a ball and a bat. Thanks.   Best Match Hi pingskills, what is the best match at the top level you have watched? My favourite match to watch is Ma Long vs Joo Sae Hyuk in the 2014 asian games. I love watching attacker vs defender kind of matches in general because of the intense long rallies that won't break down too quickly unlike attack vs attack rallies.    Links in this Episode:

<p>In today’s episode Alois tells us about the best match he has ever seen. Jeff tells 3 funny jokes that he heard on the radio and we give you our tip of the week. Of course we also answer your table tennis questions as the name of the show suggests!</p> <h4> </h4> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/backhand-sidespin-loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Backhand Sidespin Loop </a></h4> <p>How do you do a backhand sidespin loop?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/backhand-sidespin-loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Head Heavy Rackets </a></h4> <p>Are head-heavy, handle-heavy, or balanced bats better for any specific playing styles, or is it just purely a matter of preference?</p> <p> </p> <h4></h4> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/backhand-sidespin-loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serving Low</a></h4> <p>How do I serve low and close to the net? </p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/backhand-sidespin-loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What About A Dry Run</a></h4> <p>Because of Corona there's no training possible in my area for the time being. So I wonder if a dry run at home could be helpful just to maintain the feeling for the ball and the stroke movement. So anything one could do with a ball and a bat. Thanks.</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/backhand-sidespin-loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Match</a></h4> <p>Hi pingskills, what is the best match at the top level you have watched? My favourite match to watch is Ma Long vs Joo Sae Hyuk in the 2014 asian games. I love watching attacker vs defender kind of matches in general because of the intense long rallies that won't break down too quickly unlike attack vs attack rallies. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Links in this Episode:</strong></p>

Show #364 - Best Match You've Seen

The Chinese New Year was on the 1st of February. Jeff was born in the year of the tiger and Alois in the year of the dragon. We discuss lots of topics including what you can learn from the recent Australian Open tennis tournament. We of course answer your table tennis questions just as the name of the show suggests. Make sure to visit our website if you have a table tennis question of your own to ask.     Running Training  When training table tennis, do we need to do some running for stamina as a complementary training? For the case when we can only play table tennis twice a week, what kind of running would be suitable? How about for competitive players, do they usually do running as training also?    What To Do In An Injury Situation What should you do if you suffer an injury Mid-match? Or what should you do if your opponent is the one getting injured?   Table Friction Standard Is there any measurable standard for friction/grip of the table surface? At club level I see a fair bit of difference from table to table (venue to venue) that impacts spin effect off the table (degree of kick). I just wonder if there is any "rule" for standardisation or not.    FH Loop Is it OK or sound technique to engage a bit of shoulder moving forward (letting elbow &amp; wrist relax &amp; hang, going for a ride like a door off of hinge) as I switch weight from right foot to left?   Links: Who Am I Episode 8 Advanced Forehand Topspin

<p>The Chinese New Year was on the 1st of February. Jeff was born in the year of the tiger and Alois in the year of the dragon. We discuss lots of topics including what you can learn from the recent Australian Open tennis tournament. We of course answer your table tennis questions just as the name of the show suggests. Make sure to visit our website if you have a table tennis question of your own to ask.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/running-training" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Running Training </a></h4> <p>When training table tennis, do we need to do some running for stamina as a complementary training? For the case when we can only play table tennis twice a week, what kind of running would be suitable? How about for competitive players, do they usually do running as training also? </p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/running-training" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What To Do In An Injury Situation</a></h4> <p>What should you do if you suffer an injury Mid-match? Or what should you do if your opponent is the one getting injured?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/table-friction-standard-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Table Friction Standard</a></h4> <p>Is there any measurable standard for friction/grip of the table surface? At club level I see a fair bit of difference from table to table (venue to venue) that impacts spin effect off the table (degree of kick). I just wonder if there is any "rule" for standardisation or not. </p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/fh-loop" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">FH Loop</a></h4> <p>Is it OK or sound technique to engage a bit of shoulder moving forward (letting elbow &amp; wrist relax &amp; hang, going for a ride like a door off of hinge) as I switch weight from right foot to left?</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/competitions/who-am-i-episode-8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who Am I Episode 8</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/advanced-strokes/advanced-forehand-topspin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advanced Forehand Topspin</a></p>

Show #363 - Year of the Tiger

Have you ever heard of the show Guiding Light? It came up in today’s episode as part of our OMG Facts section. If so, let us know if it is something we need to watch! As usual we have a tip of the week for you, a terrible joke from Jeff, and we answer 4 of your table tennis questions.   Practicing BH Topspin vs. Backspin Before learning FH topspin vs backspin I learnt topspin vs block. I did many FH practices vs block. I have never did practices FH topspin vs backspin. I automatically started to feel how to do FH topspin vs backspin. I tried to learn BH topspin vs backspin analogically but it didn't work. I practiced BH topspin vs block many times, practiced BH topspin vs backspin several times. Almost no result. I will continue practice BH topspin vs backspin, but I want to know how to practice it correctly? Should I try hard and try to lift the ball with fast and agressive? Or should I do relaxed movements? But If I use relaxed movements I can't lift the backspin. If I try hard, I feel that I am doing wrong practice. Because I get tired after several strokes, my muscles get tired and feel pain. How should I practice?   Table Tennis Robot Hi guys, could you please recommend a good table tennis robot for an intermediate player please.   Training After A Break

<p>Have you ever heard of the show Guiding Light? It came up in today’s episode as part of our OMG Facts section. If so, let us know if it is something we need to watch! As usual we have a tip of the week for you, a terrible joke from Jeff, and we answer 4 of your table tennis questions.</p> <p> </p> <h4><strong><a href="/table-tennis-forum/practicing-bh-topspin-vs-backspin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Practicing BH Topspin vs. Backspin</a></strong></h4> <p>Before learning FH topspin vs backspin I learnt topspin vs block. I did many FH practices vs block. I have never did practices FH topspin vs backspin. I automatically started to feel how to do FH topspin vs backspin. I tried to learn BH topspin vs backspin analogically but it didn't work. I practiced BH topspin vs block many times, practiced BH topspin vs backspin several times. Almost no result. I will continue practice BH topspin vs backspin, but I want to know how to practice it correctly? Should I try hard and try to lift the ball with fast and agressive? Or should I do relaxed movements? But If I use relaxed movements I can't lift the backspin. If I try hard, I feel that I am doing wrong practice. Because I get tired after several strokes, my muscles get tired and feel pain. How should I practice?</p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/table-tennis-robot-5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Table Tennis Robot</strong></a></h4> <p>Hi guys, could you please recommend a good table tennis robot for an intermediate player please.<br/></p> <p> </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/training-after-a-break" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>Training After A Break</strong></a></h4>

Show #362 - Guiding Light

As usual, we discuss your table tennis questions. Hitting The Top Of The Net I find myself hitting the top of the net a lot and usually the result is the ball goes off the table and I lose the point. Very frustrating. I see a lot of players hit the net and it usually falls on the table. I think mine go out because I hit harder than they do. What do you recommend to rectify this?  Heavy Topspin Hi, I'm having a problem blocking heavy topspin. It never used be problem but now I seem to be blocking too early or too late, the ball flying off the table or straight into net. When I practice against loopers I try to watch the angle of my bat but I don't seem able to watch the ball all the way to my bat, getting really frustrated. Any advice? Pros Jumping While Performing Forehand Flick I noticed that some of the pros do a mini jump whenever they are flicking with the forehand. It's like they contact the ball in mid-jump. Why do they need to jump before they flick? And it looks very risky because they could lose their balance after the flick. Service After/Before Motion I would like to add after/before motion to them to make them much more confusing, but when I try to, my service breaks down and loses consistency and spin.I am wondering if I should practice adding after/before motion to my serves during practice or focus more on improving my serves and add confusing motion later. My question is: is after/before something you add on to a serve later as you improve, or is the motion built into the muscle memory of the serve itself? Links in this Episode: Forehand Topspin Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin Deception with Serves Serving and Receiving Videos

<p>As usual, we discuss your table tennis questions.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/hitting-the-top-of-the-net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hitting The Top Of The Net</a></h4> <p>I find myself hitting the top of the net a lot and usually the result is the ball goes off the table and I lose the point. Very frustrating. I see a lot of players hit the net and it usually falls on the table. I think mine go out because I hit harder than they do. What do you recommend to rectify this? </p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/heavy-topspin-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Heavy Topspin</a></h4> <p>Hi, I'm having a problem blocking heavy topspin. It never used be problem but now I seem to be blocking too early or too late, the ball flying off the table or straight into net. When I practice against loopers I try to watch the angle of my bat but I don't seem able to watch the ball all the way to my bat, getting really frustrated. Any advice?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/pros-jumping-while-performing-forehand-flick" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pros Jumping While Performing Forehand Flick</a></h4> <p>I noticed that some of the pros do a mini jump whenever they are flicking with the forehand. It's like they contact the ball in mid-jump. Why do they need to jump before they flick? And it looks very risky because they could lose their balance after the flick.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/service-afterbefore-motion" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Service After/Before Motion</a></h4> <p>I would like to add after/before motion to them to make them much more confusing, but when I try to, my service breaks down and loses consistency and spin.I am wondering if I should practice adding after/before motion to my serves during practice or focus more on improving my serves and add confusing motion later. My question is: is after/before something you add on to a serve later as you improve, or is the motion built into the muscle memory of the serve itself?</p> <h4>Links in this Episode:</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/intermediate-strokes/forehand-topspin-against-block" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forehand Topspin</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/advanced-strokes/counter-spinny-topspin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/advanced-serving/service-disguise" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deception with Serves</a></p> <p><a href="/categories/serving-and-receiving" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serving and Receiving Videos</a></p>

Show #361 - Dealing With Heavy Topspin

We hope you're all having a great holidays and that you will enjoy our latest episode. Let Serve Erwin - What happens if the opponent serves and hits the net and for some obscure reason the receiver hit the ball before it bounces on the table? It seems the ball was going to be ON the table. Serves with Short and Long Pimples Rodrigo - What are the forehand serves with short pips ox and backhand serves with long pips ox? Touch Block Dan - I would like to ask, how to deal the "touch" block? I played against a player who, when I used offensive stroke, just gently touched the ball, even slightly retracting the bat during the impact. That causes the block to be quite short ball with no spin or little spin depending on the angle of retraction, falling just behind the edge. I can use this stroke as well,but I havent found a way how to counter it. When I perform a spin-focused loop,it tends to be high and the opponent smashes it, as there is no strong backspin on the incoming ball. But when I go only slightly forward with my stroke or when I attempt a flip-like stroke, it is usually net-out ball, as it is too short for power-oriented loop, but too long for a flip. I hit the edge of table several times in an attempt to attack that block. What should I do with this stroke? The adjustment from 21 point games to 11 points Larry - I am 60 years old and played a lot 35 or so years ago. When they changed from 21 point games to 11 how did most players adapt? What was done to change the mental part of knowing the games are over quicker?  I was not playing table tennis when the rule changed. Links in this Episode Planning Your Year

<p>We hope you're all having a great holidays and that you will enjoy our latest episode.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/let-serve-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Let Serve</a></h4> <p>Erwin - What happens if the opponent serves and hits the net and for some obscure reason the receiver hit the ball before it bounces on the table? It seems the ball was going to be ON the table.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/serves-with-short-and-long-pimples" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serves with Short and Long Pimples</a></h4> <p>Rodrigo - What are the forehand serves with short pips ox and backhand serves with long pips ox?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/touch-block" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Touch Block</a></h4> <p>Dan - I would like to ask, how to deal the "touch" block? I played against a player who, when I used offensive stroke, just gently touched the ball, even slightly retracting the bat during the impact. That causes the block to be quite short ball with no spin or little spin depending on the angle of retraction, falling just behind the edge. I can use this stroke as well,but I havent found a way how to counter it. When I perform a spin-focused loop,it tends to be high and the opponent smashes it, as there is no strong backspin on the incoming ball. But when I go only slightly forward with my stroke or when I attempt a flip-like stroke, it is usually net-out ball, as it is too short for power-oriented loop, but too long for a flip. I hit the edge of table several times in an attempt to attack that block. What should I do with this stroke?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/the-adjustment-from-21-point-games-to-11-points" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The adjustment from 21 point games to 11 points</a></h4> <p>Larry - I am 60 years old and played a lot 35 or so years ago. When they changed from 21 point games to 11 how did most players adapt? What was done to change the mental part of knowing the games are over quicker?  I was not playing table tennis when the rule changed.</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/livestreams" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Planning Your Year</a></p>

Show #360 - Happy Holidays!

Having forgotten to include the tip of the week last week, we double up and also throw in some more jokes. Of course we also answer your table tennis questions. I hope you enjoy the show. Tournament Entry Kajal - I don't go in any of the tt academy and classes I just learn tt at home. Now, I want to starts with  tournaments from district level. May I know how to participate for it? Grip Changes Between Sides Andy - is it possible to use SAME grip for fh and bh and continue to grow my game? Keeping a Rubber After Purchase Kenneth - After we purchase a rubber in a package, is it ok to keep it for a few months to a year before gluing to the blade? Will the quality of the rubber decrease after keeping it for so long? Thanks. Pros Using Penhold Dayton - Do you think there will be anymore Penhold in the pro table tennis after ( xu xin and qiu dang) retire? Podcast Brings Sunshine Paul - Just finished listening to your recent podcast and I am still laughing.  Hearing you and Jeff again after such a long hiatus is proof that GOD is in HIS heaven and all is well in the world.  Thank you for bringing your brand of sunshine to we Yanks here in the U.S.  Can’t wait ‘til your next podcast! Links in this Episode PingPod #43 Grip Changes Between Backhand and Forehand From Garage to Club

<p>Having forgotten to include the tip of the week last week, we double up and also throw in some more jokes. Of course we also answer your table tennis questions. I hope you enjoy the show.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/tournament-entry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tournament Entry</a></h4> <p>Kajal - I don't go in any of the tt academy and classes I just learn tt at home. Now, I want to starts with  tournaments from district level. May I know how to participate for it?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/grip-changes-between-sides" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grip Changes Between Sides</a></h4> <p>Andy - is it possible to use SAME grip for fh and bh and continue to grow my game?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/keeping-a-rubber-after-purchase" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Keeping a Rubber After Purchase</a></h4> <p>Kenneth - After we purchase a rubber in a package, is it ok to keep it for a few months to a year before gluing to the blade? Will the quality of the rubber decrease after keeping it for so long? Thanks.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/pros-using-penhold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pros Using Penhold</a></h4> <p>Dayton - Do you think there will be anymore Penhold in the pro table tennis after ( xu xin and qiu dang) retire?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/podcast-brings-sunshine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Podcast Brings Sunshine</a></h4> <p>Paul - Just finished listening to your recent podcast and I am still laughing.  Hearing you and Jeff again after such a long hiatus is proof that GOD is in HIS heaven and all is well in the world.  Thank you for bringing your brand of sunshine to we Yanks here in the U.S.  Can’t wait ‘til your next podcast!</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/blog/pingpod-43-grip-changes-between-backhand-and-forehand" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PingPod #43 Grip Changes Between Backhand and Forehand</a></p> <p><a href="/blog/from-garage-to-club" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">From Garage to Club</a></p>

Show #359 - Two Tips and Three Jokes

Do you want to know more about how to improve your table tennis game? Then this is the show for you. We take questions from players of all levels and discuss them so we can all learn how to become better.

The World Championships are over! We discuss the interesting results and as always, answer your table tennis questions. Enjoy the show! Stiga Octagon Blade Jasper - I heard stiga created a new blade which the hitting surface looks like an octagon. What do you think of this? Any advantages or disadvantages of using this blade? Long Pimples for Defensive Players Kenneth - Why do defensive players use long pimples rubber for their backhand? Is it easier to control the ball when doing a backhand chop? I tried using short pimples rubber to do a backhand chop but find it also quite difficult to control the placement of the ball. Normally  I use inverted rubbers on both sides. Forehand Counterhit Spinny - I have a fairly consistent, fast counterhit; but I finish past my left eyebrow. If I stop near my left eyebrow, the ball rarely goes over the net; it just makes the stroke vertical, without much forward motion. I don't finish much past my left eyebrow, but it might become a problem at higher levels. I try to stop by my left eyebrow but the stroke doesn't work as well as it does when I stop past my eyebrow. How might I fix this, and what might be wrong? Playing Against Odd Rubber Mehul - How to play against medium pips, particularly Dr. Neubauer killer and super anti butterfly. My daughter is state level player. We are from Baroda, Gujarat, India. She doesn't have much practice against odd rubber. She repeatedly lost against players with odd rubber. So i want to give pratice with odd rubber. I will play with her with odd rubber. So please guide her how to play against both rubber. Links in this Episode Forehand Counterhit

<p>The World Championships are over! We discuss the interesting results and as always, answer your table tennis questions. Enjoy the show!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/stigas-new-blade" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stiga Octagon Blade</a></h4> <p>Jasper - I heard stiga created a new blade which the hitting surface looks like an octagon. What do you think of this? Any advantages or disadvantages of using this blade?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/long-pimples-for-defensive-players" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Long Pimples for Defensive Players</a></h4> <p>Kenneth - Why do defensive players use long pimples rubber for their backhand? Is it easier to control the ball when doing a backhand chop? I tried using short pimples rubber to do a backhand chop but find it also quite difficult to control the placement of the ball. Normally  I use inverted rubbers on both sides.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/forehand-counterhit-4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forehand Counterhit</a></h4> <p>Spinny - I have a fairly consistent, fast counterhit; but I finish past my left eyebrow. If I stop near my left eyebrow, the ball rarely goes over the net; it just makes the stroke vertical, without much forward motion. I don't finish much past my left eyebrow, but it might become a problem at higher levels. I try to stop by my left eyebrow but the stroke doesn't work as well as it does when I stop past my eyebrow. How might I fix this, and what might be wrong?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/playing-against-odd-rubber" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Playing Against Odd Rubber</a></h4> <p>Mehul - How to play against medium pips, particularly Dr. Neubauer killer and super anti butterfly. My daughter is state level player. We are from Baroda, Gujarat, India. She doesn't have much practice against odd rubber. She repeatedly lost against players with odd rubber. So i want to give pratice with odd rubber. I will play with her with odd rubber. So please guide her how to play against both rubber.</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/basic-strokes/forehand-counterhit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forehand Counterhit</a></p>

Show #358 - World Championships Recap

It's been a long time since our last episode of the ask the coach show and we are super excited to be back and talking about table tennis. The World Championships are currently in action and hopefully things are starting to get back to normal, whatever that means. As always, we answer your table tennis questions. I hope you enjoy the show. WTT Camera Angle Eugene - Hi alois,  it's been a super long time since I last ask a question. How have you been doing? I hope your doing well especially in this pandemic. My question for today is, what are your thoughts on the new side angle introduced by WTT? I personally love it very much as I can see the players' strokes and techniques so much clearer right now. However a lot of people hate it and are complaining about it. Do you think that this a bad or good for the sport in general? Samsonov Factors of Longevity Bob - Hi there, I am impressed by the longevity and playing style of Vladamir Samsonov. I am an older guy and appreciate his relaxed approach and maintaining his body (few injuries) and do you think his playing style contibutes to that? I will never be as good as he is of course, but if I wanted to model my game on his, how would I go about that? Any suggestions? What to do with a high backspin ball Manfred - I have a recurring problem with my forehand. My opponents often misread my service and in return I get a high ball with more or less backspin at the middle of the table. When I attack I often topspin or smash it straight into the net. I still haven´t found a solution so I´d be grateful for an advice. Movement of Hand vs Feet Sonia - I have a habit of staying at one place and whenever the ball is far my natural reflex is that my hand stretches and my legs do not move. I want to get rid of this habit. I practice some movement at home but my practice doesn't seem to work in front of the table. When the ball comes to my backhand counter hit movement does not come naturally. I just stretch my hand towards the ball and the ball goes straight into the net or outside the table. How can I get rid of this habit. Links in this Episode Building Blocks of Table Tennis World Table Tennis Championships Results

<p>It's been a long time since our last episode of the ask the coach show and we are super excited to be back and talking about table tennis. The World Championships are currently in action and hopefully things are starting to get back to normal, whatever that means. As always, we answer your table tennis questions. I hope you enjoy the show.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/wtt-camera-angle" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WTT Camera Angle</a></h4> <p>Eugene - Hi alois,  it's been a super long time since I last ask a question. How have you been doing? I hope your doing well especially in this pandemic. My question for today is, what are your thoughts on the new side angle introduced by WTT? I personally love it very much as I can see the players' strokes and techniques so much clearer right now. However a lot of people hate it and are complaining about it. Do you think that this a bad or good for the sport in general?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/samsonov-factors-of-longevity" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Samsonov Factors of Longevity</a></h4> <p>Bob - Hi there, I am impressed by the longevity and playing style of Vladamir Samsonov. I am an older guy and appreciate his relaxed approach and maintaining his body (few injuries) and do you think his playing style contibutes to that? I will never be as good as he is of course, but if I wanted to model my game on his, how would I go about that? Any suggestions?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/what-to-do-with-a-high-backspin-ball-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What to do with a high backspin ball</a></h4> <p>Manfred - I have a recurring problem with my forehand. My opponents often misread my service and in return I get a high ball with more or less backspin at the middle of the table. When I attack I often topspin or smash it straight into the net. I still haven´t found a solution so I´d be grateful for an advice.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/movement-of-hand-vs-feet" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Movement of Hand vs Feet</a></h4> <p>Sonia - I have a habit of staying at one place and whenever the ball is far my natural reflex is that my hand stretches and my legs do not move. I want to get rid of this habit. I practice some movement at home but my practice doesn't seem to work in front of the table. When the ball comes to my backhand counter hit movement does not come naturally. I just stretch my hand towards the ball and the ball goes straight into the net or outside the table. How can I get rid of this habit.</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/building-blocks-of-table-tennis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Building Blocks of Table Tennis</a></p> <p><a href="https://eventresults.ittf.com/eventInfo?selectedTab=Overview&amp;eventId=2346" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Table Tennis Championships Results</a></p>

Show #357 - We're back and the World Championships are on!

Jeff loves an analogy, and I'll let you be the judge of whether his one about typists is good or not. Either way I think you'll enjoy the show! Tournament Preparation Jasper - I have a school tournament that's coming up in 3 weeks time. Any suggestions on how to prepare for it or with any other tournament? My Backhand Always Goes Into the Net Mufasa - Hello PingSkills team. It's a pleasure to be talking with you. I always watch your videos. In social media (mostly on YouTube) and I'm getting difficulties making the backhand. My backhand is nowhere controllable. It's mostly under the net! When I try to aim at the end of the table. It sometimes jumps and flies. And also I can't do backhand in a normal match because I need it on a very specific high. And even I might get it and sometimes not. Which is very disappointing! Topspinning Long Pushes Kenneth - When I watch Youtube videos of top players, whenever there is a long but low ball with slight underspin, usually a push or serve, the player will try to execute a topspin attacking stroke on the ball. However, when I try this, it usually ends in the net. Should I continue to attempt this stroke, or just push the ball back, which is a safer stroke, but not really initiating any attacking rallies for me. Is there a progression to practice getting to how the top players get into the rallies by attacking the long pushes consistently? Is it just practice? Thanks. About the Premium Membership Ardak - I want to try premium membership for a month (maybe next month). I have some questions.  1) Do you analyze only strokes? I mean will you also watch a part of a game and give advices how to win a certain opponent? and say which mistakes am I doing vs a certain opponent? 2) Will you send analysis only in a PDF format? Won't you send videos? For example to say "you are doing THIS wrong movement, you are not doing THIS important movement" 3) How many videos can I send for analyze in a month? Thank you. Links in this Episode Ovtcharov's New Backhand Serve in Final Ovtcharov Serve Tutorial - for premium members 52 Week Training Plan - some free videos but mostly for premium members Backhand Counterhit Tutorial Forehand Topspin off Backspin Tutorial

<p>Jeff loves an analogy, and I'll let you be the judge of whether his one about typists is good or not. Either way I think you'll enjoy the show!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/tournament-preparation-5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tournament Preparation</a></h4> <p>Jasper - I have a school tournament that's coming up in 3 weeks time. Any suggestions on how to prepare for it or with any other tournament?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/my-backhand-is-always-under-the-net-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Backhand Always Goes Into the Net</a></h4> <p>Mufasa - Hello PingSkills team. It's a pleasure to be talking with you. I always watch your videos. In social media (mostly on YouTube) and I'm getting difficulties making the backhand. My backhand is nowhere controllable. It's mostly under the net! When I try to aim at the end of the table. It sometimes jumps and flies. And also I can't do backhand in a normal match because I need it on a very specific high. And even I might get it and sometimes not. Which is very disappointing!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/topspin-on-long-pushes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Topspinning Long Pushes</a></h4> <p>Kenneth - When I watch Youtube videos of top players, whenever there is a long but low ball with slight underspin, usually a push or serve, the player will try to execute a topspin attacking stroke on the ball. However, when I try this, it usually ends in the net. Should I continue to attempt this stroke, or just push the ball back, which is a safer stroke, but not really initiating any attacking rallies for me. Is there a progression to practice getting to how the top players get into the rallies by attacking the long pushes consistently? Is it just practice? Thanks.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/about-premium-membership-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">About the Premium Membership</a></h4> <p>Ardak - I want to try premium membership for a month (maybe next month). I have some questions. </p> <p>1) Do you analyze only strokes? I mean will you also watch a part of a game and give advices how to win a certain opponent? and say which mistakes am I doing vs a certain opponent?</p> <p>2) Will you send analysis only in a PDF format? Won't you send videos? For example to say "you are doing THIS wrong movement, you are not doing THIS important movement"</p> <p>3) How many videos can I send for analyze in a month?</p> <p>Thank you.</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/podcast/show-356-what-do-typists-and-table-tennis-players-have-in-common/Ovtc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ovtcharov's New Backhand Serve in Final</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/advanced-serving/ovtcharov-serve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ovtcharov Serve Tutorial</a> - for premium members</p> <p><a href="/categories/52-week-training-plan" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">52 Week Training Plan</a> - some free videos but mostly for premium members</p> <p><a href="/tutorials/basic-strokes/backhand-counterhit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Backhand Counterhit Tutorial</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/advanced-strokes/forehand-topspin-against-backspin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Forehand Topspin off Backspin Tutorial</a></p>

Show #356 - What Do Typists and Table Tennis Players Have in Common?

If you manage to listen until the end of the show then I wish to apologise now for Jeff's rant! Otherwise I believe it was a good show where as usual we answered some interesting table tennis questions, gave you our tip of the week, and even threw in a few funny jokes. 2 Sided Penhold Andy - Hi coach, at the professional level, why aren't there many 2-sided penhold players winning major tournaments i.e. world cup, olympics? Are there any inherent deficiencies to playing with a 2-sided penhold style? Non Hitting Arm I play right handed. Would the swinging/use of my left arm up help with greater rotational torque? I see some players (video) swing/move their non-hitting arm along with hitting the ball. Does Cold Weather Destroy My Rubbers? Kevin - I usually play at room temperature. I currently don’t have a table tennis table available (due to the pandemic) so I built one (why not?). I currently have no room inside the garage, so the only option for me is to play in a fairly large shed with lots of space. I live in northern Sweden, where the winters are cold, latley it has been -10 degrees c (14 degrees f), so I'm wondering if it is safe to play in cold weather without destroying my rubbers. Find Tutorial Sessions on PingSkills Harold - When you tell us to watch something from previous tutorials, such as session 6, how can we find it? Links in this Episode Pendulum Serve - for premium members The First Step to a Great Pendulum Serve Advanced Forehand Topspin Tutorial

<p>If you manage to listen until the end of the show then I wish to apologise now for Jeff's rant! Otherwise I believe it was a good show where as usual we answered some interesting table tennis questions, gave you our tip of the week, and even threw in a few funny jokes.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/2sided-penhold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2 Sided Penhold</a></h4> <p>Andy - Hi coach, at the professional level, why aren't there many 2-sided penhold players winning major tournaments i.e. world cup, olympics? Are there any inherent deficiencies to playing with a 2-sided penhold style?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/nonhitting-arm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Non Hitting Arm</a></h4> <p>I play right handed. Would the swinging/use of my left arm up help with greater rotational torque? I see some players (video) swing/move their non-hitting arm along with hitting the ball.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/does-cold-weather-destroy-my-rubbers-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Does Cold Weather Destroy My Rubbers?</a></h4> <p>Kevin - I usually play at room temperature. I currently don’t have a table tennis table available (due to the pandemic) so I built one (why not?). I currently have no room inside the garage, so the only option for me is to play in a fairly large shed with lots of space. I live in northern Sweden, where the winters are cold, latley it has been -10 degrees c (14 degrees f), so I'm wondering if it is safe to play in cold weather without destroying my rubbers.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/find-tutorials-sessions-on-pingskills" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find Tutorial Sessions on PingSkills</a></h4> <p>Harold - When you tell us to watch something from previous tutorials, such as session 6, how can we find it?</p> <p>Links in this Episode</p> <p><a href="/tutorials/must-learn-serves/pendulum-serve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pendulum Serve</a> - for premium members</p> <p><a href="/blog/the-first-step-to-a-great-pendulum-serve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The First Step to a Great Pendulum Serve</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/advanced-strokes/advanced-forehand-topspin" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Advanced Forehand Topspin Tutorial</a></p>

Show #355 - Jeff's Rant

In this show we discuss lots of interesting table tennis questions from our listeners, and we ponder how long has the two colour rule been in place. I hope you enjoy the show! Penhold and Shakehand Vibeeshan - I'm a modern penholder but everyone says it is an old style. Is it still a viable grip to reach a high level? Do you think I can switch between penhold and shakehand? Service Rule Regarding Showing Your Bat Andy - When preparing for a serve, does the server have to show the blade in view (above table) of the opponent? Backhand in a Match Ardak - Last 2 weeks I am training with a club-mate who is in the same level as me. I mean in mini tournaments sometimes he wins, sometimes I win. In this 2 weeks my BH topspin is improved very much. I started to win some players which I was losing before. But my sparring partner doesn't see any improvement in his game. He used to play only with FH side of the blade. He always chops. If the ball is higher then he smashes very consistently. Recently he beat a pro girl who is ranked 31 in our country.  But he never plays with BH side. Instead he uses footwork. He practiced BH topspin with me, but he says he still can't use it in the game. He started to think that the training (with me) is meaningless, not useful. What do you suggest? Stance for Tall Players Kenneth - I have heard advice that for tall players, we should open our feet wider apart to stay lower to the table. Would this compromise the ability to do shuffle steps quickly? Also, will this make crossover steps more difficult to retrieve wide balls? Thanks. Links in this Episode Playing as a Tall Player

<p>In this show we discuss lots of interesting table tennis questions from our listeners, and we ponder how long has the two colour rule been in place. I hope you enjoy the show!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/penhold-shakehand" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Penhold and Shakehand</a></h4> <p>Vibeeshan - I'm a modern penholder but everyone says it is an old style. Is it still a viable grip to reach a high level? Do you think I can switch between penhold and shakehand?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/service-rule-5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Service Rule Regarding Showing Your Bat</a></h4> <p>Andy - When preparing for a serve, does the server have to show the blade in view (above table) of the opponent?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/training-of-a-friend" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Backhand in a Match</a></h4> <p>Ardak - Last 2 weeks I am training with a club-mate who is in the same level as me. I mean in mini tournaments sometimes he wins, sometimes I win. In this 2 weeks my BH topspin is improved very much. I started to win some players which I was losing before. But my sparring partner doesn't see any improvement in his game. He used to play only with FH side of the blade. He always chops. If the ball is higher then he smashes very consistently. Recently he beat a pro girl who is ranked 31 in our country.  But he never plays with BH side. Instead he uses footwork. He practiced BH topspin with me, but he says he still can't use it in the game. He started to think that the training (with me) is meaningless, not useful. What do you suggest?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/stance-for-tall-players" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stance for Tall Players</a></h4> <p>Kenneth - I have heard advice that for tall players, we should open our feet wider apart to stay lower to the table. Would this compromise the ability to do shuffle steps quickly? Also, will this make crossover steps more difficult to retrieve wide balls? Thanks.</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/playing-as-series/playing-as-a-tall-player" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Playing as a Tall Player</a></p>

Show #354 - How Old is the Two Colour Rule?

Are J-Pen players disappearing? We answer this and more in today's ask the coach show. Jeff tells a joke that he finds amusing and Alois provides us with a tip of the week that many people may not have thought about. Enjoy the show! Training 4-5 Year Old Kids Vinod - Firstly thank you for bringing an excellent training portal for table tennis. It is useful to train my 9 year old daughter and for myself to enhance my skills. Can I request you to provide few basic videos how to start training my 4 year old son. Just to get feeling of ball. Staying Down Andy - Are there any exercises or contraption that help me staying down until the point is over? Sweat on Ball During Rally A player mishits the ball because of sweat present on the ball and claims a Let. Should the Umpire call a Let or award a point to the opponent because it was noticed after the rally? J-Pen Limitations Why is j-pen never used anymore in this modern era of table tennis? Links in this Episode Training 101 Video Tutorials Who Am I - Episode 3

<p>Are J-Pen players disappearing? We answer this and more in today's ask the coach show. Jeff tells a joke that he finds amusing and Alois provides us with a tip of the week that many people may not have thought about. Enjoy the show!</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/training-45-year-kids" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Training 4-5 Year Old Kids</a></h4> <p>Vinod - Firstly thank you for bringing an excellent training portal for table tennis. It is useful to train my 9 year old daughter and for myself to enhance my skills. Can I request you to provide few basic videos how to start training my 4 year old son. Just to get feeling of ball.</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/staying-down" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Staying Down</a></h4> <p>Andy - Are there any exercises or contraption that help me staying down until the point is over?</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/sweat-on-ball-during-rally-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sweat on Ball During Rally</a></h4> <p>A player mishits the ball because of sweat present on the ball and claims a Let. Should the Umpire call a Let or award a point to the opponent because it was noticed after the rally?</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/jpen-limitations" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">J-Pen Limitations</a></h4> <p>Why is j-pen never used anymore in this modern era of table tennis?</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/tutorials/training-101" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Training 101 Video Tutorials</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/competitions/who-am-i-episode-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Who Am I - Episode 3</a></p>

Show #353 - Are J-Pen Players Disappearing?

In this episode we discuss the benefits of playing against a wide range of styles to help improve your table tennis. We also tell a few jokes, answer your questions, run the who am I competition, and read out some OMG facts! Having Table Tennis After School Jasper - I was wondering does long hours of school sort of affect how you play table tennis? On Tuesday, school timing is around 8am to 3pm and then I have table tennis sessions in school from 3pm to 6:30pm. I noticed I normally miss a lot, I tend to rush my shots, I lose more points, I get frustrated very easily and I tried a lot of things to fix it but nothing works. On Friday, school timing is around 8 to 12:30am. And my training starts from 1pm to 3pm and I noticed that I would always do better on Fridays compared with Tuesdays. Most of my shots go in, I win much more points than usual, I am very calm, I get the timing of my shots right. On Sundays, I don't have school so I start training at 10:30 to 1:30. And this is where my shots are most consistent. Very clear mind, very relaxed and my highest quality table tennis. Topspin Serves Ryan - What is the best way to return a top-spin serve against your opponent? Playing When the Ball is on Elbow Ryan - How to play against a fast backspin, similar to Chop Smash, comes at your elbow? I have been a lot of point as it cannot be pushed neither can be looped. Any solution? Is blocking a Bad Shot Ryan - Recently at our club, our coach was criticizing that Block in a Rally is really bad because it gives a no spin ball which the opponent can accelerate. But, when the ball is fast, blocking with precision had won points for me. As you said, keeping a track of the ball and changing your wrist can be lethal to give an upper hand in the rally if the opponent hits hard. So, I guess it is good but with precision. Links in this Episode Attacking Plain Topspin Serves Tutorial

<p>In this episode we discuss the benefits of playing against a wide range of styles to help improve your table tennis. We also tell a few jokes, answer your questions, run the who am I competition, and read out some OMG facts!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/having-table-tennis-after-school" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Having Table Tennis After School</a></h4> <p>Jasper - I was wondering does long hours of school sort of affect how you play table tennis? On Tuesday, school timing is around 8am to 3pm and then I have table tennis sessions in school from 3pm to 6:30pm. I noticed I normally miss a lot, I tend to rush my shots, I lose more points, I get frustrated very easily and I tried a lot of things to fix it but nothing works. On Friday, school timing is around 8 to 12:30am. And my training starts from 1pm to 3pm and I noticed that I would always do better on Fridays compared with Tuesdays. Most of my shots go in, I win much more points than usual, I am very calm, I get the timing of my shots right. On Sundays, I don't have school so I start training at 10:30 to 1:30. And this is where my shots are most consistent. Very clear mind, very relaxed and my highest quality table tennis.</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/topspin-serves-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Topspin Serves</a></h4> <p>Ryan - What is the best way to return a top-spin serve against your opponent?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/playing-when-the-ball-is-on-elbow-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Playing When the Ball is on Elbow</a></h4> <p>Ryan - How to play against a fast backspin, similar to Chop Smash, comes at your elbow? I have been a lot of point as it cannot be pushed neither can be looped. Any solution?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/is-blocking-a-bad-shot-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is blocking a Bad Shot</a></h4> <p>Ryan - Recently at our club, our coach was criticizing that Block in a Rally is really bad because it gives a no spin ball which the opponent can accelerate. But, when the ball is fast, blocking with precision had won points for me. As you said, keeping a track of the ball and changing your wrist can be lethal to give an upper hand in the rally if the opponent hits hard. So, I guess it is good but with precision.</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/introduction-to-receiving/attacking-plain-topspin-serves" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Attacking Plain Topspin Serves Tutorial</a></p>

Show #352 - Play Different Players

In this episode we answer some great questions, talk about the importance of a pre-point routine, and throw in a few jokes! About Defensive Mode Ardak - If only some of my topspins fails then I continue to play in an offensive mode. I noticed that if my 3-4 topspins in a row fail (go off the table, to the net)  then I start to play in a defensive mode. Although I choose only good moments to do topspin. Especially vs players with pimples. I start to play only with chops like old days (10 years ago) when I didn't know what is topspin. Against some players this strategy worked good. But sometimes I lose badly even to those I usually win.  Is it a bad habit? What do you suggest? Proper Progression To Get Better With Serving John - Thanks for answering my previous question about bats.  I wound up getting a Yinhe Earth 3 with Palio Hadou rubber and its working out nicely so far.   I have a question regarding how to get better at serves from a progression standpoint.  I have been working on my pendulum serve and have started to feel pretty good with the basic sidespin with a bit of underspin.  I can do an underspin only - but I whiff more than I should and I think Im starting to hit the topspin sidespin occasionally but since Im basically a basement player Im not 100% sure what Im doing wrong and haven't had any lessons - so Im trying to teach myself from YouTube videos (I do aspire to someday join the local club when Im better and won't be embarrassed).  I have a decent backhand serve and am working on topspin sidespin and backspin sidespin.  I have goofed around with the tomahawk and reverse pendulum for fun - but Im not ready yet.  Anyways - my question is, is there a proper progression to get better on serving.  I practice fairly often since I can do this by myself.  Should I master one thing first - say pendulum sidespin working on spin then placement? or is it good to spend a bit on all the variations of pendulum service.  Just looking for some guidance.  Thanks! Hitting the Ball With Racket Not Held Yuva - In a situation where I'm in the left corner my opponent hit a smash on to the right of the table where I clearly cannot reach it, so I tossed the racket onto right of the table so that it hit the ball and ball returned to the opponents table and he left it!!! So finally is it my point or my opponent's point? Can the Ball Hit the Net Twice? Hare - Can you hit the net with the ball twice e.g the ball hits the net clamp and hits the net and goes to the opponent's side what happens after? Links in this Episode The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis Rolling the Ball from One Side to the Other Pre-Point Routine: Tournament Preparation Training Plans - for premium members Sports Psychology Tutorials Alois vs Italy - watch for the fist bump Rules Videos

<p>In this episode we answer some great questions, talk about the importance of a pre-point routine, and throw in a few jokes!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/about-defensive-mode" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">About Defensive Mode</a></h4> <p>Ardak - If only some of my topspins fails then I continue to play in an offensive mode. I noticed that if my 3-4 topspins in a row fail (go off the table, to the net)  then I start to play in a defensive mode. Although I choose only good moments to do topspin. Especially vs players with pimples. I start to play only with chops like old days (10 years ago) when I didn't know what is topspin. Against some players this strategy worked good. But sometimes I lose badly even to those I usually win.  Is it a bad habit? What do you suggest?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/improving-serves" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proper Progression To Get Better With Serving</a></h4> <p>John - Thanks for answering my previous question about bats.  I wound up getting a Yinhe Earth 3 with Palio Hadou rubber and its working out nicely so far.   I have a question regarding how to get better at serves from a progression standpoint.  I have been working on my pendulum serve and have started to feel pretty good with the basic sidespin with a bit of underspin.  I can do an underspin only - but I whiff more than I should and I think Im starting to hit the topspin sidespin occasionally but since Im basically a basement player Im not 100% sure what Im doing wrong and haven't had any lessons - so Im trying to teach myself from YouTube videos (I do aspire to someday join the local club when Im better and won't be embarrassed).  I have a decent backhand serve and am working on topspin sidespin and backspin sidespin.  I have goofed around with the tomahawk and reverse pendulum for fun - but Im not ready yet.  Anyways - my question is, is there a proper progression to get better on serving.  I practice fairly often since I can do this by myself.  Should I master one thing first - say pendulum sidespin working on spin then placement? or is it good to spend a bit on all the variations of pendulum service.  Just looking for some guidance.  Thanks!</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/hitting-the-ball-with-racket-unholded" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hitting the Ball With Racket Not Held</a></h4> <p>Yuva - In a situation where I'm in the left corner my opponent hit a smash on to the right of the table where I clearly cannot reach it, so I tossed the racket onto right of the table so that it hit the ball and ball returned to the opponents table and he left it!!! So finally is it my point or my opponent's point?</p> <h4><a href="/table-tennis-forum/can-ball-hit-net-twice" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Can the Ball Hit the Net Twice?</a></h4> <p>Hare - Can you hit the net with the ball twice e.g the ball hits the net clamp and hits the net and goes to the opponent's side what happens after?</p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="/tutorials/basic-strokes/most-important-skill" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis</a></p> <p><a href="/blog/september-challenge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rolling the Ball from One Side to the Other</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/tournament-preparation-training-plans/pre-point-routine" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pre-Point Routine: Tournament Preparation Training Plans</a> - for premium members</p> <p><a href="/tutorials/sports-psychology" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sports Psychology Tutorials</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gRqXwQjGcQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alois vs Italy</a> - watch for the fist bump</p> <p><a href="/tutorials/table-tennis-rules" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rules Videos</a></p>

Show #351 - How To Improve Your Serves

You are in for a treat with some tremendous jokes this episode! Plus we answer your table tennis questions on returning serves, being smooth, and encouraging people to take up the sport. Alois also has a great tip on choosing equipment. Enjoy the show! How to Receive Short Low Spinny Topspin Serves Ardak - How to receive short, very low and spinny serve which bounces to my forehand side and very close to the net? Encouraging People to Join Table Tennis Jasper - In 2 days time there will be a CCA Open House where the secondary 1 students can check out any CCA. How can I get more people to join table tennis? Choice of Backhand or Forehand on Short Game Musaab - I watch a lot of videos and I know for sure after applying that to my own game, there is a preferred blade side to serve return depending on the incoming serve. A popular example is the forehand short push return to the regular pendulum serve. Even when it is side/topspin that return will make the ball go a little high but there is still vicious underspin on it that some opponents put it directly into the net. No coach ever told me that and I can't find anything about it on the web either, just pattern recognition while watching pros videos. I wonder whats your input on this , I even feel there is more layers to it, I'm talking about the third,fourth and fifth ball on the short-to-short game that there is a preferred side (forehand or backhand) return. N.B. In all this I'm assuming two right-handed players and balls are on the middle of the table Smooth Players Bob - I would like your recommendations (if you would) of table tennis players (even old school) who play smooth and relaxed. I am trying to go the long distance in this game and am developing a game with less stress on the body. Oh Sang Eun is one that I have been watching lately. Samsanov has been around.  Any others for me to emulate? Also any drills or recommendations on playing more smooth and relaxed? Thanks.  Links in this Episode Returning Short Topspin Serves - for premium members Investigating the Relative Age Effect Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

<p>You are in for a treat with some tremendous jokes this episode! Plus we answer your table tennis questions on returning serves, being smooth, and encouraging people to take up the sport. Alois also has a great tip on choosing equipment. Enjoy the show!</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/how-to-receive-short-low-spinny-topspin-serve-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to Receive Short Low Spinny Topspin Serves</a></h4> <p>Ardak - How to receive short, very low and spinny serve which bounces to my forehand side and very close to the net?</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/encouraging-people-to-join-table-tennis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Encouraging People to Join Table Tennis</a></h4> <p>Jasper - In 2 days time there will be a CCA Open House where the secondary 1 students can check out any CCA. How can I get more people to join table tennis?</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/choice-of-backhand-or-forehand-on-short-game" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Choice of Backhand or Forehand on Short Game</a></h4> <p>Musaab - I watch a lot of videos and I know for sure after applying that to my own game, there is a preferred blade side to serve return depending on the incoming serve. A popular example is the forehand short push return to the regular pendulum serve. Even when it is side/topspin that return will make the ball go a little high but there is still vicious underspin on it that some opponents put it directly into the net. No coach ever told me that and I can't find anything about it on the web either, just pattern recognition while watching pros videos. I wonder whats your input on this , I even feel there is more layers to it, I'm talking about the third,fourth and fifth ball on the short-to-short game that there is a preferred side (forehand or backhand) return. N.B. In all this I'm assuming two right-handed players and balls are on the middle of the table</p> <h4><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/smooth-players" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Smooth Players</a></h4> <p>Bob - I would like your recommendations (if you would) of table tennis players (even old school) who play smooth and relaxed. I am trying to go the long distance in this game and am developing a game with less stress on the body. Oh Sang Eun is one that I have been watching lately. Samsanov has been around.  Any others for me to emulate? Also any drills or recommendations on playing more smooth and relaxed? Thanks. </p> <h4>Links in this Episode</h4> <p><a href="https://www.pingskills.com/tutorials/intermediate-receiving/receiving-short-topspin-serves" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Returning Short Topspin Serves</a> - for premium members</p> <p><a href="/blog/investigating-the-relative-age-effect" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investigating the Relative Age Effect</a></p> <p><a href="/tutorials/choosing-equipment/choosing-a-table-tennis-bat" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Choosing a Table Tennis Bat</a></p>

Show #350 - Happy New Year Jokeathon

Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Tom Lodziak about his new book "SPIN: Tips and tactics to win at table tennis". You can win a free copy of his book by watching the video and answering the question we pose! In the interview Tom discusses his journey into table tennis and how it helps him now as a coach. Tom believes that age is no barrier to improvement and with work and effort most people can improve. His experience helps him relate to adults who have started to take the sport more seriously and wish to become better. You can find out more about Tom by visiting his website and here is a link to more information about his exciting new book. For your chance to win a free copy of Tom's new book you can enter our competition.

<p>Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Tom Lodziak about his new book "SPIN: Tips and tactics to win at table tennis". You can win a free copy of his book by watching the video and answering the question we pose! In the interview Tom discusses his journey into table tennis and how it helps him now as a coach. Tom believes that age is no barrier to improvement and with work and effort most people can improve. His experience helps him relate to adults who have started to take the sport more seriously and wish to become better.</p> <p>You can find out more about Tom by <a href="https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">visiting his website</a> and <a href="https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/spin-tips-and-tactics-to-win-at-table-tennis/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here is a link to more information about his exciting new book</a>.</p> <p>For your chance to win a free copy of Tom's new book you can <a href="/competitions/spin-tips-and-tactics-to-win-at-table-tennis" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">enter our competition</a>.</p>

Show #349 - SPIN: Tips and tactics to win at table tennis

This show is simply brilliant, if you&#39;re starting or a little further along in the sport of table tennis this is definitely the show for you. It is not necessary to listen from episode one because the questions that are asked during the live shows are relevant and could be applied in your next session of TT. Enjoy the show

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