We answer some fantastic questions from the PingSkills community:
"I often struggle with my shot timing, either hitting too early or too late. What drills can I use to improve my timing and consistency?"
"Are there any advantages to using alternative grips in table tennis? Should players experiment with different grips, or is it better to stick with traditional ones?"
"What exactly counts as an obstruction in table tennis? Can you explain when a player is considered to have obstructed the ball?"
We wrap up the show with a fascinating fun fact that will surprise you!
Happy playing!
]]>This week the show consists of:
In table tennis, there are lots of terms to describe strokes and techniques. What do they all mean, and how do they apply to your game?
How should you adjust your bat angle when transitioning from playing topspin against backspin to topspin against a block?
Do you need to hit the ball while it’s coming back down? Learn the rules about serving and when to strike the ball.
]]>This week the show consists of:
* The Joke of the Week
* A discussion on Playing to Learn vs Learning to Play
* The Tip of the Week - How Quickly Should You Progress Your Skills
* 3 Questions
* And a fun fact
I have just purchased the premium subscription and I am looking forward to developing my tt skills. I used to train mostly at home, apart from playing once a week in a tt club as well as playing with friends, and I am using a PowerPong Omega tt robot and the drills it offers. Is the training plan taking into consideration the possibility of using a tt robot? Will it make it more efficient, how to adjust it and what kinds of drills would be most useful?
Any tips on positional play when serving and playing doubles?
I often can't recognise what spin is on my opponents serve. This happens especially with the pendulum serve then I can only guess and of course I'm often wrong. Anything I can do to reduce my error rate and keep the ball in play?
This week the show consists of:
* The Joke of the Week
* A discussion on Generalisation vs Specialisation
* The Tip of the Week - Just be playing in 5 years!
* 3 Questions
* And a fun fact
I am 73 and started table tennis 6 months ago . I am throwing everything into it but still loose to "ping Pongers" . I have studied the aggresive shots ,but am beaten by the safe and cautious players who simply :get it on the table: . Against a robot I play reasonable forearm and back hand loops , but when I play a person they sail into the net or out of bounds . Any suggestions?
I've been playing table tennis for 10 years and have competed in county tournaments and local leagues. However, since starting university, I’ve struggled to transfer my skills, and it frustrates me that even after being here for a few years, I still can’t adapt. The tables are much slower, and I can’t generate the same power. Shots that land back home just don’t land here, and I feel like I have less touch and control of the ball, making it harder to stay consistent. What can I do to fix this ?
When is the ideal time to take a timeout, and at which time of the game, like if you are down in the game 0-1 or 0-2 or 1-2 or 2-2 or up 1-0 or 2-1 or 2-0 as well? Which points should you take? When to use a towel break and when not to use it, as it can also break the rhythm?
This week the show consists of:
* The Joke of the Week
* Search the PingSkills website
* Inner Belief
* The Tip of the Week - Serving Practice Development
* 4 Questions
* And a fun fact
Good morning, Alois and Jeff, as I have limited opportunities to practice with someone who can return the balls as consistently or feed multi ball like you, I rely on my robot. Please let me know the type of ball you are sending to Jeff for the following: FH Counter hit: looks to me like a moderate topspin, FH topspin against block: does the block have just a bit of topspin? I should be able to work out the frequency from your videos. I can also vary the placement/flight by using the scatter function. I may also program 3-4 balls in the fh court and set at random. I'll start at 40 bpm, and then gradually to 60 bpm. I find that if the frequency setting is too high the stroke shortens too much. Thanking you for your assistance, as always.
I would like to adopt Jeff's forehand style of the shorter arm and the elbow bent at a 90 degree angle (and kept that way thoughout the swing). Do you have any suggestions on how to best practice this/put this style into play?
If someone were to do a roller shot from under the table and managed to make the ball roll perfectly without any bounces(not even a small bounce). Is that legal?
I started playing table tennis for over a month now, I have a coach but I'm currently having problems with serving because the serve I do is very basic and I really want to improve, is there any recommendations for a serve that is good for me to do?
Turn Your Serve Into a Deadly Weapon
]]>We hope you enjoy the episode and we'll be back next week with our regular show where we answer your table tennis questions.
]]>This week the show consists of:
* The Joke of the Week
* The Tip of the Week - Taking Care of Your Equipment
* The Topic of the Week - Practical Mental Strategies
* 4 Questions
* And a fun fact
I often feel that my training evenings are not as effective as they could be. Like, I am afraid of developing. Do you have any tips on this? I love your podcast. It's very fruitful.
Hi, coach! I understand why I don't want to move during the game. When I try to move more I lose balance. How to train alone to solve this problem?
How much does environmental noise, especially that from other sports matter in table tennis? I usually play in a garage which is quiet, and have little club experience. Today our church had a event where there was basketball, badminton and table tennis at a university gymnasium. It was in one big open area indoors with wooden flooring, and kids or highschoolers were playing basketball, generating lots of noise from basketballs bouncing, people running and some screaming. Compared to playing in the garage, I found this noise making it “feel” much harder to play with, such as not being able to hear my serve, the ball and the contact. Is this something I should get used to (if I want to play in a club)? Is this what playing in a club environment is like (assuming there are people playing on other tables)?
Hi guys, if your opponent hits the ball beyond the edge of the table but it hits your bat before the ground who's point is it? Regards, Jim
This week the show consists of:
* The Joke of the Week
* The Topic of the Week - Mental Preparation
* The Tip of the Week - Level of your Training Partners
* 3 Questions
* And a fun fact
Hello sir, I want to ask what happens if the ball touches the playing hand or forearm, game continues or we lose point immediately ? Second, what if the playing hand touches the table while game play ? It will be a great help if you can mention the ITTF rulebook rule number for these issues.
We are often encouraged to aim at our opponent's crossover point. What should we do when our opponent hits towards our crossover point? What are some good drills for handling this situation?
What are the reasons that an offensive player with inverted rubbers would move back from the table?
The Hidden Force Behind Every Victory
]]>The show consists of:
* The Joke of the Week
* The Tip of the Week - Use a phone to record yourself
* The Topic of the Week - The Olympic Effect
* A single question for this episode
* And a fun fact
I want to prepare for a tournament that is 4 months away. What should be my strategy 4 months before, 2 months before, a month before ,a week before and a day before and on that day?
The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle
The Hidden Force Behind Every Victory
Challenge Your Training Blog Post
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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?
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?
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?
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?
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 ?
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 ?
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?
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 & areas for improvements, tendencies, serves & returns. What are your thoughts & fees?
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.
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
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?
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?
Since the server has so many different options for a serve, what should the receiver be thinking of before the point begins?
What is the plan of Vladimir Samsonov's 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?
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:
How do you do a backhand sidespin loop?
Are head-heavy, handle-heavy, or balanced bats better for any specific playing styles, or is it just purely a matter of preference?
How do I serve low and close to the net?
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.
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:
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 should you do if you suffer an injury Mid-match? Or what should you do if your opponent is the one getting injured?
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.
Is it OK or sound technique to engage a bit of shoulder moving forward (letting elbow & wrist relax & hang, going for a ride like a door off of hinge) as I switch weight from right foot to left?
Links:
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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?
Hi guys, could you please recommend a good table tennis robot for an intermediate player please.
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?
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?
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.
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?
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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.
Rodrigo - What are the forehand serves with short pips ox and backhand serves with long pips ox?
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?
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.
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?
Andy - is it possible to use SAME grip for fh and bh and continue to grow my game?
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.
Dayton - Do you think there will be anymore Penhold in the pro table tennis after ( xu xin and qiu dang) retire?
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!
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?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
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
]]>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?
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.
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.
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
]]>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?
Andy - When preparing for a serve, does the server have to show the blade in view (above table) of the opponent?
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?
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.
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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.
Andy - Are there any exercises or contraption that help me staying down until the point is over?
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?
Why is j-pen never used anymore in this modern era of table tennis?
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.
Ryan - What is the best way to return a top-spin serve against your opponent?
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?
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.
Attacking Plain Topspin Serves Tutorial
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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?
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!
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?
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?
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
Alois vs Italy - watch for the fist bump
]]>Ardak - How to receive short, very low and spinny serve which bounces to my forehand side and very close to the net?
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?
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
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.
Returning Short Topspin Serves - for premium members
]]>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.
]]>It's been an incredibly tough year for many people around the World and we hope 2021 will be the year the pandemic is brought under control. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Loren - I am 46 years old and having a hard time keeping up with the younger guys. My biggest problem is my shoulder pain. Is there any exercises I can do to strengthen my muscles? Am I using bad form? I don’t want to quit. I love the game so much. Thanks for the videos.
Garth - Is it worth pursuing a chop block? I seem to have invented a new shot that appears to me to be effective, but my robot can't tell me if it is!
Links in this Episode
]]>Pedro - I have trouble in blocking a strong top spin loop into my backhand corner. I find it more difficult against spinny slow and high loop than with fast, less spinny strokes. In fact, what I find is more challenging is all the body to ball coordination, and the timings, but also finding the right moment when to meet the the ball after the bounce. Sometimes I try to turn and counter with a FH topspin, which is effective when it works but risky. I feel that I prefer this risk though, than to try the BH block, which I feel is just a passive stroke from my side, and often the ball goes over the table.
Atharva - Sir I cant really get better in Forehand Counterhit. Either the ball stuck in net or get off table. Sir please suggest some drill or practise to master it.
John - Im a recreational player (although I think Id like to join a club). Anyway I recently bought a Palio Legend 3.0 and I love it. I know its technically a premade racquet but I figured it was part way to getting my first custom racquet. Anyways as I said I really like the speed and control I have with it and Im getting much more spin etc. Eventually I think id like to move up to a better custom racquet but there's almost no information on specs for the blade that is used in the Palio Legend 3.0 other than its a 5 ply wooden blade so its hard to compare. Ive looked at Yinhe Earth 3 which is supposed to be much like the Stiga Offensive Classic. Both are All + to Off - 5 ply blades with some flex. Do you think they would be a nice upgrade with similar specs?
Robert - I'm sure you've been asked this before, however in a serious match (best of 7) with Jeff, who comes out on top?
DK - How can I play a dropshot off a high chop?
Gruia - I have already identified several flaws in my FH counterhit technique:
1) Not holding the paddle loose between hits
2) Not tracking the ball enough with my eyes
3) After salute, too slow to retract/lower the arm to the Ready Position
Right now I am practicing with a robot, but soon can have a partner. My first question is: do I correct these flaws one at a time or should I try all? And how soon, in hours trained with robot, before I can try to see if my technique improved vs a practice partner? Thank you
Ujjal - While playing (right handed player), the bat slips and falls on the table. Can he pick up the bat with his left hand and continue playing?
Rohan - Hi guys. I haven't needed to ask a question for a while but now have a new experience to explore. A guy I play regularly at work is introducing a new serve. He is attempting to be deceptive with his bat angle to switch between topspin and backspin serves but hasn't quite got it yet. They are difficult to read despite me watching the contact closely, because his intention is clear but the execution doesn't deliver the intent. As a result he is very inconsistent and ends up delivering a lot of low/no spin serves that look like they are spinny. They are usually quite low and mainly mid-long but sometimes very short. When I do get it right, a simple fast BH counter hit down the line or a FH cross court flick beats him every time, but I inevitably end up pushing when I should flick or topspin and visa versa so consequently net the ball or put it over the table. I think the main issue is I'm treating a no spin ball as if it had spin. So, what return should I try next to deal with a no-spin or low BS/TS, mid-long low ball? Cheers, Rohan.
Vic - I am a penholder. How can I hit the ball with power? It seems when I play with friends I found that my strokes are not powerful enough.
Ryan - Is it possible to attack a low backspin serve which is on the table? I can Flick the ball backhand when it bounces a little bit over the net. But, I tend to lift it or push it when I get a low backspin serve.
Jasper - Normally when winning the toss, I heard the player normally would choose to receive first but why?
Jasper - My friend says that he think he can do backhand smashes but he missed pretty much every backhand smash then i told him that it isn't reliable but he still wants to try backhand smashes. What should I say to him?
Ryan - How should I return a Left-Hander's Pendulum side Spin or Side-Top Spin Long Serve. I have been struggling to return it during Doubles. Any idea? Kindly suggest any idea. I have been returning them using a weird backhand flick which is not so consistent. This make me concede cheap points.
Jason - I’ve watched Adam Bobrow play table tennis, his style is quite more different. His style is more defensive, a lobbing playing style. Is this an really style you could play, or a risky one? You almost never see his style anywhere.
Phil - Can you say when purchasing new rubbers which way do you go as a moderate newbie i look at the different thicknesses & a" MIST " arises, is the choices too much or do they all have a purpose?
Kwokching - I was left frustrated since if I had win that point I might have won but their argument was that it clipped the net and it shouldn't be my point and I know that as long as it's cross the net it's fine with two bouncesand lucky a qualified sport teacher came across later to point out to students that if it clips the net it a point or that they just got lucky but as long as it cross the net it's fine. So what's your view on that should the rules be changed or kept the way they should as the rule book says. Frustrated when I lose playing by the rules... It's also very frustrating that most of my friends don't throw the ball high enough and with a close palm and I lose when they do that.
Jasper - I played a best of 5 game in school just now with a friend. I won the first set and then my opponent won the next set. However since the time was almost up, the coach told us to play at 10 - 10 and the loser would have to do 15 push ups and 15 burpees. I took your advice to focus in the present, managed to save a match point and then won 14 - 12. Pretty happy that I was able to control the pressure.
Peter - I often watch Liu Shiwen's playing style on youtube and I often ask myself what is the secret of her success. Is it her quick reaction, her short swing or taking the ball always on the rise. Probably all of that. It seems to me it looks like she is punching the ball forward with no loop and topspin, she is just hitting the ball but very fast. As far as blocking is concerned she is sometimes using a Tomahawk block a term I never heard before.
Robert - I’m repainting our ping pong room. What color(s) do you recommend for seeing the ball best?
Phil - Hi, can you tell me i always assumed that the offensive strike from the rubber is the RED side but a friend of mine says it is the backhand side which is BLACK who is right?
Abdul - Can you attack with antispin rubber especially when the opponent gives a backspin on ur backhand or forehand?
Steven - My brother serves his topspin serve, and it is getting on my nerves. How do I return a topspin serve properly without losing the point?
Rudraansh - I and my friends are beginners at table tennis. I told them about your coaching tips and how can we increase our consistency using different practices but they don't agree, they think that we can play better only by practicing fast and spinny shots. What should I do?
Rudraansh - How can I practice forehand counterhit against the wall as my friends are not very supportive?
Links in this Episode
]]>Ryan - I have been hitting them with spin and power but a lot of them end up in the Net. If they pass, they are very hard to return as most of the players expect that the ball will rise. How should I improve the technique. Note: I drop a lot when I have to hit any backhand shot. Also, I am a Backhand Dominant Player. I prefer to move the ball on the left side of the table.
Jasper - Joo sae hyuk seems pretty impressive, people call him the god of chopping, hou yingchao managed to beat the Chinese nationals though(probably the hardest tournament of all time). So who do you think is the better chopper? Hou Yingchao or Joo Sae Hyuk. Personally I think perhaps Joo Sae Hyuk is better because he still uses his forehand chop successfully in the modern world while other choppers just block or topspin with forehands in response to the modernisation.
Ramesh - I have a stupid and major issue which i am facing each day at my practice place. The moment i serve and start the game i tend to go back and back and try my shots which obviously goes out (i hit hard as i am far) and some times goes to the net as i hit weak. I am sure it should be a conscious effort from my side to stick to table (one arm distance) for my consistent strokes. I would like to take your tips on my issue I am facing. All the observers tend to tell me that I am moving far and I am also well aware of it and i want to overcome it. Appreciate any help from your end please.
Jared - I recently played an opponent who would smash high balls with backspin/sidespin by pulling is racket down on the ball while smashing. As i have never played against this before it was extremely difficult to adjust to. What do you recommend to return this stroke and is it a good changeup option to confuse my opponent every once in a while?
Peter - My regular opponent fears my backhand so continually sends a deep heavy chop to my forehand. Eventually I get frustrated and either hit the net with my return chop or over hit a forehand loop return. What to do in this situation?
Jasper - I remember you saying that in the warm up, you can do anything. But when watching competitions, it seems like they only do drives, blocks and topspins. Why don't people do chops and smashes and pushing and sidespinning and other possible techniques?
Jason - Why do some penholders switch their grip to shakehand when they smash? Like Wang Zengyi and Ma Lin? Is it powerful?
Phil - Thanks for question answered 18 hrs ago so from what you say you can buy a new rubber & put it on the existing bat is that right?
Abe - What is the ghost serve?
Jasper - Does your team supporting make you play better or make you play worse? Sometimes I feel like supporting puts quite a lot of pressure on me.
Toby - How can I get more sidespin on my pendulum serve?
Yazid - Hi Alois, when i do a pendulum serve my paddle always get hit at my chest . What i can do to not hit my chest again?
Pendulum Serve Tutorial (for premium members)
]]>Jasper - I'm thinking of experimenting with short pimple rubber soon, how do you clean short pimple rubber? It's quite pointy so I'm not sure. And is cleaning short pimple rubber the same for the other pimple rubbers?
Michael - When I play at home, I sometimes get a little tired. Is there such thing as time outs? If there is, how does it work?
Jason - My friend is coming over tomorrow to learn how to play table tennis. I have no clue on how to teach a complete beginner on table tennis. Do you have any advice for how to teach a beginner?
Z - Please can you teach me how to improve my forehand topspin? I'm really tired of missing my shots.
Thomas - So, I just found out a major reason for my lousy play-I was crowding the table during a rally. No wonder I couldn't hit topspin. Moving back, my game improved some, but the top is still too rudimentary. My forehand topspin is mostly spinny and slow, and backhand is worse. I like to hold the bat loosely with the index not parallel with the base of the bat but at a slight angle and I tighten the grip at contact. Do you think it's necessary to change to a traditional grip that isn't comfortable but probably will lead to more consistency, and what mental or physical changes do you think I need to go for my topspin more so it becomes a weapon? I am trying to incorporate more body weight but it's clear I'm playing it safe and mostly arming it. Thanks.
Erfan - Who is better jan ove waldner or ma long ?
Jasper - I played table tennis yesterday with my friend but I have problems moving to short balls and slow long serves because I'm not sure whether it's short or long. So I end up pushing long serves or attempting to topspin short balls. Any solutions that you have?
Hugo - How to counter loop a low spinny loop in the backhand?
Reza - Hi Thanks for your good videos. They help me so much. Please help me. Why I can't attack during the game?
Links in this Episode
]]>Ardak - Sometimes my opponents return pushes with less backspin to confuse me. I feel there are still some backspins in such returns. So I return them by push or do topspin against backspin. If I push such ball it will be easy to answer by loop. If I do topspin then ball often goes off the table. What do you suggest?
Dai - Can you give me some irrregular drills and regular & freeplay drills.
Jason - I struggle winning when it’s 10-10 or a deuce. It pressures me too much and I don’t know how to win a deuce. Is there any idea to help me?
Nancy - Maybe you’ve already covered this somewhere, but I’m wondering about paddle maintenance— do you use any special cleaner, and is it true you should replace the rubbers twice a year? Any other tips?
Jason - When I watch table tennis, I see a lot of table tennis tennis players grunting during the contact point like Dimitrij, grunt like OO AHH. I heard it make your stroke more lifestyle with the inhale and it gives a certain breathing pattern. Is this true?
How Often To Clean Your Rubber
Topspin Against Various Spins and Lengths
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Jason - What is table tennis fishing exactly? To me it’s like a weaker topspin against topspin.
Ardak - Hi coach! In our mini club we organize mini amateur tournaments every week. There are 10 players. We all play each other. There is no problem in ranking players who have different number of wins. But how to rank players with same number of wins?
Peter - In the last few years I have always been playing with inverted rubber on both sides. Now I want to try long pimples on the backhand side because I have so much trouble receiving heavy backspin with inverted rubber. In my club there are so many people who play very strong backspins. Do you think it is worthwhile to change to long pimples to play against these kind of players? What are the advantages and disadvantages of long pimples?
Ann - I love my seniors morning of Table tennis. I've come from tennis where doubles movement is much more defined and we do not usually get in each others way. I tripped over my partner's feet and fell backward hitting my head. It occasioned discussion with some players - sadly not her - about how to move and not get in each other's way and not be a hazard. We have a few who just do not move out of the way and take up a lot of space "right in the middle". One person said it is like trying to go round a concrete pole. Can you give us some guidance please? Better still can you do a 5 minute video showing some doubles (not at rocket speed) where players are shown moving around each other safely and effectively. Some tips and pointers would be much appreciated by me as I am quite nervous playing alongside some of my seniors colleagues.
Links in this Episode
Doubles Strategy - for premium members
Table Tennis at the Olympic Games
]]>Jasper - It has been 3 months since I played table tennis, if my table tennis quality drops, what should I do to get to my original level?
Gianfranco - Hi, what are all the championships that play 7 sets matches?
Jason - Is a counter hit basically a drive. I heard that drive and counter hit are the same.
Shaurya - Hi Alois and Jeff, I was wondering if you have any tutorials on weight transfer, I find it quite hard for me to shift my weight from my back leg to my front to get the power in my stroke.
Pablo - How do you return the wind shield wiper serve?
TY - Would you recommend an average 15 yo to change from normal rubber he has been playing with to short pips with rubber to improve his table tennis?
Eduardo - For some reason backhand serves have almost vanished, at least, from the professional players repertoire of serves. Can any of you, Alois or Jeff, make a demonstration of the same serve but from the backhand?
Deepak - What is the recommended thickness of rubber in mm for fast spin service game?
Understanding Spin - for premium members
]]>Gary - I was playing in a round-robin tournament at my local club and one of my opponents was blocking the view of the point of contact with his free hand (during his serve). He is a more advanced player than I am and would likely have beaten me anyway, but I had no chance of being able to return service effectively with him blocking my view this way. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. I understand that a lot will have to do with my club's specific environment and culture but was wondering if there is some sort of generally accepted table tennis etiquette for this type of situation, so that I might find a tactful and appropriate way to address it. Any thoughts?
Toby - Whenever I try to execute the Ma Lin ghost serve when no one is around it is very spinny. When I play in front of my opponent, the serve is 50% less spinny and sometimes doesn't make it over the net because I'm very nervous. Is there a way to fix this problem?
Toby - For some time I have been trying to do sidespin(pendulum) serve. I noticed that when try to contact the ball on the side, contact the lower area of the bat, use a lot of wrist, and have arm acceleration, I get little sidespin and sometimes good heavy backspin. I'm only looking for a good sidespin serve that bounces off my opponents racket when their racket is flat with no angle. Is there a way to fix this spin issue?
Gaurav - In a video, Ma Lin is shown practicing a serve in which the ball rolls back towards the net after delivering a pendulum serve. I've been trying to execute this serve for a very long time, but it never rolls back. So can somebody please help me ? I really wanna learn this.
How To Execute the Ma Lin Serve
Bat Angle for the Ma Lin Serve
Pendulum Serve - for premium members
Activation Level - for premium members
]]>Hans - Nice video about relaxation and efficient strokes. But how to take it from there? Is there a systematic way to develop a more "relaxed" and efficient way of playing, once you realize that your playing style is too tense? I suppose this question goes for both the physical side and the mental side of the game.
Jason - Why do most people in this table tennis generation stop using traditional Penhold? I still use traditional Penhold, and rarely see the top players using this grip?
Bright - Alois, please how do you develop your weaker hand properly?
Vijay - I have discovered of late that while doing the pendulum sidespin and top spin serves lifting the elbow helps a great deal. In fact, it is crucial. As I started doing it consciously and making my stance more side on a great deal fluency seems to have flowed into my serve. Same with backspin serves. On right track?
The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis
Activation Level - for premium members
]]>Thomas - Hi Coach. My favorite tip from you is holding the bat in the last two fingers, freeing up the wrist. I found this easy to learn on the forehand and basically didn't on the backhand. I unconsciously got away from this, though, and I had a swing emphasizing the index or the thumb. I'm going back to your way now and realize to do this on both shots you basically change the grip slightly each time by pivoting the bat so the ring finger and pinky are firmed up for each shot. This is what you meant, right? I don't see a way to do it without the slight change. I can do it quickly, as quickly it seems to me as the slight change almost everyone uses when going from forehand to backhand.As you move toward the ball, you pivot the bat. Of course I'm not facing 100 mph returns. I don't remember you mentioning this pivot in the grip video. Thanks.
Darren - Hi Alois, I have started using a shot I call the volley recently. Just like a volley in Tennis. You play it early after the ball bounces and it’s basically a block. The benefit I see is it returns the ball quickly and may catch an opponent off guard. I play it with a loose grip. Do you have any thoughts on this one, I haven’t seen any videos on it.
Shaurya - Hi Alois and Jeff! I have been wondering how do I get a ball to roll on the table to help me win points. Thanks!
Jasper - Hi alois, what advice do you have for blockers against different types of styles?
Josep - Is it allowed to bounce the ball on the table several times while serving? Some players do so in order to disturb the receiver.
How To Hold a Table Tennis Bat
PingPod #43 - Grip Changes Between Backhand and Forehand
Around the Net Forehand Topspin Tutorial
Whistling Down the Road by Silent Partner
]]>Tim - Do you think it's possible that there will be a high level chop blocker with long pips or anti spin rubber and short pips on the other side? If so, what should his main game plan be?
Shaurya - I was wondering what to do if my opponent forces me onto his side in the middle of a rally, I have seen it been done before. Is it a fault if someone goes on the other side? Or do we keep playing, and if so what should I do if we keep playing?
Jason - What exactly is an attacking chopper? There’s a defensive chopper and I know what that is, but I do not know what a attacking chopper is. My cousin is constantly back hand chopping but also attacking what is he?
Jasper - Hey Alois is it good if I add sidespin on the short push? I heard it's easier to control the ball to be short and a bit harder for the opponent to control the sidespin and then more likely that the opponents push will come long.
Dai - When I was watching Match for Mima Ito I saw her reviewing notes in a notebook and I felt that I needed this very much in championships and matches. When I play Match, I don't have focus. What do you advise me to do a notebook and how do I do it and how do I make plans for Match and write it. Is this notebook useful or not?
Jasper - Which non-Chinese player do you think will win the WTTC next?
Toti - Dear Alois, I am wondering about the timing of the block stroke? Should I take the ball early or at the top of the bounce and how does this affect other strokes like the counter-topspin?
Jason - How exactly do you return an around a net. Most players find it difficult. I just don’t know how Waldner did it from Liu Guliaing. How to return it?
Alois vs Italy - Scroll to the bottom of the page!
]]>Jasper - Hey Alois what happened to the drill of the week, tip of the week and on this day sections?
Shaurya - Hi Alois and Jeff, I have seen your video on the Tomahawk Serve and I have been doing the stroke correctly, hitting the ball low and brushing it, but I still find I don't generate that much spin with it. I have done the exercises to help develop spin, any other tips?
GB - How can i train my self with out trainer to spin the ball.
Dan - Hi, I want to get a table tennis table but don't know which one I want one under £350 pounds do you have any recommendations. I would like one that is one table not two halves.
Jasper - Is it okay if I play my stroke while my weight is on my toes? I find it very easy to move when I'm putting my weight on my toes because when I stick my hand out, my feet always moves to that position.
Phil - Can you tell me when buying new table tennis rubbers, do they come in a pair or not?
Erfan - I have question about what to do against a low ball with backspin. Can i play a topspin or smash against chop ball in table tennis? My opponent always uses backspin and I often hit the ball into the net.
Reza - Please help me. Why can't I attack during the game?
Hin - From my understanding, a standard backhand serve allow us to face straight after the service so we don't have to reposition ourselves. I also found it is easier to aim towards the opponent's forehand side (right-handed to right-handed player) as we do the standard backhand serve at the centre of the table. In other words, I found that a regular forehand serve has more restrictions with needs to reposition after the service and it isn't as easy to aim towards the opponent's forehand side. There are exceptions like Dimitrij Ovtcharov, but how come we don't often see high-level players use their backhand serve as their main service?
Jason - Does a roller count in table tennis. I’ve seen people do it and the ball does an airing the net but rolls with no bounce? Does it count as a point?
Richard - I saw a video by an old Irish coach who was very sharp. He made a point that I have only heard him make. He said that on a short push, you should try to have the ball hit your bat pretty close to your hand so soften the stroke and make it easier to keep it low and close to the net. I have never heard you and Jeff make reference to that type of advice. How do you feel about it? Thanks
Dhanvith - I am a left-handed player. My backhand strokes are very unreliable. Almost every stroke puts the ball into the net or sends it outside the table. It has become very frustrating and has become the reason of my many defeats I am facing right now. Please teach me some tips and drills to improve my backhand moves.
Around the Net Forehand Topspin
Building Blocks of Table Tennis
]]>
Win a yearly subscription by hitting the ball on the edge of your bat as many times in a row as you can.
The sport will now have 4 grand smashes each year and there will not be an individual world championships. We discuss these interesting developments.
Mike: Does it matter what thickness of sponge on the bat? When making a custom bat do you have to glue the rubber to the wood or does it come with sticky surface?
Tommy: Hi, I'm looking at purchasing a table tennis table for garage and backyard play would like your thoughts on the Cornilleau outdoor tables?
Jishnu: It takes a lot of time to switch between forehand to backhand. Any tips how to improve this area of my game?
Jasper: How did Liam Pitchford defeat the mighty cloud Walker Xu Xin?
Mike: Are you allowed to touch the racket with your free hand during a rally? My son uses his free hand to get extra spin on the ball when hitting it.
Andrew: My 10 year old son is starting to get more interested in Table Tennis. He has an ok forehand drive and is working on his backhand. What is the best rubber to use to help further develop his game?
Jasper: I always wondered why we have to serve from the right hand box diagonally. Do you have any ideas why there is this rule?
Ashprit: Hi again, i bought another bat which actually says and has the logo for ittf approval but its not on the larc list so I'm not sure.
Aaron: Hi PingSkills, I have question about services in the singles play. The other day I was playing a friend from UK and one serve landed near the top left of his side of the table (near the net) and he couldn't reach it. He then said according to English rules that would be an illegal serve. So My question is, am I allowed to serve the ball from anywhere (provided it's on my side of the table) and it doesn't matter where it lands on the opponents table? Is this correct? This assumes my serve meets all other requirements like a legal toss, bounces on my side first, doesn't hit net and so on.
LARC2020A (List of Authorized Racket Coverings)
Liam Pitchford vs Xu Xin Highlights
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Joke of the Day
Don't use "beef stew" as your password!
What do sprinters eat before a race?
Germán: In these days I would like to make a table tennis table but I don't know which wood is the best. The other problem is the paint as I don't know which is the best.
Marco: Hi, first of all I would like to say that I find your videos very good and the idea that you had of creating a site where you can learn everything and more about pingpong is really fantastic! said that, my question is the following. I have seen that many of your videos are from 10-12 years ago. In 10-12 years, has the technique, tactics and everything related to the world of ping pong changed or has it somehow evolved? If I learn one of your techniques explained 10-12 years ago, do I learn an older technique? My question is not only about the technique but in general to all the contents of the site. If there are videos from 6-7-10-12 years ago, do I learn something that has evolved over the years? And if all the contents of the site have evolved, how much can this evolution affect performances?
Oscar: Let me know what is fluid motion in table tennis as I don't understand its meaning.
Jason: Whenever I do a push, and I return back to my normal position, the ball gets flicked at me with good power. How do I counter a flick after pushing the ball short and using a short serve with spin?
Links in this Episode
Quarantine Ping Pong Challenge
Build Your Own Table Tennis Table - scroll down for pictures!
]]>What is a foot's favourite chips?
If spaghetti starred in an action movie, what would it be called?
Oswald: When my opponent give me a speed serve i can't survive under that serve and sometimes when i try to return the serve then it goes out of the board i really want to know how to receive that speed serve and also practice new serving as well.
Jasper: What are some tactics when serving in doubles other than keeping it short with backspin?
Matthew: How can you fix a dented ball and how that does affect the bounce of the ball?
Matthew: Are there official table tennis rules that prohibit me from swapping rackets with my doubles partner randomly between points? My partner and I use the same bat and rubber models and each have inverted rubber on one side and long pips on the other side. I have inverted rubber on my red side and long pips on my black side but my partner has the opposite — inverted rubber on the black side and long pips on the red side. Typically, we are less confused than our opponents when we randomly swap rackets between points and have a slight advantage when we do so. ITTF Handbook 3.4.2.4 is worded to address restrictions on rackets replacement during a match. In the case above, we did not replace our rackets but merely swapped between ourselves.
Yogesh: My son and daughter are just beginner and started learning the game but they lack movements and I need your guidance for them to do shadow practice with movement. Regards and thanks.
Last night I put my car into reverse....
Mason: I grew up play by holding my racket kind of like the shakehand grip but with my thumb on the same side of the paddle as my index finger. Will this limit me and should I switch to the normal shake hand grip.
David: Hi guys, when doing a forehand backspin serve I have been told to contact the ball at the front edge of the bat. Why would you not contact the ball at back edge of the bat? Can you please explain? Love the videos keep the going!
Fabian: Can you please give me tips on how to improve the level of a junior squad? The squad consists of 8 juniors at different levels and ages. I am looking to achieve significant improvement within a span of 6 to 12 months. If you can advise a list of tips to follow, that will be great.
Steven: Hello Pingskills, I have been into ping pong, and I want to play other people besides my family. Could you please tell me a good club to join? Thanks!
Links to check out:
Learning to Spin - in introduction to serving tutorials.
Learning to Spin - in Training 101 series.
]]>Enjoy!
]]>Dogs can't operate an MRI Scanner!
Why was the footy player scared of going on a plane?
What is the best thing about Switzerland?
Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Jang Woojin, and Stefan Fergerl have birthdays in September
European Championships
Nigerian Open
Last time we talked about the importance of the grip and variations of advanced grip.
This time we recommend you work on making your serve legal so you don't have any issues in a match.
Julian: Hello,What I have noticed about myself is that during matches, I tend to get a little (too) over excited after I make an amazing or "lucky" point. Perhaps it is great defense by me or great offense. Whatever the matter is, I always have a hard time staying in focus during and even after the point which then leads me playing much poorly and the opponent gaining the point. Do you have any tips for me to stay in the zone while playing and good ways to recover from good points?
Martin: I struggle a lot with long underspin serves placed into my backhand corner, or into my crossover point. They usually have left sidespin too. I try a small backhand loop, but then the ball usually goes into the net. If I try a straight return, it goes wide on my left side. I struggle to lift the ball. The feeling is that the ball approaches very quickly, there is not enough time. I might stand too close too, but I think it is the reaction time. Just putting the ball on the table usually gives a too high return and puts me immediately under pressure. I think my best chance is to attack. How can I better prepare for those returns?
Justin: Hi, I have noticed that when a fast ball is hit to my forehand side, but close to my crossover point, instead of side stepping or adjusting my body, my natural reaction is to lift my elbow and block with my backhand. This has always worked for me, but in order to advance my game in the future, should I force myself to try to block close to my body with my forehand if it doesn't feel natural to me? I have been working on improving on my forehand, specifically counterhit and loops, but I am always most confident playing backhand, even if it is on the forehand side of my body. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do?
Thomas: Hi guys. Love your "Receiving options" Vid. If my main opponents push almost everything, should I concentrate on serving pendulum sidespin, backspin/sidespin, topspin (not very good at it, yet) or backspin serves, to get some sweet free points or sitters off my serve?
What did the left eye say to the right eye?
Birthdays of Quadri Aruna, Li Jiawei, Kristian Karlsson, and Sarida Rosario.
We announce the 10 people who have won the PingSkills scoring app for their iOS device.
This week we talk about the upcoming Nigerian Open with Quadri Aruna being the number 1 seed.
We discuss the importance of the grip and in particular how tightly you should hold the bat for different strokes. We also discuss how the grip of the top players is evolving.
Chandrachur: Hi Alois, When I do footwork drills, I know that I have to focus on the footwork, so I do and I play well. But during matches, there are a lot of other things that I have to think (type of serve, placement, speed, opponents return etc.) and I often find myself not moving well and resorting to stretching to reach the ball. When I see this, I again put my attention towards my footwork and then I am playing excellent again. But as soon as I start thinking other strategies, I lose my movement.
Youjia: Hi coach, I have practiced forehand topspin against backspin for a few weeks but my strokes always hit the net. I have tried to use my leg and turn my hip when I hit the ball but it does not seem to work. Sometimes I whip my arm and turn my hip at the same time but it does not make much difference. I am a 6'2 (188 cm) guy and I wonder if I cannot use any strength in my arms or if I need to lower my body further down when I hit the ball.
Jack: Hey guys, any tips on the forehand chop block? Currently I'm trying to execute it like how I would do a backhand chop block, but I find it rather difficult to get the correct angle. The ball doesn't jump too high, but there's significantly less spin compared to my backhand. I know it's not a very practical stroke, but I was thinking that it would add an element of surprise to my play style.
Robert: Where do you focus your attention on the serve? Do you focus on where you want the ball to bounce first, or do you focus on where you want the ball to land? When I focus on where I want the ball to land, I often miss my first bounce spot and drive the ball to close to or into the net.
Forehand Topspin Off Backspin Tutorial
Advanced Forehand Topspin Tutorial
Backhand Slow Spinny Topspin (for premium members)
]]>Good luck and happy scoring!
]]>What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?
Maharu Yoshimura is having a birthday.
Andrew has won the competition and will receive 4 PingSkills t-shirts for his creative video of Harimoto style celebrations in the office and out about in down town Sydney.
We discuss the results of the brilliantly run Australian Open and our involvement in the fun days.
Work on a unique feature of your game.
Peter: Hi guys, I have devised an alternative set of service rules as a fun game for entertainment value. But I was also wondering if it could be used as a serious contest in an exhibition-type setting to promote the sport of table tennis generally. Of course that would presuppose that the rallies would be worth watching. But I am not sure. Could you give it a road test to help me find out?
Here are the basic rules:
1. Firstly you will need about 6 inches (15cm) of gaffer tape (or similar) to use as your ‘service-mark’. Fix it to the floor 2.5m (8ft+) behind the table, and line it up lengthways as if it were an extension of the table centreline.
2. The server then places his front foot on the ‘service-mark’ so that the front part of the mark is still visible. Until the ball is struck, the front foot maintains contact with the ‘service-mark’ and the rear foot remains farther from the table.
3. The ball must be tossed lower than the server’s chin, and contact is made to the right side of the right front foot or to the left side of the left front foot. This means you are hitting the ball off the ‘wrong’ foot. (Ahem! Perhaps not a good coaching tool, but an acquired skill nevertheless)
4. The ball is struck so that it travels directly onto the receivers half of the table. There is no restriction of where the receiver may stand to receive. All returns are then as per conventional table tennis rules.
These are a few of my own observations so far:
A common service tactic can be to loop the ball (off the ‘wrong’ foot), but chops and any other spins are also achievable. See if you can ‘ace’ your opponent by swinging the ball out wide, or maybe try to ‘jam’ it into his body. But watch out! If he manages to get it back, you may be in for some long protracted loop-to-loop rallies.
I would love to get some feedback
Pieter: Would you please clarify what constitutes a GAME, SET and MATCH. My understanding is that a game is 1 game first to 11 points. A set is the 3 or 5 games of 11 points. The match is the winner of all the sets.
Dimple: I observed one thing in UTT series that at 10-10 score despite having a two point lead they concluded the match winner at 10-11 or 11-10. I searched about it it's called a Golden point. I didn't get this concept could you elaborate and make me understand the difference between these two?
Michael: Hi Alois and Jeff, I’ve seen lots of your impressive videos that mention the need to have a loose grip of the racke]]>
What is red and bad for your teeth?
Lots of birthdays and the passing of Dragutin Surbek
We discuss the Korean and Australian Opens
After releasing our "How to celebrate like Harimoto" video we've had lots of comments on both sides of the fence as to whether this is good for the game. It certainly is an interesting debate.
Watch the top players and focus on a particular aspect of their game.
Rayan: When I play against my father, he sometimes hits way to fast for me to react and he gets many points because of that when I play with him. How can I improve my reaction time so that I can tell where he is going to hit so I can counter back?
Radim: Hi guys, first off awesome website and Youtube channel, I love it :-) I'd like to ask, I have been playing for 4 years now every week 2v2's, but these guys never bothered to learn any techniques. So I often end up in a bit awkward situations I have not seen played by pros and I would like to know how to play them. Typically they often don't hit the ball fast when they have the chance. Lets say my partner plays a chop 4-5 steps behind a table. The chop lands high on opponent side, I expect a smash, so I step back about as far as he did. But they don't smash, they do a normal sort of counterhit and it is a slow ball. Kind of like a lob situation, but it doesn't bounce twice on the table. It bounces once and then goes below table level quickly (because slow ball). Also the ball doesn't have a lot of spin. If I run up to it to play a topspin, it usually ends up in the net and is not consistent (I miss 3-4 / 5 shots). I haven't played enough training shots to be comfortable with fast unexpected movement + correct shot. Which strokes can be played in this situation (unexpected move forward toward slow low-spin ball) and which one would have highest consistency? On top level would such a ball be always attacked? I can always just hit the ball somehow, but I tend to send it too high on opponent side or to the net if I attempt for lower ball.
Yogesh: My son (8yrs) and daughter(5 yrs) are just beginner and started learning the game but what I see that they lack movements and need your guidance for them to do shadows with movements.
Kabeer: Hi Alois, I am currently using a Donic Acuda S2 and want to know how often to change my rubbers. Do you have any advice?
How do you get Pikachu onto a bus?
Birthdays of Ding Ning, Hugo Calderano, and Tomokazu Harimoto.
Australian Open
Think about the transition from serving to the rally. Find a serve that will get you into position quickly and think about how quickly you can move into position after serving. Also think about the best position to be in for the rally.
Waliid: I think u should make a video about the banana and strawberry flick
Aaron: In your video tutorial from 7 years ago showing the par Gerell serve, is that serve the same as the one popular in present day especially among the younger Japanese female players and some Chinese female players too (like Miu Hirano and Mima Ito)? I hear They call it the shovel serve or punch serve. Is the shovel/punch serve the same as the one you demonstrate in video? Also second question is, these serves looks like mostly sidespin, but is it still possible to impart heavy backspin or heavy topspin on this serve (like you can with the pendulum serve)??
Chandra: Why most of tensor rubber are not too durable?
Kareem: I would like to thank you for the effort that ye do also for your reading the messages and answer what we are looking for .. I play the left hand and I have a problem with how to return the short centre server where I retrieved sometimes backhand and sometimes forehand my question is when i returned in backhand and when i returned in forehand?
Purchase Australian Open Tickets
]]>
I Googled "how to start a wildfire"
Patrick Franzisca, the man who serves into a shoe, turns 26 years old
Japan Open and Australian Open
Watch Tomokazu Harimoto and Ma Long playing in a match and isolate their leg movement. Then think about how you can move in a match.
Mukesh: Please tell me how to beat blocking players.
Chandrachur: I know about the 3rd ball attacking in table tennis, and have been recently working on developing it further so that I can surely start the attacks whenever I have the chance to serve. So for a short ball I have been practicing the backhand side-spin flick and for the long balls developing my forehand and backhand topspin attacks. But yet there is another type of ball, which always throws me off-guard. The balls where the ball drops near the center and are long, but by the time they reach the end of the table they are not even close to the peak of their bounce. Also they have a slight-medium amount of backspin to them.
Deniz : Which serves should i learn first as a beginner?
Dimple: Hello, My question is that we have to choose a service or side during the toss. There is a benefit of choosing a service but what is the benefit of choosing a side?
Australian Open Purchase Tickets
Hitting Topspins From Below Table Level
]]>A patient bursts into a doctor’s office, "Doctor, I believe I'm a deck of cards!"
Jun Mizutani turns 29
China Open
Japan Open
Australian Open
Learn a new serve and use it in a game
Alex: Hello, I would like to ask: it's said a lot that long pips do a lot of spin reversal, but even with inverted blade when you chop a topspin you also reverse the spin! Same you do with pips: you chop, you change the incoming topspin into backspin. I would like to know, what is the difference between two types of spin reversal: with long pips and inverted rubber.
Adam: It has been a while since my last question and i have improved a lot ever since i found this website. I have noticed that i'm a more passive attacker. i only attack with forehand topspins and drives with my backhand. Also, i will push back most backspin balls that falls short on my backhand side.I'm starting to think that i'm getting quite vulnerable against attacks. Especially now that the younger generations are catching up with me. I have developed a very powerful forehand topspin which now everybody is afraid of. But i'm now trying to develop a powerful backhand topspin as well as the modern banana flick receive. I'm already starting this development and i'm not sure whether to continue on. What do you think?
Scotch: I just wanna ask about getting into the right position to achieve the optimal stroke power and timing. With the introduction of polyball, I think a key change in table tennis is the increased dependence of players on power. Because of this, I was advised by many of my teammates to hit the ball earlier (around peak bounce) and hit the ball harder. The problem is I'm used to hitting the ball late and tend to do brushing motion, which was very effective with celluloid. Should I follow this advice? Because another problem is I don't think I have enough physical strength to do it. What I think of doing instead is to focus on my footwork to get into the right position for the ball and be able to perform the optimal stroke I wanted. Is this a better path to take?
Bruce: Do you have to be a premium member to ask a question?
Purchase your Australian Open Tickets
]]>
If you're Russian going into the restroom and Finnish coming out, what are you whilst you're in the restroom?
We announce the 5 winners of a PingSkills T-Shirt
Chen Xingtong, Cho Seungmin, Nicholas Lum, and Darren Webb have birthdays.
World Teams Championships Results
Watching the best players and thinking about the future.
Chandrachur: The start position and the finish position of the backhand topspin you have mentioned in the tutorials seem to work great only when the ball is in front of the body. But if the ball is just a little bit left of the body (I am a right hander.) then I find it very awkward to do the backhand topspin shot with these start and finish position.
I know that this will be solved if I move and position myself so that the ball is in front of my body and then hit the shot. But I just want to verify if we can hit a ball that is only a little bit to the left of the body by making any modifications to the stroke if somehow I find myself in that situation. Or is it that in such a situation I in no way can make a strong effective backhand shot?
Josh: Hi there with my backhand I can easily hit back a fastball and guide it back but say it was a slower maybe higher ball I'm not very good at attacking that. Any shot that would help me attack those slower balls.
Dib: I've got some tournaments coming up which I really need to do well in. one thing I notice with tournaments however is that I always burn out too early and end up losing my momentum. what can I do to increase my performance and fitness so that I can play full day tournaments without burning out at the beginning.
Donald: I'm confused as to when players back up from the table and how quickly. Obviously you back up when expecting hard shots from your opponent, but exactly how and at what point to move backwards is not is unclear to me.
2018 World Teams Championships
]]>1. Masoud Parkho
2. Gunnar Östberg
3. Rex Bradburn
4. Andreas Simon
5. Mats Sundin
You have all won a PingSkills T-shirt which we'll be sending out shortly.
Even if you didn't win I hope you enjoyed watching some of the brilliant table tennis at the championships, and maybe you'll be luckier next time :)
]]>A teacher is speaking with their students and an interesting conversation emerges.
This week we tell you about 3 great birthdays, 2 of which are famous table tennis players.
An update on the Women's event from the World Championships.
Klampar featured in the "Remember When" section of our PingSkills Show
]]>Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food but...
Win a PingSkills T-Shirt
Jorgen Persson celebrates his birthday
2018 World Team Championships
Variation of speed with topspin
Do a drill where you are topspinning to your partner while they are only blocking. Change the amount of table each player uses depending on the relative strengths of the two players. Try one game where you only play fast topspins and then play a second game where you use your variation and see if that is a better approach.
Ayush: How I can practice my backhand chop?
Ali: I've noticed that during the game, if I receive a fast ball on backhand, due to having less time to do the topspin, my backhand stroke is shorter, and essentially looks like a drive. How is it possible to impart top-spin even when there's no time to do the full stroke?
Waliid: What is the rarest serve that you do not often see?
Tian: I was looking all over for the answer to this, but I just can't find one. When do you switch playing sides of the table with your opponent?
Shalibu: I am from indonesia .. very happy with pingskills but i do not understand english whether it can be translated to indonesian thank you
Enter the World Teams Competition
2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships
Help with subtitles for our YouTube videos
]]>
What did the Alien say to the garden?
Vladimir Samsonov turns 42!
2018 Commonwealth Games
2018 Asian Cup
Preparation is the key. Think about your next important matches and work out what you need to do between now and then to prepare yourself for it (training, mental preparation, nutrition, research)
Owen: I need some tips for a basic no spin serve. I'm just learning it and it always seems to have topspin.
Krishnagopal: Today, I played with one of my play buddies. He served a long fastball to the corner. How to deal with those. As it was a serve, I didn't know where he would serve long, short, left, right. Hence I stood in the neutral stand around a foot back from the edge of the table. I tried to loop the ball with topspin or counter hit the ball. The ball either went into the net or outside the table. I am very much frustrated. I want to know how can I return the ball in the best possible way.
Ashish: Hey Alois,
I have a problem with moving around the table. I believe I am slow and not able to cover the table quickly. Can you share few tips to have the faster movements and improved coverage?
Oslo: Alois, Am I allowed to hit the ball off the sides when serving the ball?
What if there were no hypothetical situations? Why do you always find things in the last place you look? Why are pirates so mean?
Ma Wenge turns 50.
German Open - Ma Long is back.
Flick when the time is right (not all the time). Practice by getting a training partner to serve short.
Gerard: Lately, I've been trying to practice my forehand topspin. I feel like I'm not getting very good power from doing the move. I think it has to do with the footwork. Could you please explain to me what I need to focus more on?
Tam: I am a chopper. This week I played some players who push against me all the time when it goes long to their forehand. its actually thrown me off a bit as I'm not quite sure what to do because I'm used to going out then coming back in, but this style of play I am forced to stay close to the table, and because they push all the time when they push to my backhand 24/7 it actually starts to go quite high because I have no room to chop and they push with float. what should I do?
Tri: Hi, How do I deal with backhand dominant player?
Jiang Jialing's Birthday (and more) and the first day of Autumn in Australia.
I asked my son if he'd seen my newspaper. He told me that newspapers are old school. He said that people use tablets nowadays and handed me his iPad.
Team World Cup
Add an extra training session per week and add a serving session to your training.
Greg: How would I score this, if two people are doing a consistency drill. Who would score more or would both score the same?
Greg: Can we still do regular practice 1 week before the actual tournament? Regular practice like for example your session 52?
Tam: Could you tell me how a defender could beat the style of Wei Shihao (Panagiotis v Shihao) league 17/18 someone who just blasts through with their forehand regardless of chop.
David: You have mentioned on several occasions that it would be watching the Serving Secrets revealed, not sure why I can’t find this where do I look.
Alexandros: I want to buy a pair of table tennis shoes but due to my large size (48.5 Europe) I can't seem to find any that fits.Could you recommend an alternative shoe? My table tennis coach says volleyball shoes have the same principle.
Zach: I have a friend that I play a lot and he uses a lot of spin, side and back. Every time one of his balls hit my paddle they either hit the net or go off to the side. I play fine against people who hit flat. How do I fix this problem?
Did I tell you the joke about the pizza? They laughed at me when I said I was going to be a stand up comedian.
Chloe and Ma Lin's Birthdays
Team World Cup
The forgotten art of the short push
Aaron: When doing the forehand topspin what is the best way to control where the ball goes? I've heard of 3 ways to do this:
1) is changing the angle of the wrist to change this, but i've also heard some say that changing wrist is actually not good, and it affects the technique.
2) I've heard is the direction your torso is facing, is the direction the ball will go, assuming proper technique. So change the direction you face
3) is that if i contact the ball earlier on it will go cross court, and if contacted a bit later, will go down the line.
Now are these correct and what is the best way in regards to placement of the ball?
Andy: How important is it to practise training a state of relaxed focus in Table Tennis and what do you consider are the critical areas to pay attention to? For example, in tennis we train tracking the ball, balance, solid contact, etc. What do you consider are the critical variables to train in TT?
Warwick: In your teaching video you used plastic discs to place on the table so that you can practice serving to different parts of the table. Where can I get those plastic discs from. They are not included in your 'store' list.
Sa : I've been playing table tennis for a total of 4-5 years now. I also watch olympic matches and club videos to watch how strokes are played. I position myself correctly. I've seen all your videos.... and YET the backspin or chop troubles me. I cannot confidently return a backspin ball. Maybe it is because lifting a ball is counter-intuitive. I bring my arm straight up and I keep returning the ball into the net or lifting it so much that it goes over the table. Is there a specific point on the ball that i should hit? or is there a specific area on the table that I should try to aim at? or any specific area in the air that the ball must go through so that it returns safely on the table on the other side of the net? what should i concentrate on when returning backspin?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Tutorial
Changing Direction with the Forehand Tutorial
]]>A husband brings their child home from daycare and ....
Zhang Jike, Ruwen Filus, Jimmy Butler, and Adam Bobrow all have birthdays.
World Junior Circuit Finals
Improving your return of the short ball
Matthew: I have been training for about a month now and I have learnt the forehand counterhit, the backhand counterhit, the backhand push, the forehand push and the forehand topspin against block. I can do around 100 of these usually. I am thinking about becoming a premium member and using the 52 week training plan. Do you think I am ready to start using the plan? How many times should I try to practice a week? If I do become a premium member, after the 52 weeks should I repeat the plan or do something else?
Felix: Sometimes my opponent serves fast and long towards me. The ball always goes into the net. What can I do to deal with this kind of serves?
Owen: How do you recommend practicing the pendulum serve and what spin is generally the most effective for it?
Ili: I'd love to know, will be any problems if we play table tennis on one table (2-3 feet long) as we are short of space.
Did I tell you the joke about the roof?
Deng Yaping's Birthday
World Junior Circuits Final
European Top 16
Focus on your serving and practice your "go to" serves thinking about variation of spin and placement.
Shubham: Before going for tournament match there is always a nervousness in me. Are there any tips to calm down and focus so that i play my natural game?
Rajguru: How to smash such that it shouldn't rise up in opponents table so that there won't be any time for him to block it?
Hin: If I have 2 bats, one for offensive play and one for defensive play, suppose I was using the offensive bat during the first set and then wanted to use the defensive bat for the second set, is it legal to do so? I know it is better to only focus on one style of play, and I am not planning to do the above, but just curious if that's allowed in terms of the rule.
Nigel: About 30 years ago I purchased a Stiga Offensive Kjell Johansson blade and used it for several years. I currently use a Tibhar blade and have a Stiga all round evolution blade as a backup. Recently I wondered how my old blade would compare to a modern one. It seems horribly slow and makes a distinctive high pitched sound when hitting the ball (it has fairly new Friendship 729 fx rubbers on it). I have noticed on earlier posts you have said that blades can go soft with age. Is it time to throw this blade out, or can it be improved by sealing it, or should I get a job directing planes at an airport?
Links in this Episode
]]>Wang Tao and Wang Hao both have birthdays in December. Does this mean the relative age effect is a hoax?
What did the cow say on Christmas morning?
What was the librarians favorite Christmas song?
Why did Santa's little helper feel depressed?
Live on the podcast we select the winners of our t-shirt competition
The ITTF World Tour Grand Finals
5th Ball Drills to get used to converting between a topspin against backspin and then a topspin against block.
Bryan: I've seen in some of your past videos that when you complete a forehand, your follow through should not go past your center line of your body. But then i have seen videos of top players bringing their follow through over their head and back a little (Ma Long) after a really powerful shot. Is this fine for us to do after a strong shot? or should try and stay with the normal follow through.
Arjun: Why do players like Lin Gaoyuan serve long with side spin without a surprise and players often find it difficult to handle.
Dib: Lately I've been watching a lot of top player play. One aspect that made me rather curious and excited was the way they gasp or make certain noises when they train their loop off block and backhand loop. it was rather funny and made me think if this could be used by amateur players such as myself.
Links in this Episode
]]>What's red and bad for your teeth?
Karl Jindrak's Birthday
ITTF World Tour Grand Finals
Generate more spin on your serves.
Sam: I’m a 14 year old boy and I have just started playing table tennis at the start of October this year. I have learnt the basic strokes and spins but I don’t know what I should practice next. Should I just continue on the basics or start to learn some of the more complex stuff? I also am getting the Carlton kx k9 bat which has 100 control and 95 spin and 90 speed. Is that a good bat to get for a beginner?
Hurricane_ boss: Hi there coach! I am having this problem right now, and that is I am a penholder, and I was used to using the traditional backhand for 2 year and now I am using Reverse Penhold backhand and I can RPB very well but in a real match where everything is very fast I just automatically switch to the traditional backhand instead of RPB. This has been going on for a long time. Please help! Thanks
The Building Blocks of Table Tennis
Win a PingSkills T-Shirt by Entering the Code Word
]]>
A teacher asks who will give me the chemical formula for water?
Ariel Hsing's Birthday
The World Junior Table Tennis Championships
Keep your head still.
Practice your partner hitting the ball anywhere on the table to you, but focus on keeping your head still and move as little as possible.
Chandrachur: When should I use my backhand to attack and when else should I pivot and attack with my forehand instead. Although with my forehand I can generate more speed I can at many times not pivot fast enough. I am equally good at my backhand and my forehand.
David: I was wondering how you would suggest setting measurable goals in table tennis? If you had a goal to improve your forehand loop, or short push, how would you measure improvement? Can you please suggest some examples of good goals to have in table tennis? Thanks for all you do. Its greatly appreciated.
Aaron: I was watching how to do the forehand flick and i noticed they bring their arm backwards a little and tilt their wrist also backwards when preparing, then the stroke is to brush forward and up on the ball (similar to drawing a 'V'), with some wrist. But what is the importance of those action? Because could I maybe attack the ball by simply doing a SHORT forehand counterhit/drive stroke (while also stepping under the table). It seems to produce similar results. So why is the forehand flick stroke the way it is and could I use short forehand drive stroke to attack the incoming short ball?
Hin: My friend is in the level between beginner and intermediate, he has good enough feel for spin and spin, but he wants to develop the feel more. His rubber has been totally worn off and would like to replace with a new rubber, would a 2.1mm sponge be suitable?
Links in this Episode
The PingSkills Consistency Chart
]]>An eskimo brings his friend to his home for a visit. When they arrive, his friend asks, puzzled – “So where’s your igloo?”
Some interesting birthdays of players who were born later in the year.
The Spanish Open and World Junior Championships
A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint Exupéry
Plan your next session in full and then utilise the plan.
Benzene: Whenever I teach people how to Topspin on the forehand, I realised that many are already very used to flat hitting, and will still go ahead and flat contact before pretending to end very high such that it looks like Topspin. I recorded and realised that's the problem. What is the optimal way of kicking that habit?
Jeevesh: How should i play? I know basic strokes and serving. On what should I focus more to win matches. Playing fast or slow?
Saayan: Coach, I practice table tennis everyday with my friends and played a friendly tournament. My friends know my backhand is weak and they take advantage of it especially my chop. I have searched your videos on youtube and on this website and seen and practice them but I'm still not able to beat them or tie them on backhand.
David Mckenzie: Recently I came across these words by Albert E.N. Gray; The common denominator of success --- the secret of success of every man who has ever been successful --- lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do. What would you say that in table tennis most players neglect to do, or don't like to practice that would most positively affect their success?
2017 World Junior Championships
PingSkills Training Plan Template
]]>An old guy in his Volvo is driving home from work when his wife rings him on his cell phone...
Jean-Michel Saive's Birthday
We discuss results from the German Open and Swedish Open, and how this will affect the World Rankings when the new system comes into effect. We also talk about the upcoming Spanish Open.
Join a table tennis club.
Practice your serve. Focus on getting as much spin as you can and don’t worry about where the ball lands.
Scott: I've been working on both my pendulum serve and reverse pendulum serve. Your videos always show these serves being done from the corner of the table. Is it a good idea to adjust this starting position to the middle or far corner to get some more variety in the trajectory of the serve? Is there a weakness to this that I should be looking to exploit if my opponent serves from another position?
Chandrachur: Can you show me a serve which can create all types of spins depending on the point of contact and is also used by good players.
Harkaran: I am not very good at handling pressure in a knockout situation in a tournament with the fear that I will end up losing the tournament. And that’s what always happens with me. The fear increases with every tournament. Pls help me handle the situation.
Enjoy!
]]>What kind of horses go out after dusk?
Why do ghosts like to ride in elevators?
What do mummies like listening to on Halloween?
Why didn’t the skeleton like the Halloween candy?
Ai Fukuhara and Matthew Syed's Birthdays.
Serving your best serve often
Practice your best serve and watch the returns that your opponent makes. Try to predict the type of returns.
Womens World Cup
Joshua: So I have an odd question about a special case for a serve. I understand that for a serve to be a let, the serve hits the net but must otherwise be a legal serve. Normally this is when you serve, the ball hits your table, the net, then the opponent's table. However, what if the order is changed? I got a really lucky (or unlucky) serve where the ball hit the net, my table, then the opponent's table. In short, a normal let serve has the order table-net-table, but what if the order is net-table-table? Thanks!
Filippo: Hi Alois, I have not asked you a question for quite a while so I thought I would show that I am still keen and thankful for all the hard work that you and Jeff do for us. A few months ago I took the decision to use long pimples (no sponge) on my backhand. I am 71, have always played at the table, and the game was becoming too fast for me. I needed something to slow it down and, so far, the pimples have worked for me. I do not have the problem of receiving fast service on my backhand and I have more opportunities to use my trusted forehand. The control is also exceptional. To give myself a chance I decided not to play any league matches or tournament this year so, in terms of results, I am not certain if I am doing better than before. Judging by some friendly matches at practice sessions I should be getting better results but it is really too early. I come now to my question and sorry about my lengthy preamble but I needed to explain the motivation behind such a drastic change. Is there any hints that you can give me about the strategy to follow and anything else that will help me to make the most out of this rubber?
Jim: What's the scenario where this is most useful. I've gathered that it's to replace a forehand push on a short backspin serve. I'm trying to kinda figure out how to practice it with my robot, but is the point of the sidespin to help "lift" the backspin on the short return? I feel like I can use this move when the ball has no spin or short top spin, but it's still difficult to lift it on the short backspin. Is it just a case of more practice, or should I not be trying to really use this on short backspin serve return.
Jack: I noticed that whenever I switch from forehand to backhand or vice versa, I tend to shift my grip a little and this hinders my reaction speed, however if I do not shift my grip, the racket feels like it's in the wrong position and it also limits the flexibility of my strokes. My question is: Is it normal to shift my grip or am I holding the bat incorrectly?
Enjoy!
Ma Long's Birthday
My dog used to chase people on a bike a lot!
Watch as much World class table tennis as you can.
Watch a high class match and pick a serve that you like from one of the players and then try to copy the action of the serve.
Men's World Cup
Anish: It has been 6 years i am playing table tennis almost everyday. I am always facing a problem with backhand counter hit timing. There is everything fine with block and backhand topspin but often it happens in between the rally that the ball goes suddenly inside the net or out of the table while playing a backhand counter. Please suggest me something to hit all the counter balls on the maximum height with a slightly closed angle and adjust to all types of balls received on my side(improving overall timing).
Otfried:In my league and amongst the players I often play against, it often comes to push-push games and it is hard for me to break through that before I make some mistake (and they are more experienced and will less often make one). So I think my next logical step in my development is to improve my topspin against backspin. While in multiball drills I usually get it quite well after some time, in games I find it extremely difficult to get the ball on the table that way, let alone play a strong topspin. Would it be a good way to start with slower spinny topspins (which I find much easier to play) and build it up from there? Or do you have a better recommendation?
Marv: I know that it is possible to overwhelm incoming spin by hitting the ball really hard, as in a powerful loop, which pretty much cancels the effect of the spin. I am wondering if this works in reverse. What I mean is: If I put the same amount of spin on a fast shot as I do on a slow shot, will my opponent experience less spin on the fast one than he would on the slow one?
Jesper: What would be the difference in a practice routine if I would move faster over a shorter distance, like Jeff is doing, compared to move little slower over a greater distance, like the Swedish routine Falkenberg? Are they equally important in the daily training routine? Moving over a greater distance is of course harder so maybe I could just focus on this? Furthermore, if I want more stamina in a TT match do I need to practice table tennis stuff or can I just go out and run or hop on the cross trainer?
Koki Niwa's and Gao Ning's Birthdays
What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?
Review your matches
Write down something in the PingSkills Vault
Polish Open
Men's World Cup
Women's World Cup
Amer: Before the start of the game in a tournament, one player bows down and lowers his hands below the table waiting the reply from his opponent to start up. What is the purpose of this?
Martin: Hi. I am right handed and my forehand topspin works kind of ok, but I feel that I have this issue of dropping my left shoulder when playing the stroke instead of rotating more horizontally. This happens especially when lifting a backspin. To some extent getting the footwork more right and being in position helps a bit, but this still happens and sometimes I even move sideways. The result might be quite a weak shot without proper acceleration, and the stroke can become more "muscled through". With more backspin, the ball ends into the net :( I really do not know how to break this habit and what to focus on to get the stroke more forward and with better and effortless acceleration.
Rufuss: During a game (and therefore during practice) should I be trying to return to the ready position after one stroke to prepare to move to next - like a half-way station? Do you really have time for that in a game, or do you simply move from one stroke/position (wherever that places you) straight to the next stroke/position? It would seem sensible to move to the ready position as you then have less distance to cover to the next position, but is it really possible at game speed, even for top-level player?
Ravi: I have a nagging doubt in my head to sign up for premium membership - Does online coaching really helps for TT? If so, how do I make the most of your premium membership and is it possible to learn playing TT without having a physical coach and just following your 52 week plan? The reason I'm asking is because the place that I currently live in (Bengaluru, India) has no proper TT facilities and I'm trying to learn on my own. I'm a total newbie like the one presented on your blog. So kindly help me with this question and I'll definitely opt for the premium content if it really helps me.
Improving Your Reflexes by Watching the Ball
]]>Jang Woojin Birthday
What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down?
Psychology - Pre Match routine
Develop your Pre match routine.
European Teams Championships
Tam: Hi Alois, I've recently come back from a camp playing some of the best stuff in my career then just last week i went to the UK school games to play a competition. I felt confident I was going to win it because of the stuff i played at camp, but i was really tense and nervous during every game, technique went out the window, and lost to players a lot lower ranked. It was quite embarrassing for my team to see me go through such an ordeal. Could you explain why this happens and how i can change this?
Shrihari: I cannot beat my neighbour who is 21 years old, can you tell me how to find that man's weakness, At least I wanna beat him once.
Arpith: The problem that I'm facing is that i end up doing everything right till the third ball attack but after that i end up out of position to play the next shot and respond late with an easy return for the opponent. What can i do to play that extra ball in the rallies?
Chandrachur: I have always wanted the maximum spin and control from my bat. But there is one more parameter i.e. speed. I don't know why it is useful. If I want more speed I can always make the stroke faster. If I get a good advantageous ball (which is easy to hit hard) in the rally, the speed that I can generate with a slow blade and rubber is so fast that the ball will be in the other side in an instant. It is even difficult to see the ball. Why do we want to make it any faster? It already is almost impossible to return at that speed (unless you have luckily placed your bat where the ball is going to land unknowingly). If you love faster blades/rubbers, please share me the advantages you had while playing a match with it.
Dimitrij Ovtcharov's Birthday
What do you call a snake that is approximately 3.14 metres long?
The pre-point routine
Develop your pre-point routine during training
The Austrian Open is coming up soon, and the Worlds Teams Championships will be held in England in 2018.
Mary: I am a senior in my 60s and have been taking table tennis lessons for almost 4 years now. I am finally getting the hang of the loop and most of my strokes are good. But when it comes to real games, playing against untrained players, I just cannot get my shots out e.g. odd position so unable to stroke or cannot read spin on their strange service. So how can I direct my training to help me get more points ? So embarrassing to be beaten by untrained people. But again I am a senior lady against senior men. Sometimes I can get strokes in, but at times, I play too light before I can position myself for a smash and too often the smashes failed when they are most needed. Quite discouraging to me. Of course my eyes are not as good as they used to be so it is harder to follow the ball with a large floater in the eye. Is it time to quit training?
Roy: You both speak quite a lot about bats and spin, but what contribution is there from a table, especially ones in athletic stadium that don’t even get dusted let alone serviced? How also can i overcome resulting problems? Go elsewhere to play?
Azhar: Have you faced this problem too? Over the course of regular practice and training i seem to have developed corns and hardened skin at 3 places- where the skin of my thumb meet the base of the forehand rubber on its edge; just below my little finger and ring finger on my palm due to holding the handle of the blade tightly. Is this a common occurrence ? Are there ways around it ? Or is it merely an occupational tell tale one has to learn to live with ?
Aaron: Was watching Chinese amateur gameplay and came across this match. I noticed one of the player is using a very long handle on his blade. Is that legal within the rules of the game? If legal, why does he choose to use this longer handle? Isn't it just extra unnecessary weight? I noticed he is very defensive player doesn't attack at all really and mostly serves a tomahawk/punch serve similar style of serve. I feel his style only works because their level is not high, if against a decent level would he easily be beaten? I'm not sure but it seems like that.
2018 Team World Cup Heading Home
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Tibor Klampar's Birthday? Joao Monteiro, Jens Lundqvist, and Gavin Rumgay also have birthdays this week.
Why did the skeleton go to the party alone?
The biggest change you can make is your short game. It is fun to hit long balls but for results practice short game.
Short Play Game
The Czech Open
Dipayan: Why does Dimitrij go down to do his backhand serve?
Chandrachur: Where I go to play, that club is a very humid place. While I enter that place, I test out my rubbers by rubbing the ball against the rubber to check the grip, and I can feel that my rubbers are in tip-top condition. However, after playing 30-45 mins, I check my rubbers again, and literally they feel like they can become the best anti-spin rubbers in the world :P. No grip at all. I think my rubbers are dead, but once I return home and check the rubbers again, they again seem to have gained their grip back. This problem is haunting me for months now. I have tried changing my rubbers but every rubber seems to become dead as after playing 30-45 mins in that room.
Vishal: I lost the game 3-2 despite having the lead 2-0. the player I had faced did not have any technique but just used to yell when he got a point. I need to know how to overcome this problem of mine coz I had just defeated 3 players with a very good technique and also I do not want to repeat this mistake once again.
Jim: So one of the things I've noticed about my table tennis sessions is that I am sweaty. I get drenched. I know there are sweat breaks for a towel off, but I don't really think i've noticed a general trend of professionals being decked out in 80's Andre Agassi style sweatbands. Is this something I will more likely see at a club. I feel like having at least 3 different on-body sweat receptacles will really help keep me above water, but I also don't want to get bullied on top of losing to the 12 year olds at the club this fall. Sweat bands..yay or nay?
What did the ocean say to the beach?
Daniel Seemiller's Birthday
Use match play in your training sessions
We give a specific game you can use for the match play section of your training session
We discuss the Bulgarian Open and the upcoming Czech Open
Pranava: I am practicing forehand/backhand counterhit shots to get my shots right. I do okay in practice. In a match situation my backhand reflex is not that great and to return i am trying to move my body too much to hit that ball with my forehand. Obviously my next return to my opponent’s next stroke is impossible as i am too far from the left side of table. Is there a technique I could get proper reflexes?
Jim: I know Americans are mostly caught up in the big 3? main sports being NFL, NBA, MLB, with NHL probably coming in 4th. What I don't understand about popularity here is that TONS of people have tables in their homes/garages/work etc. Why is there such a disconnect between people playing it almost like a social gathering party game, and between people taking the next step and learning the sport. If you already have a table, you don't need to invest much more time. We have the internet for researching basic starting technique. You can play it during the winter months, and you don't have to worry about rain or traveling to a court somewhere. Is it because there is no money in attempting to get really good at it here? Are there too many other diversion sports? I was hoping the topic would be discussed a little more in depth with the Topspin documentary but i feel like they only brushed the surface. Ping pong puns.
Shivam: I have a TT table , it is not ITTF approved and is quite old and dead . I practice on it regularly and am preparing for my state tournament . Should I keep on practicing on that table or should I purchase a new one? Do I have any disadvantages in my performance while playing on that table ? The table is around 10 years old , but the length and breadth of the playing surface is completely fine.
Mohsin: Hi sir, my question is sometimes I play very well and I am satisfied with my game but sometimes I can't play at the standard which I expect from myself.
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Birthday's of Quarter finalists in the Worlds - Kim Song I and Yu Mengyu
What did the fish say when he ran into the wall?
Make your training drills match like sooner rather than later.
3rd ball attack as a match drill
Bulgarian Open
Azhar: Hi Alois, I have a match today and since I use backhand long pimples and am an attacking chopper I would like to know the approach I should take during pre match backhand warm up. For example, what do competitive long pimple players do in tournaments ? I don't want to counter with my lp as I am not good at it. Another option is to turn and return counters inside out with my forehand. A third option is to twiddle my rubber n hit backhand counters with my forehand rubber. What would be most appropriate, considering that the third option will not reveal my lp rubber (incase he doesn't notice the colour and doesn't ask to see my rubbers).
Omar: I'm omar from the Netherlands. I played since 2015. I joined a table tennis club in 2016 and I played a competition the result was 90%. How much time do i need to become pro or international player?
Hi guys, Now I have a new problem. Finally I can do topspin from backspin but when i make that and opponent blocks it back Im not able to make next topspin properly because I'm too late. This is specially happening when i use forehand to opponent's forehand.
Rajeev: In a doubles match after the toss who will choose the combination, who will choose the side and who will serve. What are the rules?
Eugene: This is quite a silly question. I see other players that are able to hold up to 8 balls in one hand comfortably. But my maximum amount is 5 and can squeeze in 1 more very uncomfortably. So is there any secrets to holding more than 5 balls in one hand?
Alois' niece turns 30, Kristian Karlsson turns 26, and Quadri Aruna turns 29
A very funny joke about eyebrows.
Focus on your return serve!
Return of serve practice. Start with your partner serving the same serve 100% of the time and then change and have them broaden the types of serves.
We discuss the Pyongyang Open and the Korean Para Open
Mike: I noticed something about the way Harimoto plays, it is geared more for speed and placement rather than spin. Allowing his opponents to open up first more, and then placing the ball wide for a winner or very difficult angle to return. Being more aggressive with hitting the ball sooner. Is this the beginning of table tennis going in a different direction in terms of playing style? What do you think of this particular style compared to others?
Jim: I'm 35 and haven't had any formal training. I scheduled my first private coaching session in a few weeks and I'm basically wondering what I should expect. This is a Chinese coach so I'm having visions of not even using a paddle but instead painting and waxing cars aka karate kid for the entire hour. Every coach is most likely different, but what do you do on first session? Practice a bit? Critique form? Do some basic drill work?
Azhar: Many years ago you had said, that numerous players have tried and failed at copying Waldners style of play, including yourself. My question is, what exactly defines his style of play? Is it predominantly blocking and countering or is there more to it? And since it is so unconventional, how did it work at the very highest level?
Paul: Alois we have a table in our works canteen which has a low roof. My question is this, if a shot is played that hits the ceiling and then lands on the opposing side is it considered a point or a foul stroke.
Ask a Pro Anything Tomokazu Harimoto
]]>12th of July Liam Pitchford's Birthday
7th of July Hina Hayata's Birthday
Why didn't the dinosaur cross the road?
Focus on your serve!
Serving practice. How to practice and then moving after your service action.
We discuss the recent results from the Australian Open
Ken: Yesterday, I encountered a person who served a ball with a lot of fake movements. How do you see through their fake movements?
Pasquale: I've noticed that when i play in tournaments that are in other places, the speed of the bounce of the ball changes due to the density of the air and the atmospheric pressure. For example: when i play where i live which is hot, the ball bounces fast and the brushing contact feels very normal. Probably due because i'm used to it, however whenever i travel to San Jose and play there which is cold, the bounce of the ball is slower and the brushing contact feels different.. Many people tell me this is normal and it is a matter to just get used to it. What is your advice to keep the same level of consistency for the same performance of game?
Marcin: What are the disadvantages of playing close to the Table? When I think of one, it might be that the elbow region is getting quite vulnerable and the ball is rarely hit in the optimal highest point of the arc (mostly while rising). Is that the main reason why attacking players go back? Also it's easier to go really low a step back from the Table. But the argument of having more time, is more of the defensive nature. Please give some more explanation why attacking players frequently step back.
Roy: In a table tennis game with no umpire, if your opponent serves an illegal ball, say out of the hand, should you call a fault before giving the love one score?
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18th June - Father’s Day in U.S.
20th June - Ding Ning's Birthday
Why can't you trust an atom?
Linking strokes in set patterns
The PingSkills Drill
Japan Open results and upcoming tournaments
Chandrachur: Hello Aloi. My partner is asking me to not hit the ball very hard in training. He says that if we can hit the ball slowly with the basic movement correct then we will face no trouble in tournaments attacking the ball fast. All we need to do is make the stroke bigger and faster. Do you feel he is correct, or we must practice attacking separately too. I think that we should practice attacking or else it may create problems in serious matches.
Umesh: I am thankful to your advice to keep practicing only SERVE with full focus and I have been doing it religiously for the last five months & owing to it my game as well as confidence level is improved. Now I request you to guide me for the backhand flick against heavy chop.
What happens when the person serving hits the table with his bat making a loud noise? I find this happens quite a bit and it is off putting.
I have use Rakza7 1,8mm FH and Yasaka x soft 1,8 BH. Now I'm thinking to try something else. How are Tenergy rubbers for not pro player? I mean what is the best choice? Is Tenergy 05 faster than Rakza 7?
Patrick Franziska and Danny Seemiller have birthdays this week!
Q: Why did the angry Jedi cross the road?
Make sure you cover off on the basic strokes.
Consistency - use a consistency chart
Para Table Tennis Open Championships
Dean Gochev from Bulgaria was our winner and chose the PingSkills Touch with Rakza 7 as his prize!
Krystian: Hi, Thanks for the great site with so much valuable knowledge you share. I am intermediate player with all around offensive style. I use Korbel with Donic Baracuda on FH and Donic M3 max on BH. I like this set up as it give me a reasonable control. What I am struggling with is playing aggressive, fast players that tend to smash or loop very fast. I have problem blocking their attack. I feel like I need to back off the table significantly to have more control returning their attack. But when I do that I feel more vulnerable, and I cannot cover the sides of the table properly. Do you recommend to stay mid distance to the table and just practice blocking?
DK: Hello PingSkills Team. Recently I trained high toss serves and found out that although my serves are spinny, they are often high and spinny,or low and dead. When I practised further, I found that I do not know a)how far from the body should my bat contact the ball? b)where the initial bounce should be (if it is the same for all types of serves)? c)how to disguise my serves without actually hiding them? d) is because many players keep telling me that they can predict what serve I am going to use before I perform the serve, which was proven correct in 70% of cases.
Ryan: I play in my basement and my rubbers become really dirty after about fifteen minutes. I clean my rubbers probably 3-5 times a day (with water and sponge), will this shorten the life of the rubbers? If so, how often should I replace them?
Zohair: Assume that the opponent uses the same hand as me and I try to hit the ball with a topspin stroke/loop, it always lands across the table to the opponent's forehand to which he can loop back with a stronger strike. No matter how I try to angle the racquet, the ball always seems to cross the table from right side (my side) to the left side of the table (from my view). How do you loop the ball to the opponent's backhand, which would be harder for the opponent to counter unless he is really good with a backhand topspin which is tougher than the forehand loop? For example, the ball is arriving at my side in the right, I want to loop the ball such that it lands on the opponent's backhand...What changes do we have to incorporate to my stroke in order to change the trajectory of the ball to make it go right instead of left?
Links in this Episode
Jun Mizutani's Birthday
Did you hear about the guy who invented the knock knock joke?
Watch the best players in the World.
Serve short with backspin, push short, and then push long, make sure you jump back into position to play the long ball after the short ball.
We discuss all the results from the World Championships in 2017.
We announce the winner of our World's competition.
Ryan: Hi Alois. I am new to table tennis. I have just started playing at October, last year. One thing I have noticed is that I fail at making kill shots like smashes nearly 50% of the time, but have an innate skill at blocking by reflex the forehand topspins and smashes. The problem I am facing is that at smashes with very high speed, the ball flies over the other side at times, and it is sometimes a really hard thing to predict the success rate of my block. what should I do to maximise the success rate? I am trying to improve this skill to build an absolute defensive play style. Your expert tips are required.
Euguene: I've recently been training doubles in preparation for the national private school table tennis championship. I can get there thanks to your guidance :) My doubles partner is not as good as me. He makes a lot of mistakes. Even on high balls. And he isn't very good in topspinning backspin balls. However, both good forehand and backhand topspin is very powerful. Only lacking of consistency. So my question is, what serve should I use to incorporate him? I've tried backspin serves and he can't topspin backspin balls well. I've tried topspin balls and it went high. But he kept using his backhand and miss the ball.
Kelvin: In a doubles match, should the non-serving partner stand beside or behind the server to maximize the chance for an effective return? At what distance?
Ali: I want to ask a question about holding/gripping a bat. I Holds a table tennis bat in very awkward way. Seriously, i keep my thumb on face of bat and rest of four fingers on the back of racket (by this I couldn't play shot from back of bat). The thing I want to ask that is this type of holding/gripping allowed In Table Tennis?
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Alois has absolutely nothing for us!
A man walks into a bookshop...
How you plan your week of training
We discuss the previous drill of the week where you were to try not moving during a rally, and what this was meant to teach you. This week the drill of the week revolves around your service practice.
The 2017 World Table Tennis Championships
Learn how you can win a table tennis bat by picking the winners of the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships
Purvez: I have a backhand dominant game with a decent push and a devastating backhand wristy flick/smash. Although I have a fairly good forehand I don't have confidence in using it often in competition or even training. Consequently, I tend to stand more on the forehand side and try to play most shots with my backhand. This worked when I was in a lower division. However, now in a higher division the opponents are smart so they give me deep backspin serves on my forehand which most times I return with my backhand and its easy for them to loop deep into my open backhand and win the point.
Can you suggest what all I should do to play a more all round game and use my forehand more often?
Tim: What’s the weakness with shakehand grip is it FH or BH?
Heejoon: Hello, I've been playing table tennis for about two years. I'm having this problem when doing forehand loop drive that my body becomes upright after impact with the ball. Others have advised me to try to stay low and keep my upper body bent forward throughout my swing, but I can't seem to fix this bad habit.
International Women's Day
Jian Fang Lay, Kalinikos Kreanga, Timo Boll, and Steve Dainton's Birthdays
Andrew Clark - Fitness Coach Sydney FC
"The best thing we can do is listen, listen to what they feel helps them best and then as the relationship grows we begin to see ways we can improve a player. For a player like Filip [Holosko], in some areas we may need to back-off a bit and then increase other training he does. Then it's just a case of making small adjustments,"
Play a game where you aren’t allowed to move your feet during a rally. See what lessons you can learn...
ITTF World Tour
Phil: Does anyone change their bat depending on the opponent, or is it a bad idea because you have to learn different styles of play?
Steve: In tennis, a small number of double faults is acceptable and a player who rarely double faults is probably not being aggressive enough with power or placement. I am wondering if there is any parallel thinking in table tennis? If so, should I push my serve to the point where I miss occasionally, or should the server be more conservative since to miss is loss a point?
Michael: This coming weekend is the NYC individuals championships, and I'm coming in as the no.7 seed, and my brother is coming in at the no.4 seed. This means that we are slated to play each other in the quarterfinals, but I can't find it in myself to play him, since either way, it hurts one of us, are there any methods to getting over this mindset.
Daniele: In the place where I work, we are talking about freeing a room for use in our spare time, and we are discussing the possibility of installing a table tennis table. how much room is really needed
1) What do the official rules say? How much space is needed to play an official tournament match?
2) Forgetting about the official rules, how much space do you think it is needed for two good players to play a serious match?
3) If I am willing to sacrifice the lobbing game, but I still wish to play decently at a short and mid-distance from the table, how much space do I need?
Dima: Tomorrow I have a tournament and I wonder what and how table tennis players do to keep their good work. When should you come and what to eat for breakfast. How should I warm up? These questions and what to prepare for.
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Cedrik Cabestany's Birthday - 18 February
Don't give up too early
Varying placement with forehand topspin
The Indian Open and Tomokazu Harimoto
Subhan: Coach, what is the best way to perfect basic strokes as nowadays I'm often without a partner so any way i could practice basic strokes alone?
Baseer: I am a beginner player in table tennis using Butterfly Wakaba 3000, when i play with one my friend having a style of chopper, I can't return his chop by doing topspin stroke. Every time i do topspin the ball hit directly on the net. I can't understand what is the problem, even how hard i try I can't do that. Please give some suggestion.
Lukas: Every coach says to me that i do not need to play every topspin that strong because that means a lot of easy mistakes. I always try to avoid these easy balls but i think the quality in my slower loops is not that good even when i try to play the ball long and with spin. I got many counter attacks when i have good opponents. What can i do?
Frank: My friends and I play fairly casually and our sessions consist mostly of best of 3 games.
One of us has a strange habit where he plays well while we warm up, stumbles in the first game but is completely in the zone in the second. But by the time the third game comes around, he's shaky again.
Is It Too Late? - We interview the legendary Brian Berry
Key Quotes from my Richard Lee Interview
]]>Fan Zhendong 22/1
Zhang Jike 16/2
Find one more training session per week.
Rather than bouncing and then hitting the ball when feeding multiball, try serving each ball to simulate a serve so the person doing the drill can practice returning more match like balls.
The Indian Open and the European Top 16
Andrew: Is it best to save your time out for later in a match or take it earlier if you are losing? For example if I am down 0-2 games and say it is tied 8-8 would a time out help me or maybe if I win the game and then the next game so it is 2-2 I would have a time out for the last game of the match. Of course you cannot predict the future but it sure would be nice to have a timeout for your last game.
Viet: Hi PingSkills, Nowaday, I saw that defenders and penholders are getting fewer and fewer. Most of top players now play shakehand style and attack. So do you think that one day, penholders and defenders will completely disappear in top 100?
David: I have been introducing family members and friends to the game just casually asking them to join me and go play outside for fun. Maybe it’s a bit odd to ask but how do you guys play games against new players do you let them have the point and fake missing. I just want them to experience how fun table tennis is and playing against someone who is much better might.
Arnab: I was wondering
1. Since when did the rule start that for every serve, a ball will be provided from the umpire's chair so that the players don't have to fetch the old one.
2. What tournaments have enforced this rule?
Links in this Episode
itTV - Watch live streams of ITTF matches
]]>Lots of interesting birthdays.
Plan for the year ahead!
Introducing placing the ball to more than one position when you are doing a drill.
ITTF Star Awards
Ernst: Yesterday, I played table tennis in not a perfect shape. I got a fever but I was still insist to play. Usually, I can land the ball perfectly on the table, but yesterday almost all of my ball went straight to the net or went out of the table. Does it mean I'm still lacking consistency in playing table tennis?
Nigel: Do you have advice about mind games. I recently played in a match in my local league. I was just about to start serving in the 3rd game of a match. The score was 1 - 1in games. An opponent who i had just lost to in a close match was sat watching but called me over and said i needed to throw the ball higher on my serve. This has never been said to me before and as far as i can tell i am usually very close to the required 6 inches height if not higher. It being a local league most people don't complain as long as you are obviously not gaining an advantage. The umpire who was also one of the visiting team said nothing. Nor had my opponent who i was actually playing said anything. My own team afterwards have told me that my serves are on par with most players who play in our league .i.e not always perfect but not played in a way that gains an advantage...e.g serving out of a hand or spinning the ball or throw the ball away from vertical. I asked the opponent who was sat down to leave the decisions to the umpire. But i was put off by his comments and lost that game 2 - 11 and ended up losing that match. The opponent who had made the comment went on to play another match and served using a throw of about 2 inches. In fact the rest of my team said that is how he had served in every match that evening. In hindsight i think the comments were mind games to put me off. I do tend to be a bit of obviously nervous player. So how to keep concentration and how to deal with mind games from the opposition.
Temitope: When are the very best moments, period and time to call for time out in a Tournaments?
Bryan: My question for you is am I allowed to catch the ball and toss it again during service? I've played tennis for 6 years and I know I'm allowed to do it. I was wondering if that was the same for table tennis.
Mehmet: I wanna ask How many minutes we have to work on the table?
The Star Table Tennis Points of 2016
PingSkills Show on the Paralympic Games
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Patrick Chila (born 27 November 1969 in Ris-Orangis, Essonne) is a French table tennis player who has competed at five Olympics from 1992 to 2008.
Ariel Yenhua Hsing (born November 29, 1995)[2] is an American table tennis player who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Hsing became the youngest U.S. table tennis national champion in history in 2010 at age 15.
Using your wrist
Practicing the Flick - Use short serves or multiball
Swedish Open
We discuss a grade 2 player using a new style of grip called the Katana Grip. Will this become popular?
Icon: Is it okay to use long pips when playing rpb the back side specifically.
Nathan: I have never been able to beat my Dad at table tennis, he is nothing special but whenever i am doing really well, he always makes me choke and i mess up. Also no whenever i play, if i mess up simple shots, i start getting very angry which makes me miss even more. My Dad ends up quitting on me whenever we are playing because i get so mad. How do i keep myself from missing those easy shots, and keeping my temper cool. Please help, i really need to beat him. So please help.
Ardak: I played with a guy who plays really fast. When he does his very fast topspin serves, I can't react to loop or to use topspin it. Because I can’t topspin against very fast balls, also, he serves sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right side. Tried to topspin it or loop, but without success. I can always block it, or counter by flat bat contact. But he continues to topspin, I continue to block. Tried to counter by flat contact to different sides of the table, but after 3-4 blocks I fail. What must I do?
Jason: Hi. I already know about how to do the Ghost serve, and I don't wanna ask about that. I just amazed when I see he hiding his serve (a little) with his left hand and if I watch his serve in his matches I just can see that he brush the ball to the other side (It looks like he is doing a reverse pendulum serve, but actually he is doing a normal pendulum serve). My question is, how to do that? (I really want to learn it)
Teddy Bears and Jean Michel Saive
Using your thumb for the forehand push
Short pushing with the first person to make a topspin winning the point
We discuss the results from the 2016 Austrian Open
Carl: I've been playing table tennis fairly consistently for about a year and I'm in love with the sport. I seem to play fairly well against friends however when I get in a tournament setting I seem to fall to pieces. Is there something I can do to conquer this problem?
Eugene: I want to ask you about a player who is seemingly weak but able to beat or even challenge a state level player. A player who has no real strokes, slow and clumsy can beat a state level player with fast footwork, good attacks and good serves. How can you explain this?
Joseph: My question is what type of floor is suited for table tennis?
Filippo: On analysing the results of the past years, except for the ones that I have won or lost in 3 straight games, I have noticed that I have on average always lost the first game. It is only when I lose the first game that I wake up and start playing to my best. I seem to need the first game to study my opponent and devise an appropriate tactic or it may be due to my age (I am 70) and need a game to warm up properly. I cannot improve on the latter as there is unfortunately, at local League level, no possibility of a proper warm up. Can you give me some advice please?
Patrick: How can you fix a rubber with bubbles on the middle of the rubber, I mean like the top sheet and the sponge is like separated but only one portion of the rubber, and that's the middle, is it still fixable or its just dead gone?
European Teams Championships Qualification
Ai Fukuhara and the Melbourne Cup
Working on your short game by making your practice more like a match
Practicing your backhand opener
David: recently I have been introducing family members and friends to the game just casually asking them to join me and go play outside for fun. Maybe its a bit odd to ask but how do you guys play games against new players do you let them have the point and fake missing. I just want them to experience how fun table tennis is and playing against someone who is much better might.
Brandon: I felt it quite impossible to chop back (hard to catch the ball and if I manage to chop, it will fly high or out of the table) when the opponent give a super topspin returning my backspin.(not normal topspin, it is kinda like super super fast with a lot of topspin in it). I can chop back if the opponent gives a normal or slightly a bit more topspin than normal low and safe on both side. Both of my rubber are smooth. Any suggestion on handling that super topspin type of ball with chops?
Phillip: Hello coaches, Phillip again with another question. I can't find any rule that covers a "carry" during a return or stroke. The "carry" I am asking about is similar to the "carry" in tennis where the ball is carried on the racket for a moment rather than a rebound off the racket. I saw one today for the first time. So is it legal?
Daniel: Seems like choppers and modern defenders use the backhand serve disproportionately more than attackers. Do you agree and if so, why do you think that is? Also, why are there almost zero left handed defenders? Obviously there are generally fewer lefties and fewer defenders in general, so it makes sense that there would be very few cases where a player is both.
Leopoldo: Are pro veterans like Samsonov still improving? Or are their skills diminishing faster than they can improve?
European Teams Championships Qualification
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Alois talks about how pressure can affect everyone
We take a look at the Quarter Final match of the 2005 World Championship in China between Michael Maze and Hao Shuai.
Jeff gives a quick recall about how pressure affected him differently when he was an Adult compared to when he was a Junior.
We discuss what a pre-point routine is and how you can develop one.
Third Ball Under Pressure
We're going all the way back to the start of August. :) This is when the ITTF released a new form of Table Tennis called TTX.
With the Olympics well under way we discuss the format of the Singles events in Rio.
Grenville: In a particular match when I was up 2-0 and on match point (10 -7), I actually lost the match 2-3 and I wanted to know what should be a players thoughts should be when they are approaching the win.
Marcin: After a long rally I lost the good feeling I had been having till that point and from being up in the match I ended up losing. How can I keep the good feeling alive?
Tushar: Do you think that showing our excitement after every point increases our chances of winning?
Yap: I have a problem when attacking a long pimple push because it is very low. Should I play a topspin against backspin stroke to attack the ball?
Sumit: How can I lift a heavy backspin ball that a defender with long pimples has hit to me? The ball comes back with so much backspin that it is very difficult to return.
Daniel: When I do a backhand loop, I find it hard to recover from the finish position. If I try to automatically transition from it my stroke doesn't turn out as efficient. How do I effectively transition?
We discuss some of the mail we received regarding Show #273 - Table Tennis at the Olympic Games.
Michael Maze vs Hao Shuai - Best Table Tennis Comeback EVER
PingSkills Sports Psychology Course
Men's Singles Draw at the Rio Olympics 2016
Women's Singles Draw at the Rio Olympics 2016
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Jeff talks about his experiences from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He shows us some of the original team uniform and other memorabilia.
How to get off to a good start in matches.
Forehand anywhere in honour of Ryu Seung Min and his incredible footwork.
We go back to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens where Ryu Seung Min shocked the World and won the Olympic Gold Medal in the Men's Singles.
Praanesh: I am able to play the forehand rally separately when practicing but I cannot play it in a match. How can I rectify this?
Linh: I have a really good backhand and can utilise my wrist effectively on that side. How can I apply this to my forehand stroke?
Eugene: Is it necessary to rotate the waist when serving or is it enough to just use the arm and wrist?
Ryan: I have an amateur tournament tomorrow, and this is my first. I have done much practice but I am still nervous about tomorrow's results. May I know any tips to boost my mindset or maintain a sense of Zen and sanity before and during the competition. Thanks in advance!
Eugene: After hitting the ball where should I move so that I can position myself for the next ball?
Nasco: Is Ma Long participating in the London Olympics? I found that Xu Xin and Ma Lin are also not in those Olympic Games.
We discuss some of the mail we received regarding our last show Table Tennis for All #272.
Table Tennis at the Summer Olympics
Ryu Seung Min Reminiscing Winning 2004 Olympic Gold
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Alois tells the story of World Champion Dot DeLow. He also talks about his experiences working in remote Pacific islands and working with the Paralympic team.
How to get the most out of your practice when training with players who are weaker than you.
The PingSkills drill with multiball
We take a look back a the first World Table Tennis Day where there were 158 registered events in 70 countries.
We discuss the Paralympics. We talk about the different events and classes, and how athletes are graded.
DK: What rules are applied to a mixed doubles pair when one player is in a wheelchair and the second one is a highly mobile player?
Tevia: I recently played a very easy match in the mixed doubles senior inter regionals. In the final game we were up 10-0 and 2-0 in games. I was receiving serve. The serves were quite high and had very little spin so if I wanted to I could kill the ball anywhere on the table, especially since they were serving to my forehand. My partner asked if we should give them 1 point just to be nice and not make them feel bad by losing 11-0 or not stuff about and take the match immediately. What would you guys do in this situation. In my family there are a lot of VERY competitive sportsmen and they would definitely not give them that point.
Joshua: Hi Alois and Jeff, what is/are your most embarrassing moment(s) in Table Tennis? And what is/are your funniest moment(s) in table tennis?
Johnny: Hello. I've had this problem for quite while now, where I get very angry/frustrated when I'm losing to a player who I think of lowly. This cause me to play very badly and lose a lot of points. For example, I played a player who only started playing a month ago, had no proper coaching, and lost to him because of this issue. I am a beginner, but have done about 6 months of coaching. I felt like my work and money was being wasted as I'm losing to players who's done much less training than me. Any tips on this mental issue?
Magic: Is there like some easy move that can beat an experienced player? I'm 15, been playing for around a year and regularly play with players much better than myself. I get on the table, score a few points, but generally get beaten and then have to wait in line again -.-. Got any tips for me? I want to at least beat ONE of them now and again LOL.
How far exactly does the ball need to be from the table in order to perform an around the net shot and what kind of spin do you need to focus more on when doing it? Sidespin or topspin?
We discuss some of the mail we received regarding our last show Spin in Table Tennis #271.
Alois talks about how spin makes table tennis a unique game.
Alois discusses the basics of spin and gives some advice on how to cope with different types..
No one can do the same serve to you 10 times in a row where you won't be able to get it back by the tenth time!
The Double Handed Catch!
We go back to the 1952 World Championships where Japan unleashed a new secret weapon to a little known player - Hiroji Satoh.
With only a couple of weeks to go we discuss the Olympic Games confirmed players ranking list.
Xavier: Every time i try and return a serve it's so spinny it jumps of my bat yet when i see good players they touch the same spinny serve but it just makes it back to the servers side. How do they do that?
Carlos: How do you return the Timo Boll serve?
Tushar: When some of my opponents do a sidespin serve with short length on my forehand or backhand, I try to receive it short (or we can say want to play a drop shot) on their respective courts but usually (almost all the time) either the ball goes out of the table or the came with height and it is very easy for them to finish it. So what can I do?
Joshnathan: Most of the players are using backhand sidespin flick in receiving serves. Is it effective against all kinds of spin?
Mars: Coach, I lost a very important match against my colleague because I can't properly return a no-spin serve. Usually, I return it high and then he will just smash the ball with ease. How do you effectively return or attack a no-spin ball?
Aaron: I always struggle with how to hit a chest high ball on the backhand side in particular the starting position for the backhand. The ball is not high enough to smash on the backhand side but I want to make an aggressive shot, any thoughts. Thanks Aaron
We discuss some of the mail we received regarding Show #271 - From Garage to Club.
World Championship of Ping Pong - the sandpaper bat competition.
World champs of Ping Pong 2015: final Baggaley(ENG) - Flemming(GER)
Hiroji Satoh and the first sponge rubber 1952
]]>Jeff talks about starting playing in a garage and how some people perceive table tennis.
We discuss common concerns people have about joining a club and give you some tips to be confident and take this important step.
This week we talk about some easy ways to find a table tennis club. If you can find your National or State association then get in contact with them. Otherwise Google is your friend and there are a number of good websites that will help you find a club in your area.
Brazilian All Stars vs Olympic Legends
We take a look back to 1988, the year table tennis first appeared in the Olympic Games.
This week we ask you to look differently at your on table warm up. Instead of always warming up with forehand to forehand followed by backhand to backhand, why not try hitting the ball anywhere?
Nikhil: I've been playing mainly in an office and now want to improve. I think getting a new bat will play a big part in this. Do you have any recommendations?
Andy: I've just visited a club for the first time and had a great experience. I'm now really keen to improve. What suggestions do you have to help me?
Sujith - Can we reuse the paddle from a premade bat to make a custom bat? If yes, what should be the things to care about while making such a custom bat?
Daniel - In the videos, what does the letter M and P stand for? Who could view the M and P videos? Are these videos available to the general public?
Il: Is it illegal to stamp your foot while serving?
Olympic Legends vs Brazil Stars
2016 Olympic Legends vs Brazil Stars CALDERANO, Hugo BRA vs SAIVE, Jean Michel BEL
]]>Alois and Jeff discuss how they started out in table tennis.
This week we discuss the most important skill in table tennis, especially for beginners.
The Physical Warmup has changed a lot in the last 20 years. We discuss the latest methods and share how you should be warming up before playing table tennis.
We discuss the Pyongyang Open, and the upcoming Olympic Games.
Today we take a look back at a 4 year old Timo Boll playing table tennis.
Frendy: I just want to ask which grip is better and give me your reason with your own opinion. I'm a shakehand player but after thinking a lot about the grip between shakehand and penhold (i just like both of these grips) i think that penhold grip is better.
Duncan: The quality of my practice at the moment isn't the best - age old scenario of players wanting matchplay, or clubs being too busy to get a reasonable density of practice.
Musaab - Since I'm a fan of ZJK I bought a ZJK ALC and attached to DHS NEO 3 as FH and Tenergy 64 to it. it was a lot better and I progressed a little, but now the main problem arises, this blade is extremely fast as a result the NEO 3 FH is became so sensitive to incoming spin, and T64 BH was good overall but blocking heavy topspins is next to impossible. I noticed how control was important for me because now I have no control at all.
Eugene: Table Tennis is a very fast sport as you know and we usually don't have a lot of time to do big strokes. Especially on the backhand side. Is it a good idea to just use a counterhit or drive to hit balls on the backhand side and just rely on good control and good placement to win points? I think this way it's faster to recover. Then having a big backhand topspin.
Luka - How do you keep your eyes on the ball?
Hector: What I should look for in a table tennis table? Hardness, weight, color, material, brand? I want it for indoor use, in my own training, and an occasional game with friends.
Most Important Skill in Table Tennis
]]>Bobby Charlton was asked how he thought the England team of 1966 would have fared against Iceland. Plus, a ham sandwich walks into a bar!
Have you ever tried playing Table Tennis outdoors and how was it?
Who is the best doubles partner you have ever had?
Viktor: I've decided to put Waldner #6 in the rankings if he were in his prime. What do you think? Did I put him in the right spot? I just don't think Waldner even in his prime wouldn't have a chance against our top 5.
Fesih: What is the the average speed of the ball (kmh) in the professional table tennis match?
Shaun: Is playing against medium pimples the same as playing against long pimples? If not what's the strategy for playing against medium pimples?
Divan: I would like to know the following- If my opponent hits the ball out past the table and I hit it back before it bounces and that ball is in. Does the play go on? Or do i get the point because my opponent hit it out first.
Can Ma Long now win the Olympics after two losses in the last 2 weeks?
Have you ever tried playing Table Tennis outdoors and how was it?
Getting the most from your training
Mike: One of my opponents likes to spin the ball high with a lot of side topspin to my backhand during some of our rallies. I'm basically close to the table while he plays further back. I tend to miss many of those shots. How do I counter such tactics? :)
Tim: My opponent starts his counterattack and does the sidespin topspin loop. Then I am unable to return it... I have lost a lot of points because of this. Any advice on what I can do?
Arjan: I'm about to take a friend of mine to the TT club. Should I let him play with my all-round bat? Should I bother with explaining the correct form of the shakehand grip? Basic serve? Forehand/backhand? What about the ready position?
Ivan: How do you play doubles better?
Have the Chinese National team selectors got too much power?
Can Ma Long now win the Olympics after two losses in the last 2 weeks?
Short Pushing
Hrishi: Is Ma Long using shakehand shallow grip or shakehand deep grip? Can the inflexible wrist in shakehand deep grip affect us in playing forehand drive?
Manshay: When I receive a hard spin from serve, many a times when i want to play the backhand it goes outside of the table what should i do?
Xu Xin Defeats Ma Long at the Korean Open
Have the Chinese National Team selectors got too much power?
Will Ma Long return to form and win the Korean Open this weekend?
Nicolas: When my opponent serves half long backspin to my forehand I want to attack it but once tried and hit my rubber hard. I tried the FH flick and the BH banana but am caught out of position. Any tips?
Spamm20: 1: I have problems with short serves that look like they are long- i get ready to play a FH topspin, but than i cant play it.Should i just push? 2: I play the Mark V 1.8 on both sides, but i would like it 2.0 on my FH.Should i perfect my technique first?
Tim: To counter attacks I usually try to block or chop the ball but this leads to me playing defensively. I am more comfortable attacking so how should I counterattack a topspin loop effectively? When I try it goes in the net or hits the edge of my bat.
Ilia: For an offensive player there are two ways to develop 1 Concentrate on forehand topspin and turn it into an overwhelming strength 2 Work on both forehand and backhand. For a pro practicing often the second is viable but the first is best for amateurs
Why is Table Tennis the best sport in the world?
Will Ma Long return to form and win the Korean Open this weekend?
Have you heard about the band 1023MB?
Viktor: If Jan Ove Waldner were in his prime, where would you rank him in the ITTF rankings? I have been thinking about for a long time and I don't think he would've make it to top 10 but I think he would rank in top 15. What do you think?
Enoch: I have been getting into trouble lately with a particular opponent that likes to block a lot and get back almost about everything. My question is how do I overcome these types of players as they are really frustrating to play against.
Il: I watched your beautiful videos but I don't understand ... For backhand topspin - should I use forearm(slightly extend from the elbow from triceps brahii) in the ball contact ? Or the angle in the elbow should not to change?
Hrishi: i am using the shakehand grip and i use extreme forehand grip when playing forehand and extreme backhand grip while playing backhand. But my finger slips due to the so-called forehand grip and my thumb is rarely on top of the rubber.
Match Strategy for Playing a Blocker
Backhand Topspin Against Block
Backhand Topspin Against Backspin
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Table Tennis Rules
How many provincial Chinese players do you think there are that are better than the No.50 player in the World?
#PQOTD - 7:17
Why is Table Tennis the best sport in the world?
DK: As I am very interested in equipment and also because I am more and more frequently asked by younger players about equipment,I would like to ask,what abilities and knowledge do I need to become and equipment expert and how to gain them?
Viktor: Which is your favourite Classic Walt Disney Movie of all time?
Johan: Am I the only one who thinks it's easier to topspin against a heavy chop straight off the bounce? I think it might be because it's easier to time (the ball hasn't slowed down so much) and because I convert the upwards energy into speed.
Tony: I have learnt table tennis for four years now and I have developed my strokes pretty good but I just can't get every shot on the table if it is over ten shots what do you think is the problem?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
]]>Should Fan Zhendong be playing at the Olympics?
How many provincial Chinese players do you think there are that are better than the No.50 player in the World?
FH topspin to FH and BH block
Mike: Hi guys, welcome back! Dimitrij Ovtcharov has a new coach, Jörgen Persson. Do you think Persson who has had his own success against the Chinese of his day can make Ovtcharov more competitive against the Chinese?
SJ: As seen in serves of other International players all have developed their unique serving style like Ma Lin and many more. Is it a good idea to develop our own unique serve to boggle the opponent in the match?
Juan: What advantages and disadvantages do you think there are in hybrid rubbers(rubbers with a euro/jap sponge and a tacky chinese topsheet)? Also, would you advise the use of these rubbers or is it better to just choose one or the other?
Kristian: I can't find the time to calculate where the ball will land. And when I am looking at someone else playing I can predict pretty much every ball, but that's probably because of the 3rd person prespective. When I am in a game I just can't do it.
Viktor: I know it's early but who do you see winning Olympics?
Viktor: Have you re-watched the Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou video?
Ask A Pro Anything: Dimitirj Ovtcharov
]]>What is the longest break you have had from Table Tennis?
Should Fan Zhendong be playing at the Olympics?
Long pimple chop block
Viktor E: Welcome Back Jeff and Alois, I've missed you. It feels like you have been away for a year.
Viktor E: Is it me or has the world of Table Tennis increased and improved while you have been gone? I've been watching alot lately and I see many young talents that I haven't seen before who plays nearly as good as the top 5 in the world. Am I right? is it me?
Yap: How can Liu Shiwen control the huge amount of topspin by the slow spinny forehand loop by Ai Fukuhara and hit the ball so flat that it is like a smash?
Nick: I have been a penhold player for 30 years however I have been experiencing some pain in my hand. I would like to switch from penhold to shakehand. I know that I would need to change blades. What would your recommendation be for the shakehand racket?
Michael: I looked to Fukuhara's serves for guidance. I realized (but I may be incorrect), that she keeps all of the fingers on the bat during the duration of the serve. Isn't it more effective to only use the thumb and index finger when serving?
Viktor E: Were you surprised that Xu Xin beat Ma Long?
2016 World Championships Highlights: Liu Shiwen vs Ai Fukuhara
]]>We discuss the winners who have been shunned from the Olympics singles field.
Is there a better name for the Modern Defender?
What is the longest break you have had from Table Tennis?
Nuri: I found a picture from web and I wonder what must the angles be at the knee joint, the hips and elbows?
Romeo: How do you play with angry people? My practice partner makes a ton of mistakes, and he either blames it on me, or hits the table with his bat. We couldn't get any practice done because of this.
Evil Bunny: I saw in the place where you record your training sessions there is an option for weight training. I was just wondering how useful weight training is and is it good for all levels or just top players. What kind of training would it be?
I can't return that smash!
Should Boosting be allowed?
Is there a better name for a 'Modern Defender'... Jeff suggested 'Attacking Defender'. What do you think?
Birthdays
Dominic: I'm a pen holder and I struggle to send and return the ball low over the net do you have any tips and/or tricks to help me improve?
David: Gionis on his forehand sometimes can't use a smash or a topspin, he does not go for a forehand chop like other modern defenders, but instead he just holds his bat very flat and hits the ball back from a low position. What is special about this?
Roneil: While researching I came across a comment that training with weights that have mass significant relative to your bodyweight can cause a decrease in fine motor skills. Have you any knowledge or experience with regards to this?
Baseer: What is top spin?
Dieter: If we are still practicing topspin on deep balls and try integrating it into our competitive game, should we wait until we get a good opportunity?
Random in Backhand ⅔ of the table
What is better, playing as a defender or an attacker?
Should Boosting be allowed?
Table Tennis Birthdays
Ilia: I have a question about "reset hops" between shots that help to move. So after I make a shot, should I jump once before moving to next position, or it is better to make more smaller hops?
Tam: Hi Alois whenever I am playing a match or training I can only hit the players 'power pockets' and not the wide backhand and forehand is there a technique to getting the ball wider to the opponent's wide forehand and backhand?
Tristan: This might be a little simple but in my training lately, my backhand is lacking terribly. It seems like no matter how much i understand how to do the backhand i can't execute it. It is really frustrating when i know whats wrong and still can't do.
Matthew: Please help my pendulum either hits the net or does not go over. I can hit it sometimes but not often.
Is Ma Long the overwhelming favourite for the Olympics or will a dark horse get up and win the title?
What is better, playing as a defender or an attacker?
Jet Li and William Shakespeare were born
Chopping technique
Grenville: In a particular match when I was up 2-0 and on match point ( 10 -7 ) , I actually lost the match 2-3 and I wanted to know what should be a players thoughts when they are approaching the win.
Carl: If someone is hitting an around the net shot, and once it crosses the net but still isn't over the table, you put your bat outside of the table, preventing the ball from bouncing back on your side of the table. Who wins the point?
Daniel: I miss the ball often on my forehand and backhand. I think it might be that I'm moving my bat up too fast or not pushing forward enough. I was wondering what I could do to prevent missing the ball so much?
Jorgen Persson and Jack Nicholson were born
A phoned the Dentist to arrange an appointment and the only time they had available was tooth-hurty!
Can Liu Shiwen and Ding Ning recover from her loss in the first Qualification process to win the Olympic Gold medal?
Is Ma Long the overwhelming favourite for the Olympics or will a dark horse get up and win the title?
Esi: I am able to play about 2-3 sessions (2 hours per session) per week. In your opinion, what is the right balance between training and competition? e.g. 70% training 30% competition, 50% training 50% competition
Mohd: Are you allowed to return the ball, around the net, but under the net level?
Srikanth: My backhand topspin is not right i am playing with my bat closed. My coach says that is because of my grip so what should i do should i continue with this action or should i change my action.
How to Hold the Table Tennis Bat
Panda Seeks Ping Pong Glory (and hits an around the net shot towards the end of the video)
]]>Louis Pasteur begin tests of Pasteurization
What percentage SHOULD you serve short and and what percentage should you serve long? What percentages do you ACTUALLY serve short and long?
We discuss the important results and let you know who has qualified for Rio.
Can Liu Shiwen recover from her loss in the first Qualification process to win the Olympic Gold medal?
Gavin: My son keeps coming up against a couple of people that continually serve a sweat ball, and amazingly seem to do it when they are losing. They hit a flat serve so it goes on the table. They say it is by 'accident' but refuse to replay the point.
Conrad: I have observed that the newer generation of world class players are being coached to take the ball much earlier and closer to the table. What are your thoughts?
Dieter: I wonder why the reverse pendulum exists? If you want that kind of spin, why not simply use the backhand sidespin serve? There is more wrist flexibility on the backhand for that kind of sidespin, and you're in a ready position sooner.
Switching Duel
Asian Olympic Qualification Results
]]>The tournament is in full swing
Serving Practice
What is your favourite sport apart from Table Tennis?
What percentage SHOULD you serve short and and what percentage should you serve long? What percentages do you ACTUALLY serve short and long?
Alois doesn't really know what happened!?!
Jesus: I am missing too many serves in matches. I am afraid of make an easy service to the opponent and I take risks. I receive several flicks. I miss more in the first set and less in the others. What can I do mentally, tactically and in training?
Muhammad: Can I improve my game by playing with a partner who has the level of game almost similar to me, or is it necessary to have someone who is better than you to improve? Me and my partner use your videos as our guide and coach.
Timmy: What is a good way for me to practice hitting the ball in the same spot while training, or just simply getting better control of the ball? Usually the ball just flies anywhere on the table without me being able to control it very well.
Eternity Deluxe: Guys its been a long time you have streamed in the night! I understand when you stream you stream at 5.30 in the morning. But in Singapore its 3.30. So i hope you guys can return to streaming in night. I just changed my channel name.
Liam: Buying a bat from Rebel Sport, what's your opinion?
History is made as the first ever athlete born in the 2000's qualifies for Rio.
Who is your favourite European Mens and womens player?
What is your favourite sport apart from Table Tennis?
Forehand Block
Liu Shiwen was born in 1991
Ilia: When I play person A, whose pushes are heavy, I can loop them consistently. When I play person B right after, I keep hitting off the end because his pushes barely have any spin. I try telling myself to adjust, but it doesn't work :( How to deal wit it?
Jim: To help keep the push low should I hit the ball right off of the bounce as it is rising? or at the top of the ball's travel? or just after the top of the ball's rise on the way down?
Tom: I am wondering if there is a "time-rule" for getting the ball back for serving. I am 70 years old, and have a heart and lung condition, which allows me to play each point with strong smashes but at the end of the rally I am exhausted.
Tushar: I have become a very offensive player and I usually do 3rd ball attack and attack on services with flicks and topspins. I hardly use push almost not. My club member asked me why I practice it when I don't use it in a game.
Jiang Jialiang and Kenta Matsudaira
These are starting tomorrow and we discuss the format and the main athletes who will by vying for a spot in Rio.
Who is your favourite European Mens and womens player?
What do you serve at match point?
Ali: I miss panda where is he????
Viktor: How do I attack a long sidespin serve that goes straight in the middle? It's pretty fast and I can't get in any position for the topspin. How can I attack effectively? I don't have the reflexes to move my feet and make the stroke in time, help :)
Viktor: I watched Waldner's matches in his prime, he had great speed, power, control and etc. I think I agree about what you said before that he could play against modern players if he was in their era. I think Waldner even in his prime would have a bit of trouble.
Viktor: When is the next World Tour?
Viktor: Do you think you can switch your power of practice skills? Jeff trying spin catcher and Alois trying table tapper in 30 days?
Johan: Could you please clarify the doubles rules? I've understood that you serve against different players every set. What determines who serves first in the sets after the first one? Do you change the serving order in the deciding set?
John: I would like to know why serving in doubles is so much less dynamic than in singles. So what is the reason for using a much weaker and easy to read serve when they can comfortably use their normal serves to win the point.
Vishnu: I used to play 5hrs a day (morning and evening) and I play basic skills of table tennis quite nicely, but if I take an interval for more than two days, I find it difficult to play even the basics. It takes me weeks to regain my game.
Alois doesn't really have a job at the Australian Bureau of Statistics
ITTF-Latin America Olympic Qualification Tournament
Should edge balls and net balls be considered out?
What do you serve at match point?
Robert Downey Jnr was born
Was Alois deliberately aiming at Jeff's head
Get involved in this great initiative by the ITTF
Ilia: Among two-winged loopers some players are more forehand oriented and pivot a lot, some are more backhand oriented. How one can find its own style to follow?
Sebastian: I have a question of technique when playing random drills. How should I move my racket and position myself when i don't know if the next shot will be a forehand or a backhand. I mostly have problem playing backhand after a forehand.
Bhavesh: I have seen the lessons and many times you mention that the forehand topspin stroke shouldn't go past the midline of the body. Unforunately I feel I'm habituated to go past the mid line of the body in almost every forehand stroke.
Timmy: Hey. I'm trying to teach my dad how to play table tennis, and i don't really know any good way on how to teach him how to hit a basic backhand or a basic forehand. He's a beginner. Do you know easy exercises that i can use to teach my dad?
ITTF Latin America Qualification Results
]]>Alois has got a new job performing number crunching for the Australian Bureau of Statistics and will be doing mathematical equations each morning and so will no longer have time for the Ask the Coach show.
The 1st of April is know as April Fools Day
Jeff crosses his computer with a life guard and an elephant. And then plays chess against it!
Matthew: Hi, Alois and Jeff. How do I get my hands on a PingSkills T-shirt? Thanks!
Do you have a good idea for a #PQOTD?
Should edge balls and net balls be considered out?
Alois talks about his experience and what he has learnt over the 31 days. We'll be announcing the winners of the competition on Monday. We'd love for those of you who have been doing the challenge to record a summary video of your thoughts.
Viktor: Would Waldner survive against the current players? I don't think so, I think the game is too fast and they're too strong at the moment, Waldner would have a chance. Maybe in his prime. Your thoughts?
Abhishek: What are the different ways in which the Shakehand grip can be modified in doing the pendulum and other spin serves?
Leon: How can I pick a coach? I went to a club and a few coaches approached me to coach me. It was quite overwhelming. Should I practice under a couple of coaches and see which coach i like best? Or should I just pick the best player/coach?
Stan: In my experience, I've noticed that a few players, including myself sometimes, start to lose their composure; getting frustrated because of losing, which causes them to start losing more. Do you have any way to have any way to help keep composure?
Viktor: Please tell me when the next tour is and what it's called.
Viktor: How much do you know about Wrestling / WWE? ;)
Multiball: One push one topspin
There's only 1 day left so get your last practice in and send us a video with the hashtag #PowerOfPractice
What inspires you?
Do you have a good idea for a #PQOTD? Because I am running out!
WrestleMania
Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff. Since there are so many ways one can serve the ball, even perform different movements for the same serve, what is the best way to read and react to all these different styles in order to perform a proper return?
Ilia: I have a backhand flick that is effective against some players, but not against the others. In a tournament I often face opponents I'm unfamiliar with. How to find out whether my flick is going to work against them without losing too much points?
Viktor E: How do I return a short sidespin backspin serve with heavy spin? When I push it goes into the net or the ball goes to the side . Is it the angle of my bat that's wrong? I lose points because of this. I can push backspin easily but I can't do it now. Help.
Bhavesh: Does the blade of the bat effect the performance or is it only the rubber which effects the performance?
Toby: I have just started to play at a club and I also play at home. I play with a two- handed backhand in Tennis and I was wondering if you are allowed to play competition with a two handed backhand?
Rohan: I have an opponent I constantly lose to. Just couple of points every time. Our skill sets are almost at the same level. My issue is I am not able to analyze where I am going wrong and how I can pull the game to my advantage. It's really frustrating!
Viktor: This question is for Jeff. How did you meet Alois and were you ''famous' before meeting Alois?
6 Olympic spots were decided over the weekend from the Oceania Region
Ma Long back in the winners circle and Dimitrij Ovtcharov also in good form.
Should participation awards be given out?
What inspires you?
Giddy Up Footwork Return
Some Birthdays plus we discuss yesterday's "On This Day!"
Lukas: I went to my club and played a couple of times last week, it was a lot of fun! Of course I was a little rusty, but I got warmed up pretty quickly. My rubber felt a little fast but my coach didn't think that it was a problem. Found anything on Borgar Haug?
Esi: Both players are using inverted rubbers. Player 1 does a heavy backspin. Player 2 put his bat horizontally under the ball and lift the ball over the net, only upward action, no forward action. What spin does player 1 receive and how should he attack?
Kristian: When my friend returns the ball high using his pimples rubber I am having trouble smashing it. He returns the ball deep on the table and if I just try and smash it, it goes into the net. If I try to use some topspin I hit it out.
Romeo: How do I lift a push that is loaded with backspin? I had my bat horizontally, my arm move as fast as it can go, had a slightly pushing contact, but still I couldn't lift it. It is a really long and fast push and it made me lose an important match.
Spamm20: How to deal with high and strong backspin balls?
Melissa Tapper Qualifies for the Olympics
]]>We discuss the results in the tournament so far.
Ready Set Move
And escapologist's birthday
What is your favourite venue to play?
Should participation awards be given out?
We discuss our own and other PingSkiller's progress as we near the end of the challenge. Make sure to film your practice and send us a video with the hashtag #PowerOfPractice
Harveer: How can i nail a side spin serve?
Ilia: I noticed that many top men players play the first topspin after a serve close to the table and immediately jump back to play the followup. Is that something aspiring offensive players also should do?
Bavesh: I had a bat with good control, however I bought a new bat and it's control was 60 whereas the previous bats control was about 90, but I didn't really feel any difference in the control of both the bats. What does the control of the bat indicate?
Harveer: What is a good bat thats under $50? Thanks for answering my question before :D
Harveer: Whats the real difference between $100 tables and $550+ tables?
Eugene: During a match the ball isn't always changing position. The opponent will sometimes place the ball in the same spot, the legs do almost no movement. Suddenly, they change direction and you will be off balance. How do I engage my legs?
Bryan: My backhand is better than my forehand and I want to develop my forehand. When I'm far from the table my forehand loop usually is out or net including the forehand counter hit. Can you suggest me a way to improve?
Harveer: How much were your guy's first ping pong tables?and lol same i just started going to clubs and they have donic Championship TC's while i have a $100
After the results in Kuwait who are your picks for the 2 Men and 2 Women to represent China at the Rio Olympics?
What is your favourite venue to play?
1903 Monopoly
Xu Xin and Ma Long try the Spin Catcher
Serving Practice
Karel: I play against an opponent who does not practice but just plays on Sundays. He does not have a proper technique to play but somehow always manages to get the ball on the table. I am a much more experienced player and I know my techniques are better but I am just not used to playing this kind of style. , he usually does not do any forehand topspin strokes but just waits for me to push the ball back too high and then somehow manages to shoot it the way that either I don't get it back or I get it back too high so he can continue the attacking.
Josef: whenever i do a backhand drive or loop i am never quite satisfied with the trajectory of the ball, it always seems to have too much topspin on it with less speed and the ball seem to move like the upper part of a circle..so can you give me some advice on how to make a perfect backhand loop or drive?
Sasha: i am worried that my opponent will just counterattack my third ball attack if I just spin it up first. Is it ok to just spin the first ball and then go for it on the 5th?
Ma Long and Xu Xin trying the Spin Catcher
]]>Can you play a musical instrument? If so, is it relevant to your Table Tennis.
After the results in Kuwait who are your picks for the 2 Men and 2 Women to represent China at the Rio Olympics?
Marcel Marceau was born
Rate how Alois is doing with the spin catcher compared to Marcos Freitas
Forehand Follow Up
Mike: Hi guys! Last weekend I was playing a player at the club who was using medium pips on his forehand. I never played against someone who used medium pips. What are some tactics that I could use that is effective against this type of rubber?
Stan: Chinese Rubbers are well-known for their tacky topsheet. I have a DHS Neo Hurricane 3 (Black) for my Forehand. Any tips on how to maintain its tackiness, cause it seems to wear off easily after being bought.
Johnny: I've always been wondering what type of serve is Samsonov's serve?
Johan: Aleksandar Karakasevic. Please explain who this guy is! Why does ZJK have such problems with him? He must be doing some things right to keep his opponents so out of balance. His variation of return is superb.
Alois and the Spin Catcher Day 21
Forehand Followup Master Class
2016 Kuwait Open Highlights: Zhang Jike vs Aleksandar Karakasevic (R32)
]]>Kuwait Open where Zhang Jike proves Ma Long can be beaten
What is more important, talent or hard work?
Can you play a musical instrument? If so, is it relevant to your Table Tennis.
Alois is improving gradually and Jeff is still aiming for a 5 minute table tapper rally.
A futuristic birthday is revealed
Hatem: Nothing frustrates me more than long pips, especially blockers . If I attack with with spins I find the ball landing either in the net or going outside. If I do not attack they attack with "snap" shots and the ball comes back in a weird way.
Marcin: If a ball comes to me in a quite almost straight path but then after impact kicks off strongly to the side, do you call it sidespin or topspin? How do you call it? The ball coming circles sideways but the path of the spin is north south.
Fayad: I can do the forehand topspin quite smoothly, but on the other hand when I try to do the Backhand topspin I can't get a strong grip on the racket. My bat seems to fly off my hand in the direction of my swing. If I hold the bat too stiffly.
Have you ever won a tournament?
What is more important? Talent or hard work?
Choose the table tapper of the spin catcher and practice for 5 minutes a day for your chance to win a premium membership.
A fun game to play inspired by my kids
Some fun facts about Australia today
Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff...How do you get the best spin on a chop during a rally at various lengths on the table? Do you keep the tension more relax on shorter chops and what is the best spot to hit the chop on your paddle like towards the end or middle?
Stan H: What do you have to say about very very short soft serve that only just gets over the net on the centre line?
Stan J: In serving, does it affect the spin and speed of the ball if you stop your arm during the swing on contact to the ball as oppose to completing the swing of your arm?
Stuart: I am having a problem with my third ball. I do a deceptive side spin top spin serve and they push the ball so it comes back very high with backspin and when I attack it I am only hitting the table about 60% most of the time going long when I miss.
Saint Patrick's Day
We discuss our progress and the competition
If you are really tired, is it better to still put in a training session or is it better to have a day off?
Have you ever won a tournament?
Spamm20: Whenever i play a double with my playmates i put a lot of backspin into my serves-but my opponents just pushes it back. My partner than has a hard time dealing with that spin (he's not as experienced). Should i put less/other spin into the serve? Thanks
Lukas: Hey guys :) Not sure if you remember me, but I stopped playing active in my club around 6 months ago, but I really miss it. I'm considering starting again. Any tips on how to get back into it quickly :D?
Bhavesh: Yesterday I practiced serving for about 3-4 hrs. Then I played a match with my grandpa. I couldn't even complete the match I was so tired I had muscle cramps. After the match I couldn't walk properly. My parents said I was playing too much.
Yap: Should I lob a very high smash with topspin or hit the ball flat? Will the topspin bring the ball higher and let the ball go out of the table?
Eugene: When doing the forehand topspin, I often hit the ball out. My coach says I need to control my arm strength and don't hit too hard all the time. But then he wants good amount of speed on the ball. How to achieve this without hitting hard?
Lukas: Also a quick question, have you seen any of Borgar Haug's recent matches?, he is playing insane :> (if you know who he is)
Which Foot Forward?
Links in this Episode
]]>Alois discusses his 5 minute training session and how he felt tired and didn't think he made good progress.
If you are really tired, is it better to still put in a training session or is it better to have a day off?
Who has a better backhand Liam Pitchford or Zhang Jike?
Jerry Lewis was born, not to be confused with Jerry Lee Lewis :)
Choosing Drills how should you choose your drills? What type of drills should you choose in the off season.
Jamie: Why don't elite players use short pimples as it allows them to negate the extreme amount of topspin and smash the ball. I have seen other very good semi pro players with great technique beaten by other players with short pimples or hardhats.
Sk Verma: Whenever I do practice counter hit, I am not able to place ball to corner every time. I am trying it with flat bat position but as the ball goes away from me or close to chest I can't control the ball to the corner although ball is on the table.
Yap: My friends and I are very bad at blocking the ball accurately. Thus, it is very difficult for us to do the footwork drills. Can you help?
We discuss our progress with the Spin Catcher and Table Tapper
Should you let your kids beat you at Table Tennis?
Who has a better backhand Liam Pitchford or Zhang Jike?
The first Internet Domain Name was registered in 1985
Backhand Topspin to Topspin
Il: Where should I contact the ball for topspin serve (more up-spin) with tomahawk service? Bottom, middle or top of the ball?
Shiva: i started playing table tennis at the age of 19 and now i am 23 and by the time i learned the proper strokes its already too late.... is it impossible to follow the game if its too late or do you think if there are chances for me to excel.
Daniel: Can one change bats during a tournament? If so, how often? I would think not in the middle of a single game, but I have no idea.
What is the best animal to be in Winter?
What is the most difficult thing about Table Tennis?
Should you let your kids beat you at Table Tennis?
Alois and Jeff practiced together!
Romeo and Juliet's Anniversary and Steve Dainton's Birthday
Mike: Hi guys! :) I'm beginning to hear more about injuries that may have been caused with the plastic ball, because rallies are longer and there is a higher demand on power rather then tactical finesse. What do you guys think, and should training be adjusted?
Binder: Hi Alois, playing table tennis on a regular basis will surely result in a body imbalance because of using one side more than the other. Do you think this might cause injuries long term?
Il: Why do some professional players play with longer movement for forehand topspin and other - shorter? Which are the advantages with longer movements?
Devanathan: I'm just-ahead-of-a-beginner level but don't use the same bat every time. Should I stick to one single bat? If so, what would be your "blade and rubbers" suggestion for me?
Chuck Norris was born, the first modern marathon was run, and the first telephone call was made.
How old is too old to be a world class player?
What is the most difficult thing about Table Tennis?
We discuss our progress on the table tapper and spin catcher.
Table Tennis Trick Serves Video
Eugene: When doing the forehand topspin against backspin, does using the wrist help lift the backspin easier? Why?
I've been planning to get a Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive with Mark V rubber, but my question is, can it do chops? I like to occasionally do chops, but I don't quite know if Mark V rubber and this blade can do it that well?
I see that people mostly mention short serves with diferent spin variations and fast and long serves with topspin or no spin. But what about long and fast backspin serve? Can it be effective? How to make the backspin serve really fast if it is possible?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
]]>We give some more updates on the progress of ourselves and other PingSkillers. Get involved yourself by picking the spin catcher or the table tapper and practicing for 5 minutes a day throughout March.
What is the best rubber around at the moment?
How old is too old to be a world class player?
How to Practice Receiving
Searching for Bobby Fischer
Jadon: Can people stand on the table after winning the match?
Christian: I realized that my forehand topspin is quite unstable.Sometimes i end up lifting the ball too much and off the table sometimes the contact is too flat sometimes the ball goes into the net. Can you provide me with some key factors to work on?
Emmanuel: I struggle in not knowing if the ball has no spin, is there a way I can judge the ball. How do I practice hitting flat shots. Should my arm swing be restricted?
Searching for Bobby Fischer Wikipedia Entry
]]>We discuss the #PowerOfPractice challenge
Timo Boll and Kalinikos Kreanga were born
What was the outstanding permanence at the World Teams Championships?
What is the best rubber around at the moment?
Receiving Serve footwork
Ilia: What is the best way to train my wrist muscles so I can increase the power of my sidespin-topspin flick?
Viktor: Do you know how to beat a talented player who blocks all the balls I do? His block are really annoying and I lose every time , I don't get many points at all. He also has a lot of speed, power and spin on his strokes, His sidespin flick is very good, help!
Viktor: I've been watching some highlights from the World Championships, I am so shocked how fast the rallies are and the players impress me but who can actually stop Ma Long? He's too strong at the moment, all his matches ends with 3-0. He is the king of TT, agree?
Jaydev: I was thinking about how could it be possible for Mima Ito or Fan Zhendong to achieve the maximum at the very small age? In our sport, it requires years of hard work and practice to reach the elite level. Where, these two have made history early.
Shovik: When I am practicing counterhit, I tend to make a finer contact like the topspin, instead of driving the ball. I am not sure as to how a counter hit stroke is different from a Topspin stroke.
Jahangir: There are various shots in the table tennis (there are topspin,backspin,chop,block & counter),I want to know what is the appropriate contact point of the ball that make consistent deliver in every execution.
Viktor: How much does pro tt players deadlift and squat? I know they aren't powerlifters but how much do you think they lift? I think about 400 pounds. how much do you lift guys? ;)
Position and Footwork for Receiving
Match Strategy Against a Blocker
The Sports Gene by David Epstein
]]>We discuss the final results from the 2016 World Championships with China once again dominating.
Does progress happen in a straight line?
What was the outstanding performance of the World Team's Championships?
Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone
We ask you to get involved and discuss lessons learnt from the 1st week.
Mike: Hi Guys, I'll be playing in a tournament next month. I play twice a week at the club, sometimes I use practice games to work on my strokes or try different shots. I tend to loose more when I do this. Should I continue to do this or focus more on winning?
Ilia: I've just watched a match of Petr Korbel against Patrick Franziska. I noticed that Petr often intensively bounces on his toes while Franziska tosses the ball and serves. Why is he doing that?
Leonardo: Is an aggressive backhand style considered an effective style at high levels of play?
Marcos Freitas Skills That Inspired the Power of Practice Challenge
Feliks Zemdegs (World Speedcubing Champion) Thoughts on Improvement
Day 5 Power of Practice Alois - Spin Catcher
Day 5 Power of Practice Jeff - Table Tapper
]]>
Fear of public speaking
We discuss our progress with the table tapper and spin catcher challenges.
We are up to the knockout rounds and discuss the latest results and upcoming matches.
Name the semifinalists in the Mens Teams at the World Championships.
Does progress happen in a straight line?
4th of March was the birthday of the song Happy Birthday to You
Sebastian via Snapchat: What do you think about countries like the US where Table Tennis isn't very popular? Do you think countries like that have future in the International Table Tennis scene?
Max via Snapchat: Just wanting some simple beginner tips for serving or forehand returns. I played with a man 3rd in the state today and he devastated me. As a table tennis club captain and founder I must learn to up my game. I would love any simple tips.
Harvey via Snapchat: Who is your favourite player to watch?
Dealing with Backspin
Can Timo Boll win another Open event?
Germany is out! We discuss the latest results.
Name the semifinalists in the Mens Teams at the World Championships.
The inventor of the telephone was born - Alexander Graham Bell
Yijan: Hi PingSkills I can't return a topspin with my backhand, I think it's because I have very uncontrollable rubber. Any tips?
Spamm20: I dont know why, but i have big problems with the backhand flick.Im trying to do it right ,but i always hit wrong so it goes in the net when it has backspin.What should i watch out for the most when i do a flick?
Leonardo: How can I stop the ball from hitting my fingers when I play? I doesn't happen often, but when it does it often loses me the point.
Hai: I have problem to return short spin serve especially on my forehand. Usually when I return, the ball goes everywhere out of the Ping-Pong table. How can I practice to return short spin serve for my forehand and backhand.
Rex: I play against a player who loves to do the side spin forehand slam and can't return them. Any help is appreciated.
Googler: Do you have any tips on how to use your serve to set up for kill shots? I have a hard time doing that.
Master Class on Dealing with Backspin
How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat
]]>
An update on the progress of Alois, Jeff, and other PingSkillers
Which team are you supporting at the World Championships?
An update on recent results
Can Timo Boll win another Open event?
On Table Warm Up
Dr. Seuss
Ilia: In practice I play full swings that create good spin and safety, even in random and match-like drills. But in a tournament, when I make a few mistakes in a row, I tend to "play it safe" by shortening my strokes. It drops spin and safety. How to address it?
Spamm20: What to do with a long and higher ball with backspin?I sometimes end up with my enemy pushing it very long and high when i dont expect it, and sometimes its so high that i cant use a forhand topspin or a push but also too low to smash.What to do?
Viktor: I am trying to learn the ''jan Ove Waldner's trademark serve'' so I am starting off to serve under my arm to get the swing correct but when I try to do the same without swing under my arm but I just miss or hit the table or even it bounce 1 time, help :(
Hatem: Does the participation in tournaments help improving one's game?
Timmy: How can I deal with losing my motivation while I'm playing table tennis? I'm not very competitive, but I want to try to help this problem go away if I start playing competitively. Do you have any tips on how I can keep myself motivated?
Eugene: Why must we put the slow spinny topspin high over the net? Doesn't this just allow trouble that your opponents can attack you easier with the high ball.Why not put it low and spinny?
Viktor: How did Waldner get all kind of spin with his serve? His serve is basically only backspin on it? Isn't?
Spamm20: Is there any modern serve which uses topspin?
Smash or Topspin High Backspin Ball
]]>Wedding Anniversaries and Birthdays
Which 3 men out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of MA Long, FAN Zhendong, XU Xin, ZHANG Jike and FANG Bo.
Which team are you following at the World Championships?
Sidespin Forehand Topspin
France had a surprising win over Germany with Timo Boll losing 2 matches.
Enoch: I have been playing for quite sometime now and my game has really improved. I train 6 days a week 4 hours each. I have every stroke in the book BUT there's one thing that I am very bad at when it comes to tournaments and that is winning games.
Sachin: My forehand drive isn't as stable as my backhand. I feel like I can see the ball better on the backhand because I am behind it. The forehand feels like I am far away from it. Please tell me how to practice to make my forehand drive powerful.
Matt: Jeff I am asking you this question because I have never had u answer a question of mine so I just want to get some advice from you for some reason. When playing against weaker players what do u do to stay in the game and still play your best?
Jeff's Practice of hitting the ball against the side of the table
]]>World Teams Championships
Skill Learning challenges
Happy Birthday Trevor Hirth and Barry Griffiths
Which 3 women out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of Li Xiaoxia, Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling.
Which 3 men out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of MA Long, FAN Zhendong, XU Xin, ZHANG Jike and FANG Bo.
Ilia: I often notice that beginners come to our club a few times and never come back then. How to encourage them to stay? And how can we attract more players in the weekly league?
Tech N' More: How are you two so good at ping pong?
Tech N' More: I just started playing table tennis. What kind of paddle do you think I should get? I want to stick to the basic shots but some advanced ones.
Van: I am a beginner. I want to improve myself using this site. I do not know which training clip is best for starting and what is step by step. Thanks for your support.
Matt: Can you give me some tips on preparing for an upcoming tournament that will take place for several hours. Some of the things I am thinking about is nutrition before and during, as well as cardio preparation and on table drills for the week before?
Alexander: I lose against a left-handed player who improved his forehand topspin and does fast side spin balls to my mid table and I can't block them because I am not used to it. What is a general recommendation against left-handed attackers?
Hi, I'm a Brasilian fan.
Tech N' More: What is your main source of Income? Your website or your Youtube Channel?(Both are Great!)
Tech N' More: What do you use to edit your videos?
TheAtersidus: Big fan ping skills, I have noticed many videos of professional players making forehand flicks off of one leg. However during most tutorials I found (including yours) both feet are firmly planted on the ground. Why is there a difference?
Ben Larcombe & The Power of Practice
Marcos Freitas Table Tennis Skills - for the competition choose from hitting the ball against the side of the table and the spin catcher
itTV - Watch the World Championships
What to Expect at a Tournament
Ask the Coach Show #85 - How to Run a Successful Club
Strokes & Techniques Page - The perfect place to begin your journey on PingSkills.
]]>
Can Werner Schlager and Zoran Primorac match it with the big guns at the World Teams championships? This is Schlager's 17th World championships and Primorac's 18th.
Which 3 women out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of Li Xiaoxia, Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling.
Tournament Expectations
Birthdays
Spamm20: I am currently getting very exited whenever i play against someone who's good.I dont know why, but i get very warm and start moving around, and i scream alot whenever i make a point.I am just happy, but it annoys people.Any tips on how to cool down?Thanks
Eugene: There is this type of placement I do not understand whether it's short or long. It only bounces once on the opponent side and then fall off the side of the table. But then, the ball is very close the net. Is this a short or a long ball?
Francisco: I'm having trouble with doing topspin in the third ball attack, I have a good topspin in general, against block and against backspin. My problem is when they push fast to the middle or backhand I don't feel like I have time to get position.
Il: When you hit backhand topspin against block or light topspin in the ball contact, is there motion forward with forearm starting from elbow?
MSMD: If you use a Chinese penhold grip it's always an awkward position how do I properly hold it?
Tournament Expectations Master Class
Backhand Topspin Against Block
]]>What is your favourite serve and why?
Can Werner Schlager and Zoran Primorac match it with the big guns at the World Teams championships? This is Schlager's 17th World championships and Primorac's 18th.
Steve Jobs
Spamm20: Which is the best place to put the pendulum serve at, when i want to serve it short?And any tips on how to do that (serving short and putting enough spin under it?) Thanks
Marcin: Is the Sidespin Backhand flick overrated?
Dirk: Is it necessary to start with forehand topspin under the table even when you answer to heavy backspin or is it possible to produce the speed to receive a heavy backpsin over the table when you speed up in a shorter range of motion and hit at peak?
Filippo: I really enjoyed the new pendulum service video, especially the targets set which are very helpful. Would it be possible to indicate what targets to set for all other types of service? That would be very useful.
Third Ball Attack
What is Third Ball Attack - for premium members
Third Ball Tips - for premium members
Pendulum Serve - for premium members
]]>Australian Olympic Qualification and African Olympic qualification
Who is the best Para Table Tennis player?
What is your favourite serve and why?
George Washington and Steve Irwin
Ilia: Hi Alois & Jeff. When should I start to heavily focus my training on placing the ball to wide corners and elbow? How can I make sure that I am ready for that?
Zac: What benefits are there in the "shake hands grip" and the "pencil grip" and in your experience is it hard to get used to playing someone with the opposite grip.
Hao Jun: Hi, I am having the problem of adding more sidespin or backspin to either my pendulum serve or reverse pendulum serve or the backhand serve or the reverse tomahawk serve, and the only serve where I can have the most sidespin is the tomahawk serve.
Carl: With all the incoming tournament activity upcoming for me, a question that popped into my mind was: which of these two situations would be more optimized for a warm up before the tournament starts? Warm up and rest or warm up and play straight away?
The Power of Practice by Ben Larcombe
]]>Request for pilots to be brave
Some interesting birthdays!
Maths or English?
Who is the best Para Table Tennis player?
Stuart: My backhand topspin is probably my best shot however when I am away from the table maybe one step behind my receive setup and I really try to rip through one, sometimes I get a lot of unwanted side spin . This normally means it goes long.
Damon: I serve from my backhand side, but they like to stand in the middle, and even slightly on the forehand side. I feel like I should be able to exploit the gap they leave on their backhand side, but they seem to cover it well. Any suggestions?
Hatem: I recently changed my rubber to a faster one so that I could play a more offensive game. However now I have a problem blocking my opponents fast top spin . I just can't find the right angle on my racket and the right distance from the table.
Yijan: I can spin very good with my forehand but when it gets to the backhand and I can't spin and miss.
Maths or English?
Should you apologise for a net or an edge?
Yoko Ono and Michelangelo
Ready position after the Pendulum serve.
Mustafa: I feel more comfortable on my backhand side, so with my forehand, I mostly try to block or try to send the ball to the opponents side with straight shots without thinking about spin or loop. Is it ok for me to use long pips on my forehand?
Doug: What is the best way to clean a table? My new table is a few weeks old and has many ball marks, marks from the bat, etc. I've tried vinegar and water with no luck. Any suggestions?
Enoch: I have a problem with my backhand counter loop. It sometimes hits the edge of my bat other times it goes off the table. Do I have to contact the ball with my bat closed or do I have to contact the ball with an open bat and come in and flat hit?
We've now got a search bar and follow us on Instagram @pingskills
17th February - Some famous birthdays
Who is your nemesis?
Should you apologise for a net or an edge?
Backhand Footwork
Spamm20: Can a tt ball get worn out?And any tips how i can make a backhand flick with more side spin?
Uditi: With the introduction of the plastic ball, what difference would it make while playing against a phantom? Should the waiting time be more or less as compared to the old ball?
Anibal: Does sealing my blade with varnish enhance the performance in any way, or is it just to protect it? and is it really necessary or not?
Sai: Can i learn how to use the opponent's spin serve against him.
What gets you frustrated on the table?
Who is your nemesis?
Zhang Jike and John McEnroe
Physical Warm Up
Spamm20: How often should i change my rubbers if i want good results from it?I dont need maximum power, but when should i change it to keep a good level.I am using normal inverted rubbers.
Viktor: What's your thoughts about Jan Ove Waldner officially retired from Table Tennis, for me it's sad and he could play alot more matches if he could.
Ilia: When you trained full time, how often did you hit a table with your racket? I'm currently having a streak: I hit the table three times in last two weeks.
Sasha: When an attacker serves short, should a defender return short or does he have to return long by default.
Haroon: Where should you stand when your opponent does his service? close to table or a bit far? help with the smash too.
Yap: Does the long pimple rubber hate spin like the short pimple rubber and if the long pimple rubber does a topspin stroke off a topspin, will it still have backspin?
Viktor: Do you have a tip?, I have problem against a strong attacker, he does a long and low backspin serve that goes just below the table but when can''t get any power in that position so he he either smash or forehand and backhand topspin, Help me here please
Excessive Ping Pong Celebration Without Music (Adam Bobrow)
Receiving Position - for premium members
]]>Thomas Edison
What are your ideal playing conditions?
What gets you frustrated on the table?
Pre-Point Routine
We missed it the last few shows but Happy Chinese New Year
Spamm20:What should i do when the ball gets almost under the table?For example if the ball gets really long and low and has some backspin on it, it might get almost under the table.But when i try to hit it up i end up hitting the table or nothing at all? Thanks.
Viktor: My smashes always gives me points, Many players at school have alot of problem blocking my smashes because I have big arms and strong, fast and hard strokes, I am the only one with that type of muscle mass in the room Does arm strength affect smash power?
Il: I have one child with left hand .But I am right hand. How I to teach this child to play? Is there any methods with which to make it easier to teach a left handed child? How does the kid imitate me more easily? Only robot training?
Jeffrey: My friend has a really nice and consistent serve and tends to get most winning points off me with his backhand flick/smash on the 3rd or 5th ball. Is there any strategic or technical way I can prevent or counter this?
Hatem: I like the backhand flick and I am much more comfortable with it than the backhand loop and though I am still practicing it (especially against short and even medium or long serves). can I use it for an all offensive game instead of the loop?
Viktor: I have heard that Jeff met Waldner years ago, did you have a match against him? How many matches did you lost then Jeff ;)
Viktor: When is Legend Tours scheduled to take place this year? Do you think Waldner will sign up for it?
Hitting a Forehand From Below Table Level
Legends Tour 2016 Final between Waldner and Persson
Backhand Topspin Against Backspin
Match Strategy Course for improving tactics
PingSkills Vault for recording tactics
]]>
Would you switch doors?
Greg Norman is born
Serve... return... catch...
How do you block out distractions when you are playing?
What are your ideal playing conditions?
Spamm20: How should i play against an left handed player as an right handed player?
Spamm20: What rubbers and blades do you use yourself?
Invincible: How to smash/ do a top spin when your opponent served with a spin on the ball? I usually hit the net when I try to.
Jimmy: My forehand topspin smash keeps missing the table a little too long. What is the best way to consistently shorten the distance on this shot? When a ball is hit with a good speed to you, how exactly can you deaden the ball so it doesn't go out?
Hassan: What is the duration of an average table tennis ball? I noticed that there is some sort of powder covering most balls that can't be removed by rubbing it with the hands, however, this powder ensure great amount of spin.
Joshua: Hi guys I have a tournament and i dont think im going to play well because of my FH. It is not consistent in my opinion my BH is much better than my FH.Please help me when my FH works its a really good like my BH do you have any advice for me?
Invincible: How to play against your opponent when you play as an offensive player and he plays as an defensive player all the time and can handle with everything you do?
Try this experiment and see if you can count the number of passes
Forehand Topspin Against Block
]]>Volleyball and Yodeling
I Can't Return that smash
How should you approach training sessions to get the most benefit?
How do you block out distractions when you are playing?
Mike: Back in the day (mid 80's to early 90's) I played with rubber which had 2.5 thickness. Nowadays, the sponges go up to 2.2 or max. If thicker sponges means more speed and spin then why did the sponges get thinner?
Viktor: Do you know how I can grow taller? I am 177 cm tall, my mother is 166 cm, my big brother is 179 cm and Dad is 182 cm. Can I increase my height by 5 cm if possible? I turn 16 in march and I want to be taller.Does GH help? But I am not allowed by my Mom.
Mark: I've decided to try short pips on the forehand. However effective service requires my inverted BH side, and my most practiced serves (tomahawk backspin) are forehand. Is it better to learn and practice backhand serves or add a twiddle to my serves?
TomRajMC: What is the best PingSkill?
Yap: My opponent always leave their hand up till the last minute when the ball comes down then they move away their hand so I have only a little time to watch the contact of the ball. He did not break the rules as he moved his hand away at the last minute.
Fabio: I struggle keeping the right crouched stance. I start being a bit "jumpy", coming up somehow and stopping to have the more efficient and correct compact stance. Is there any specific physical conditioning that you would suggest?
Viktor: Does bar hanging make me taller?
52 Week Training Plan - for premium members
]]>Walt Disney
What is the one piece of Table Tennis advice you always remember?
How should you approach training sessions to get the most benefit?
ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup & Latin American Championships
Spamm20: Often when i play with someone whos better than me, they seem to be really bored.I feel really bad whenever that happens, because i really appreciate it when they play with me, but i dont want to be a burden.Is it just me, or is there an explanation?
Ilia: When I have an opportunity to practice with better players one thing I notice is when they block for me they add a lot of pace. The result is that even when I make a soft topspin, their block is faster than my loop. It is especially common with kids.
Dorian: Does the sponge thickness affects the amount of spin you can put in the ball,or does it just make it go faster ?
Eugene: When long pushing, should I push the ball early off the bounce or late and on top of the ball?
]]>
If a man speaks in the woods and his wife isn't there to hear it, is he still WRONG?
Deng Yaping was born
Do you respond better to praise or criticism?
What is the one piece of Table Tennis advice you always remember?
Ammar: I want to train my little brother but i don't know how to train him. Can you give me some tips?
Spamm20: What is the best way to help my friend improve at table tennis (for examlpe, what is good for training for someone inexperienced or what should i say so that he understands how the technique is done right)?
Carlos: I teach my students to loop with a straight path, but I read many players use curving paths, including some top players. For example, against backspin many players loop with a stroke where the racket curves upward during the swing. What is right?
Marv: When serving, do I need to contact the ball between the sides of the table, or can I hit from outside them, as long as I am in back of the end line.
Strokes & Techniques Course - for teaching players
Samsonov vs Boll 2016 German Open - Samsonov uses the fast serve down the line very effectively
]]>Facebook was founded
Who is better Forrest Gump or Bruce Lee?
Do you respond better to praise or criticism?
Keeping the ball low
Viktor: What do you think about I send 5 Swedish words that you should exercise at 3 weeks? Then come five new words and then 5 new after 3 weeks. I can send Swedish words that you can practice this year. what do you think? Think about and send a private message
Christian: I wonder when is the right time to upgrade equipment. I was wondering if Stiga Clipper CC with Stiga Royal would be good or too advanced for me. and also I want an RPB rubber . Do you have some recommendation?
Keagan: I am lacking quality practice and when I do play I struggle a lot in consistency in all strokes and I sometimes I get frustrated. Is there anything that you can suggest that I can do by myself to help and if slowing down might help?
Valerie: I am a beginner and I was wondering how to track the ball during serve. Should I track the ball until I hit it with the bat? When I track it I feel like I am in the wrong position, I need to watch the net and the opponent to have reference points.
Viktor: Is there a robot that I can play matches against? If so, can I choose a level that fits mine?
Spamm20: If i want to train my serve, how many balls should i get so that i can train seriously?
Forrest Gump Playing Ping Pong
]]>Multiball or Robot Drill - One short push where you push it back and then one long push where you make a topspin.
How do you overcome bad form?
Who would win in a game of table tennis? Forrest Gump or Bruce Lee?
Thanks to PingSkiller Johan for today's question.
The day the music died
Mike: Hi guys! When I'm looping with my forehand (I'm a lefty), I try to relax my arm for a better swing but sometimes, I loose my form along the way either my elbow or wrist goes out of whack. How do I find the correct medium so I don't loose form?
Viktor: Who would win? Ma Long v Jan Ove Waldner in early 20's ?
Viktor: Is it possible that you could start study Swedish? If so that would be cool :D I know you've passed school a long long long time a go but you please study and learn speak Swedish? PLEASE ALOIS AND JEFF :D
Tam: Hi Alois, when I do a sidespin backspin serve to my opponent's forehand they push long into my backhand (im a lefty) and I always spin with my backhand into the net is the pivot better in this situation? and how do you know when to play a pivot?
Arjan: Lately it seems as if my service return gets significantly worse when playing in doubles. I completely miss the ball off to the side or constantly feed them into the net and I ask myself why, why do I stumble even against easy serves?
Abhinav: I think Samsonov troubled Timo with his fast long serve into Timo's backhand throughout the match. What would you do if someone continues to trouble you in one particular spot?
Viktor: You spoke well Alois, Keep practise and next time I want to hear Jeff ;)
Viktor: How is it going with the cubes? Or is it too difficult ;)
Groundhog Day
Should there be an International "Liha" Table Tennis league.
How do you overcome bad form?
Basic Stance
Ilia: When I practice 3rd ball attack from my forehand, I can loop the ball with good pace. But when I play 3rd ball attack from anywhere, I cannot "force the pace". I can consistently open-up softly, but feel extremely awkward when I try to add power. Any help?
Viktor: I just watched the ''Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou.'' video and it's hilarious :D You should re-watch it.
Tam: Hi Alois should I always flick a sidespin backspin serve with my forehand/backhand and only touch pure backspin serves? Because when I try to touch a sidespin backspin serve it is hard to control most of the time goes high.
Matthew: am having difficulty with my defence, my offence is good. I can't seem to get better at blocking because my partner doesn't hit fast top spins so I don't block anything. What should I do? If it is possible how do I block a slower hit?
Viktor: How do I block a power loop into my BH area? I have weak backhand and I can return the ball, help.
Gaurav: I am planning to buy a table for playing outside but under the canopy and can store it indoors. I have 2 options, one is indoor with regular wood top of 25 mm and the other is outdoor with 12 mm compress wood top. I am confused. Pls advise.
How To Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin
Third Ball Tips - for premium members
Receiving Options - for premium members
]]>In the show we were asked why you don't see the reverse backhand serve. It's a great question and we want to see the reverse backhand serve in action. So get out on the table and film your best reverse backhand serve, upload it to YouTube, and then send us the link via email or by contacting us.
German Open
Ma Long or Jan Ove Waldner?
Should there be an International "Liha" Table Tennis league.
Shuttle Columbia
Ilia: Sometimes I play with with long pimples on BH. Suppose that the ball goes to my forehand and I want to chop with LPs because my FH rubber is too fast for chopping. What is the best way to do that: twiddle the bat or take a step and use backhand?
Il: I watched Istvan Jonyer. Sometimes he hit the ball with topspin without elbow forearm action. He use only straight arm and wrist. Is it true or am I mistaken? I want to know about this Hungarian style.
Daniel: How do you know what spin is coming at you so can prepare for it in the middle of a rally? Should you watch the opponent and his or her stroke to anticipate the direction of spin before the shot is even hit? Or should you just watch the ball?
Marcin: Why is it that you never see a reverse backhand serve. Means moving the hand (right handed player) from right to left. It's easy to do and gives the opposite sidespin to the traditional backhand serve. I did that kind of serves in my schooldays.
Ilia: how to return a powerloop with long pips?
Chuang Chih-Yuan Ask a Pro Anything
Chuang Chih-Yuan Off the Table
Liha Table Tennis with dislikes of the return!
Improving Your Reflexes (watching the ball)
]]>NBA Finals
Should equipment be standardised? That is, everyone has to use he same type of racket?
Ma Long or Jan Ove Waldner?
Carl Benz
Viktor: When were the last time you two played against each other? Who won? I guess Jeff ;)
Do you know where Jan Ove Waldner is ranked in the World? Or he isn't because he retired from competition?
Jawad: I wanted to practice those awesome serves you do in the videos. But the problem is I am alone and I do not have the table . So what should I do? I do go to club but I want to practice serve alone at home.
Eugene: I have a problem with the waist rotation when lifting a backspin. I can't rotate forwards. It just seems weird. It's normal to rotate forwards on the forehand topspin against block but the backspin just feels very weird.
Rama: I would like to ask you whether a good singles player can always be a good doubles player. What special set of skills would be required to play doubles. If so kindly specify.
Historical Significance of Liha
Learning to Spin - for premium members
]]>What do you do when you lose?
The first public street lighting with gas in Pall Mall
1st PingSkills Classic - Match Analysis
Is this a better spectacle than normal table tennis with sudden death sets up to 15 and a double point ball?
Should equipment be standardised? That is, everyone has to use he same type of racket?
Konstantin: I realized that I often when I try to do a forehand topspin instead of transferring my body weight from my right leg to the left one when I hit the ball I'm pivoting backwards on my right leg. How do you overcome such an error in your students?
Sachin: While looping against backspin balls I find pure side-spin and little bit of topspin do the job rather than pure topspin. So am i just getting lucky or side-spin with little topspin is proper shot against these backspins?
Rama: While I was serving, I was all over the place. Either it landed inside my own net or going out of the table. I felt my head was not still while I was serving. My question is do we need to keep the head still while serving?
Match Analysis of the PingSkills Classic Tournament
Final of the World Championships of Ping Pong
Forehand Topspin against Block
]]>Alois recently visited Fiji for a Para Table Tennis Camp.
Mozart and TV
Do you Snapchat?
What do you do when you lose?
Multiball backspin to Topspin
How does this affect China?
Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff, I am decent with looping the ball long and short with my backhand, but with my forehand, shorter balls where I have to move up and then set up, I end up hitting the ball into the net or off the table. Any suggestions?
Ilia: I often meet players that have a long pips or an antispin rubber and use that side exclusively for service receive. What kind of serve can be useful against them?
Christian: My coach tell me "you have made a good forehand topspin and you're happy! You look at the opponent and you are not ready for the next shot." And this exactly what happens now during matches. This is the same with my services.
Steve: Quite often I am 2 games in front and then lose the next 3 or I am 2 games behind win the next 2 to level at 2 all and then lose the 5th. Can you help me Alois with some good advice?
Sachin: We play for 2 hour daily for a year about now.But 6 months ago I started learning basic techniques like push, drives, loops. Now I am trying to play attacking game in practice match but most of the time I lose to the people with no form.
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
Match Strategy Against Long Pimples
Match Strategy Against Anti-spin
PingSkills Snapchat Username: pingskills
]]>The first computer virus
How did you bring in the New Year? What was your first Table Tennis session for 2016?
Do you Snapchat?
Forehand Topspin Variations
Ilia: Some people say that when counterlooping, it is better to play a sidespin topspin, because it avoids contacting fast moving parts of the ball. So should I try putting sidespin whenever I can?
Viktor: Who can stop Ma Long right now, He's unstoppable at the moment. Your opinion?
Romeo: I play with my practice partner I always lose. I can't return his heavy topspin serve well because of the spin. I try to flick or push but it flies off the table. I can't flick it with a flat contact because the ball is low. How do I deal with it?
Tam: Do you think world no 1 Ma Lin will reign supreme in the class 9 singles event in Rio or do you think 15 year old Laurens Devos could take the title considering he is in top form at the moment after winning the Europeans. What's your opinion?
Viktor: How can I practise my forehand topspin combo? First attack is pure topspin and second is pure sidespin and then both?
Peter: What do you think is the main difference between men and women style of play ? It can't be that much physical strength that makes the difference. After all it is not a soccer game.
Our Snapchat Username: pingskills
]]>Send us a snap, and also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
What is your first memory of playing Table Tennis?
How did you bring in the New Year? What was your first Table Tennis session for 2016?
World Teams Championships Draw
Ilia: Suppose that I want to topspin a high backspin ball with my forehand. How should I adjust my finish position? Should I finish lower because the ball is quite high?
Mike: Hi guys! My return game is getting better thanks to your tips and premium area. Lately, I have getting fast serves that have a little under spin, and a lot of side spin which goes into my body. What are some of the ways I can return these type of serves?
Marcin: Are longer breaks between points better for the game?
Ilia: Did you see the "Top Spin" film? There is an interesting moment, when Ariel Hsing uses a belt that attaches her elbow close to her body, called "The forehand fixing machine". You can see this in the trailer at 02:49. What is this "fixing machine" for?
High Backspin Close to the Net - for premium members
Forehand Fixing Machine - at 2:49
]]>
What is a horse's favourite sport?
Famous Birthdays
Should there be a time limit between points?
What is your first memory of playing Table Tennis?
Ilia: In your forehand flick tutorial, you show that the contact for it is flat, like a mini smash. I saw another tutorial, where a guy showed how to use wrist to create topspin on this flick. So what do you think about this spinny forehand flick?
Viktor: I watch the World Grand Tour recently and in my opinion Ma Long vs Fan Zhendong was the best one. Ma Long still the best currently but Fan will be the future World Champion I think. He's talented and skilled. He's only 18 so he can be way better.
Marcin: Recently while practicing I hurt my finger while trying to play a topspin off a half long backspin ball. Since my action was fast and big, the impact was heavy. I heard the story of Jeff hurting himself. Is Table Tennis a dangerous sport?
Viktor: How much amount of money does the winners get when they win tours?
Abhinav: While serving I realized I don't completely watch the ball as I toss it, my focus seems to be towards the other side of the table. I start to watch the ball as it starts to fall. Then I started to watch the ball from the start and it felt better.
Viktor: Alois, Have you hurt yourself that bad like Jeff?
Viktor: Who would win in a wrestling match between you? ;)
Romeo: Is it me, or is Wang Hao's finishing position for his backhand off? He loops the ball in a 45 degree angle but ends with his bat almost 90 degrees. Why is this?
A birthday and Harold Holt
Who is favourite now for the Women's singles at Rio Olympics?
Should there be a time limit between points?
The forgotten art of pushing
Tim: My league has lots of backhand pushers and I simply can't get enough topspin over this push as it has loads of backspin on it, therefore it goes in the net every time. Any suggestions? Thanks
George: There are players who prefer to spin or control the ball. Some find it difficult to choose between them. What should we pay attention to in this case?
Ivan: I play with player who has a crazy forehand topspin he has a lot of topspin and is so fast I cant block that spin. I have Long Pimples on my backhand and it is very hard to block or cut that spin. How to create that spin and how to block it?
Connor: hey guys, what's your opinion on the Chinese playing like robots and the euro's playing more 'creative'? i believe the euro's play 'creative' cause they have to! , due to their poor footwork compared to the Chinese and therefore play unorthodox shots
Ilia: Hi guys. When I play a controlled backhand topspin, I can make it land whenever I want. But when I try to make a powershot, it usually hits the table, but sprays all over the place. How to improve the control over its placement?
Fast Pushing - for premium members
Forehand Topspin against Backspin
]]>Famous Birthdays
Alois makes pushing exciting with "The Pushing Game"
Can Fan Zhendong close the gap on Ma Long by Rio?
Jeff gets a 27.83 average of 5
Who is favourite now for the Women's singles at Rio Olympics?
Christian: Today, i encountered lobs which seemed to be spinny. When the ball made contact with my side of the table , it dipped forward or a little to the side. Seems like it had topspin and sidespin. It cost me the rally.
Navya: Hello, I have a query my problem is that when I hit drive I don't spin it I just give it good speed is it effective in a game that I hit a speed drive.
Amekun: I have a question regarding the intervals. After a point has been made, How long is too long before the Umpire calls upon your attention and says "Play"? 10 seconds, 20 seconds? we are currently having a debate about this and we hope you can help.
Training Plan Week 11 - Improve Your Pushing - for premium members
How To Return the "Wobbly" Shot - for premium members
Forehand Topspin Against Block
]]>How can ITTF improve the Star Awards for next year?
We announce the winner of the Yearly PingSkills Premium Membership
We discuss the results of the recent World Tour Grand Finals
Can Fan Zhendong close the gap on Ma Long by Rio?
Moving Out Wide
15th December - The Leaning Tower of Pizza
Eugene: How can I stay relax when I'm on the move? When doing footwork, my strokes become very tense, that's why I'm very inconsistent when doing footwork drills. It's very hard for me to relax when moving. Any tips?
Yap: Does playing with players better than me help to improve my skills, why? They did not teach me anything.
Ma Long vs Fan Zhendong in the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals
]]>We discuss the winners from the 2015 ITTF Star Awards
How can ITTF improve the Star Awards for next year?
What ideas do you have to make PingSkills better?
What do you call a girl standing in the middle of a table tennis table?
Ilia: Hi guys. I have questions about maximising the spin on the pendulum serve. 1) When you use the wrist snap, do you consciously contract wrist muscles, or you completely relax it and it follows by inertia after the forearm action?
Ilia: 2) Some people advice to also turn the waist to add even more racket speed. However, I find it extremely challenging to do and usually generate less spin. What is your opinion? Can you do this for the reverse serve?
Viktor E: In school we do table tennis round so we don't need to throw up the ball. There's a guy that does a pure heavy sidespin serve with scary speed, spin and power. Almost everyone can't block the serve. Even the most talented players can't control the spin.
Peter: You mentioned it is best to store your rubber in a cool place, thank you. Is there an ideal temperature and would the refrigerator be silly? Cheers
Ernest: What's the difference between training and tournament balls? Do they have the same qualities? Training balls give a different feel compared to tournament balls and I take a while to adjust. Why do they produce training balls?
Viktor E: I have been watching Waldner's last matches and It looks like Waldner is becoming slower and slower and worse and worse every time he plays. He wouldn't stand a chance at all against the current players.
Yoan: Hi Alois ! Everybody is talking about touch, but I've never heard someone explaining how we can improve it. How is it possible to have a better touch?
Improve Your Pushing (and Touch)
]]>Rules Overview
10th December and Ada Lovelace
How can Table Tennis attract more spectators?
What ideas do you have to make PingSkills better?
Mike: I play a blocker who plays with smooth rubber and loves to block on wide angles of the table when I open the game up...Thus, he moves me around from one side of the table to the next. After 3-5 balls, I rarely score points. What tactics can I use to win?
Abhinav: I came to hear about a reverse backhand serve. I have never seen or heard about this serve before and was wondering what it is. On YouTube I found a video of Ma Long doing this serve.
Benjamin: Me and my training partner want to add multiball to our training. How many balls do we need for it? It's hard to know how many we need to buy.
Adam: I've been mastering topspin. Whenever I start my attack I never let my eyes off the ball. If I attempt to be aware where my opponent is at and lose sight of the ball, my topspin tends to become sloppy and I lose my timing. What should I do?
Match Strategy Playing a Blocker - for premium members
]]>How can Table Tennis attract more spectators?
What changes need to be made to the Service Rule?
Switching Dual: 1 or 2 BH, 1 or 2 FH
Birthdays!
Pasquale: Hi Alois, im practicing 5 days a week with my robot, 5 hours a day , but this week i got a bit tired so i wanted to practice 4 days this week, do you think there's alot of difference between 5 and 4 days a week of practice if I'm a bit tired?
Christopher: Just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated being a member of Pingskills, you have made such a difference in my game. It's great to see two people so dedicated to their sport and to helping others progress in their love of the game
George: How important is the luck of the game? What is the place of fortune during the game.
Allen: I played my first tournament as a defender my weakness was lack of spin and the good players are too smart. Had one decent win. Should I try and defend with inverted rubber? I don't want to give up on this style as I'm very good at hard bat.
We announce yesterday's winner and discuss what has been the highlight of the first 200 Ask the Coach shows?
What changes need to be made to the Service Rule?
Long Pimple Attack against Backspin
John Lennon
Mike D: A new coaching rule will be implemented next October 2016 which will allow coaching in-between points, what do you think of this new rule and also, do you think this will open the door to legalize all side coaching during a match?
Norman: Do you not only have to move your arm to generate forehand. Do you also have to move your body while doing forehand hit?
Tushar: Coach do you think that expressing our excitement after every point increases our chances of wining or getting more points?
Romeo: I got a new fast blade along with fast rubbers (tenergy 05 and joola xplode) and now I can't seem to lift backspin balls properly. How do I overcome this problem? I think it is because I lost the skill, kind of like the Yips.
Long Pimple Attack Against Backspin
New Coaching Rule Post by ITTF
Activation Level - for premium members
]]>Win one of 4 'Monthly' and 1 'Yearly' Memberships by answering our #PQOTD .
What has been the highlight of the first 200 Ask the Coach shows?
Who has been the most influential person in Table Tennis?
The cats in the cradle
ITTF World Junior Championships
Yap: If you do not know the amount of spin that is on the ball, is it safer to do the slow spinny loop.
Ilia: Can you distinguish heavy topspin from heavy backspin by just looking at the rotating ball?
Julio: I'm a great fan of Vladimir Samsonov and Kalinikos Kreanga and i have a lot of curiosity about how he does this serve... https://youtu.be/GuBOG13oqGM?t=29s
Charles Anyon: I have been playing Table Tennis for around 3 months and would like to improve my consistency. What training drills do you suggest?
Viktor E: Do you have a tip against an annoying defender? Who blocks every smash and topspins I do.
John D: Once upon a time I read that there are eight things a table tennis player should do each time they hit the ball. Can you please refresh my memory as to what those eight things are? Thanks!!!
Viktor E: What's the world record number of counterhits?
ITTF World Junior Championships
High Toss Serve - for premium members
How to do the Vladimir Samsonov serve - for premium members
Match Strategy Against a Blocker - for premium members
]]>Why don't you see the German National team hiding under the table tennis table?
Can Table Tennis become the most popular sport in the World?
Who has been the most influential person in Table Tennis?
A famous pole vaulter was born.
Alois has been thinking about the importance of the free arm especially for the backhand block.
Alois gives a quick update on the progress of this event.
Abhinav: I played with my robot on heavy backspin. When the ball was long I found it hard to topspin, the ball stopped on the table. The same happened when I set it to do short serves. They were falling short of my reach. Is that amount of spin real?
Kemal: I started table tennis last year. I have 20 hours training time in a week. I have forehand-backhand drive, forehand-backhand chop and forehand topspin. I want to be a chopper like Joo Sae Hyuk :) What is your advice coach?
Anish: I often play at my club very well but when it comes to play matches with new players I often keep playing with my style. Somewhere I feel I lose the match due to improper adaptability with new players and often fall short. Could you please help me?
The German Table Tennis Team Hiding Under a Table
Free Hand Position Ask the Coach Video Response
]]>Wrestling!
List the top 10 greatest Table Tennis Players of all time? If that is too difficult gives us your top 3.
Can Table Tennis become the most popular sport in the World?
Staying Alive
Mike: The advice you gave me on blocking slow loops has helped. I have another question, I hold the paddle around the 3:00 position for the backhand as the ball nears my body, I noticed that when you hold the paddle, it's at the 12:00 position, which is better?
Eugene: I am having a real trouble returning this serve. Not that I'm not use to the spin, but he usually serves long, fast and deep into my backhand and making me play an awkward shot.
Yap: I am curious about how you return serves before 2000 when a new rule says that you cannot block the contact of the ball when serving. Before that you cannot watch the contact of the ball as your opponent may have blocked the contact with their arm.
Ed: How do you alter the angle of your bat, with your wrist or arm? https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/master-classes/disguising-spin/
Rex: I'm a leftie and I've learned to do a forehand slam, or some of one. I can hit hit one from left side to the right corner but can't do the same down the left side of the table.
Viktor: How can I attack a long heavy sidespin serve? Will a topspin help me?
Returning a Long Fast Serve to Your Backhand- for premium members
]]>Famous Birthdays
Jeff gives an update on changes to the PingSkills website
We discuss the latest results
Forehand Opener
What is the best colour combination for a Table Tennis Table, Flooring and the Ball?
List the top 10 greatest Table Tennis Players of all time? If that is too difficult gives us your top 3.
Viktor: Can you say '' Sore Shoulder'' 15 times fast?
Viktor: Have you seen my expectations for show 200 NOW ? :D
Ernest: What is the easiest spin to do with a pendulum serve and what kind of spin should we learned first when practicing a pendulum serve over the table?
Ilia: I watched your lesson on the spin & speed variation on forehand topspin. I have a question, though. Suppose that I want to put as much spin as I can on the ball. If so, should I brush the ball at the top of the bounce? Or when it starts to fall?
Sulaiman: https://youtu.be/WHSqUXLkHus In this video at 0:13 and also at 1:32 XuXin does this service recieve that really confuses me how he does it. If you don't mind could you please go through how to carry out this recieve and also what spin he puts.
Viktor: Can you use a robot as a multi ball partner?
The Planets Align
Who is the most famous person that you share a birthday with? No that doesn't include yourself!
Correcting Errors
Lucas Melo went and gave us his report
What is the best colour combination for a Table Tennis Table, Flooring and the Ball?
Alois gives an update with the US doing well.
Viktor: Do you know a tip against a player with really good serves, the guy does a serve which goes down like backspin but goes up and side like a topspin sidespin. I can't see what's spin it's on the ball. when I try to attack it goes into the net. Help :)
Viktor: How many languages can you speak on? Can you speak Swedish? :D
Viktor: How would you list the top 10 best/ greatest Table Tennis Players from the start to now?
Nishant: My best serve is the reverse pendulum with backspin. After a while my opponent starts lifting it on so I do the reverse pendulum topspin serve expecting them to hit it out. My action is different. When I try the same action it becomes too obvious.
Abhinav: I read that the top level international players are as fit as the top level soccer players. Is that true? I was also hearing an old interview of Timo Boll, he said that he trains for 2-3 hours a day playing and spends more time in the gym.
Viktor: Do you think TT players bench press?
Austin: I am currently playing with Mark V that I have been using for a few years. I have started to become confident in my strokes, and I was wondering if there was a definite time when a player is consistent enough to be able to handle a better racket?
Reverse Pendulum Serve- for premium members
]]>Alois talks about an interesting fact and corrects a small mistake in the last on this day in history.
30th November 1874 - Winston Churchill
ITTF World Junior Championships in Vendée, France.
Premium members: What is the best part of the PingSkills Premium membership? Free members: What would entice you to become a premium member?
Who is the most famous person that you share a birthday with? No that doesn't include yourself!
Ilia: How does the trajectory of the ball affect the amount of spin on a loop? If I want to do a really spinny stroke, should I take the ball as late as possible, when it is falling?
Brian: Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
Chris: How can older beginners overcome their lack of mobility and speed?
Sathya: Hi coach can you show me how to return an aggressive backhand spin.
Yap: How to do this serve done by Xu Xin, it looks like a pendulum serve but I think is not really a pendulum serve. Is this serve a good serve?
Jean-Paul: How do you get lots of spin on your serve and how do you keep your palm flat for when you do your toss because I always either foul or have to search for the ball which is ideally avoided.
Watch the World Junior Championships on itTV
]]>What better than a knock knock joke?
What is your favourite Table Tennis photo?
Premium members: What is the best part of the PingSkills Premium membership?
Free members: What would entice you to become a premium member?
Ilia: When playing drills I feel comfortably playing defence in open game, I can block and counterattack. But in matches, I feel extremely anxious being under attack, and can only block at best. How to deal with it?
Ilia: Some people say that during a match it is crucial to pump up yourself with positive thoughts even when things go really downhill. Do you think that it is possible to overdo it so it becomes detrimental? What was your most memorable comeback?
Abhinav: I have had trouble in receiving long tomahawk serves from right handed players into my body (me being a lefty). It's right into my body and a bit fast as well, I am unable to do the pivot footwork and do forehand topspin. What can I do?
Ilia: Oops, I should have phrased differently :) By pumping up I meant lots of self-talk like "I can do it", "I have everything I need" and so on and avoiding negative thoughts at all. Do you think it is helpful? Honestly, I do not :)
Vineeth: I am unable to attack balls after 1st drive...help me please
Robin: I was wondering if you have ever encountered a table tennis player suffering from the yips? I believe it is affecting me and it's obviously quite upsetting to lose a skill you once had in the blink of an eye. Do you have any relevant advice?
Forehand Followup - for premium members
Podcast about Free Throws - Surprisingly Awesome
]]>In which decade was Table Tennis most watchable... 1950s, 1970s, 1990s or now?
What is your favourite Table Tennis photo?
Ready Position after the Pendulum serve https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/ready-position-after-pendulum-serve/
They have 94 events! A huge tournament being held soon in Las Vegas.
Abhinav: I am looking to buy balls for training with my robot. The 3 star balls are quite expensive to buy in bulk. Is it ok to train with lower quality balls?
Table Tennis Daily recently released a great podcast where they interview Patrick Franziska.
John: What type of technique should I use when playing against someone using Patrick's serve? Thanks!
Matt: I'm hoping you can give me advice with a match I have coming up, 2 of the players are defenders who will only chop and push but I struggle against this, especially as one of them plays with a kind of hard bat and one plays with regular inverted.
The Ready Position After the Pendulum Serve
Patrick Franziska's Serve Into a Shoe
Patrick Franziska's Serve Into a Shoe - How To by PingSkills
Match Strategy When Playing Against a Defensive Chopper - for premium members
]]>Carl Benz
Backhand, Backhand Footwork
Marcin: For the Backhand Sidespin flick I noticed that straightening up my body, instead of staying low works better. I get better results in consistency. Should I experiment with it more or leave it and keep staying low during this stroke?
What is the hardest shot in Table Tennis?
In which decade was Table Tennis more watchable... 1950s, 1970s, 1990s or now?
Mike: Hi guys! Thanks for the side under return info, I will try it. Here is another, my opponent attempts a slower loop, he hits the net a lot, I have time to hit the ball but with all that spin, it causes an error. How can I return that freakish shot? :)
Get Your Vote In!
Ilia: Suppose that I find a plan that works greatly against the opponent and win a game with it. But in the middle of the next game, he adjusts, and I feel lost and anxious & don't know what to do. How to handle this from the mental point of view?
Eugene: An umpire will check your bat before a match. If there is some damage they will ask you to change it. Why is this in the rules? Do you think the rule should be changed?
Martinand: is it possible to post photos of different grip?
Ittipat: Is it true that every time I do forehand or backhand counter hit, I should add some top spin into it? My coach said my backhand counter hit lacks power and control. Please help
Slow Spiny Topspin
See the introduction to hear about Monica Seles breaking records for prize money, and here Alois talks about Cricket legend Ian Botham
Have you ever played in a tournament? If you have, what was the last tournament you played in?
What is the hardest shot in Table Tennis?
Sasi: Is there a perfect/professional position for the non-playing hand? I am a right-hander who keeps the left hand fully open (at chest level), and that looks a bit odd when I recorded a video for the first time. I have never seen 'myself' play before!
Viktor E: Did you see my expectations for your #200 show? :D
Abhinav: I am thinking to buy a table tennis table for my home. I am not sure what to look for in them. I don't want a really high end table, just something which is not far off a standard table, so that I am not in a surprise when I play elsewhere.
George: I was wondering for general knowledge does using a certain grip enhance your play? Or can you be just as good with any grip?
Viktor E: Do you have a tip, My opponent do a really spinny short and low serve and when I push it back even shorter he does a flick or a sidespin flick. If I try to attack he smash or topspin sidespin loop fast back and I'm not able to block in time. Help.
We discuss the results and the green floor
Doctor Who?
How many years have you been playing Table Tennis? Have you ever taken a few years break?
Have you ever played in a tournament? If you have, what was the last tournament you played in?
Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff! Lately, I have been getting side under which goes out wide, and very short to my forehand. Sometimes I return it to my right or left with backspin. My opponent loops it to my backhand as I pull back. How do I improve that return?
Pasquale: When i practice technique in my session and then I play, is it normal that when i do that technique soon after I make many mistakes. But after a day or 2 without playing, I have improved the technique without doing anything? Is this normal?
Bob: Hi! I seem to have challenges, going quickly from back to forehand and forehand to backhand. I tend to get stuck and am not back fast enough. Any ways to improve this?
Jakhongir: How to serve no spin but make the serve look like a spin serve?
Improvement is a long term activity
Serving Secrets - for premium members
Switching between backhand and forehand - for premium members
Random & Competitive Drills - for premium members
]]>Brazilian Soccer Legend Pele Achieves a Milestone
What will take you further, Talent or Technique?
How many years have you been playing Table Tennis? Have you ever taken a few years break?
Ilia: What is the best serve & receive tactics against a player who tries to cover everything with forehand?
Ilia: I think that multiball is a ridiculously effective tool. But it is so hard to convince people to do it. Moreover, some people get very irritated when they see others doing multiball! Why it is like that?
Abhinav: Whenever a tomahawk serve by a right handed player or a pendulum serve by left handed player comes from his side (my backhand) to my forehand, I try to keep it low but it jumps high and if I try to attack, then it goes to net or out.
Tushar: I want to ask what is the difference between Backhand Flick and Backhand Sidespin Flick (Banana Flick)? What are their advantages.
Tam: Can touching with your backhand from forehand side be used as a substitute for forehand touch as I have seen many young players use it. Is it because you can achieve a better angle?
Bounce - by Matt Syed
The Talent Code - by Daniel Coyle
Outliers - by Malcolm Gladwell
Receiving Secrets Course - for premium members
Backhand Sidespin Flick (Banana Flick)
]]>Baby Rabbits?
Who or what is your favourite training partner?
What will take you further, Talent or Technique?
Physical Warm Up
Chris: From your video anticipation, it seems that the only way to improve ones reaction times is experience. I was thinking: are there simply drills that improve reaction times?
Tim: I have always had a bit of a problem when I loop, with my head going up/back, more on my forehand. I know that it is bad but I really struggle to break the habit. As a result I miss the ball quite a bit, and I also think it costs me power. Any tips?
Tam: Hi Alois, I notice against a lot of his opponents Koki Niwa moves to do a backflick from short forehand before the opponent has even contacted the ball, how does he know that the opponent won't play a fast topspin serve long to his forehand?
There's a mouse in the house.
Have you tried Boosting?
Do you think Zhang Jike is finished? Will he play in Rio Olympics?
Forehand Topspin Variations
Viktor: I have a problem with my loops / FH and BH topspins, everytime my opponents do a short serve I try to topspin the ball automatically so I miss the ball but when it's long I miss the ball or do a lob if I dont have time for a loop but that can be trouble.
Esteban: Say maybe in a game. Is it possible for one with almost no experience to beat someone with a bit more experience because of talent?
Jeff: is it worth the money to buy a ping pong robot?
Anish: Please suggest me something to hit all the counter balls on the maximum height with a slightly closed angle and adjust to all types of balls received on my side improving overall timing.
Geelong Cats Destroy the Melbourne Demons by 186 Points
]]>
In the show we're going to talk about all the interesting results from the Swedish Open. And we'll be answering lots of your questions about anticipation, footwork, variation, having an attacking mindset and more. Yes it is a big show.
A Soccer legend makes his debut
We discuss the interesting results and Zhang Jike's future
Who is the most famous player you have met in person?
Have you tried Boosting?
Ilia: When do you judge the placement of your opponent's stroke and start moving into position? When he swings? Or when the ball leaves the racket? What do you think about guessing placement from previous experience with this player and start moving very early?
Ilia: Hi! I often notice that when moving into position for a relatively large distance, I make a few small side steps, instead of a single big one. How to make myself use a large step and is it worth doing?
Rodrigo: Im probably out of context, but how much time do you play table tennis?
Brian: Brian: Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out of the window?
Mike: Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed your weekend :) Sometimes I get into a chopping rally, normally I look for a ball to attack, but I can't attack every single chop shot. How do you vary spin during a chop rally in order to keep your opponent off balance?
Abhinav: For 2 months I have become more aggressive. I attack every possible chance I get. But sometimes I make mistakes and attack throng ball and lose the point. So what to do to correct this? And should I continue to be aggressive?
Anup: My head tilts towards the side spin while returning, this makes me lose my sense of orientation if the rally continues. Is there any correlation?
Sam: I have recently mastered my service return, by hitting the same side of the ball that the server strikes to get a good return. My new problem is when I serve a sidespin serve, the 3rd ball is sometimes tricky. Should i hit the same side as the serve?
Moving Out Wide Master Class - for premium members
Third Ball Tips Master Class - for premium members
Effective Third Ball Master Class - for premium members
]]>Adam Bobrow (Table Tennis Commentator for the ITTF) - Do you like his style?
Who is the most famous player you have met in person?
Alois reveals an exciting fact about this day in history
We tell some really really funny jokes that PingSkillers have told on our Facebook page.
Homero: My current lighting scheme in my pingpong table room is very poor, it is a regular 2 light bulb scheme. I want to improve my current situation: I want to know about the ideal number of light bulbs, its position relative to themselves and the table.
Eihaa: Hello I am ten years old and I found it difficult to do most of the serves because I am to small. What type of service do you think is the best for me. I am an all round player.
Dorian: I just started to play ping pong what type of spin should I try to learn first? Topspin, underspin, or side spin? Thanks.
Manfred: I still practise the hooking forehand topspin - works fine occasionally. I wonder whether the same is possible with the backhand or is there any technique to make the ball curve more sidewards?
Sidespin Backhand Topspin - for premium members
]]>
What is the furthest you have travelled to play Table Tennis?
Adam Bobrow (Table Tennis Commentator for the ITTF) - Do you like his style?
Alois talks about interesting topics that happened on this day in history.
Trick Serves Video
Mike: Hi guys! I noticed since my return to table tennis last year, that some older players have switched to long or short pips, when they been playing with smooth rubber most of their lives. Why do you think that sort of switch occurs with older players?
Ilia: I can effectively use the banana flip against weaker playerst. But against stronger ones I lose more points than I win with the flip. Moreover, a coach told me that this shot "is not my level" and I should forget about it. So should I really give up on it?
Eugene: I'm a right hander and I have a problem receiving left spin serves like tomahawk, reverse pendulum serve backhand serve etc that comes to my forehand. When left spin comes to my forehand my wrist becomes uncomfortable because I have to lay it back.
Venk: Some of my opponents are doing side spin service nearly at net height almost touching the net. If I return with a chop or push they can smash it easily. Can you please tell me what would be the best way to return this type of service?
Randal: So is it completely wrong to use a grip that isn't the 2 most common grips? I play with my four fingers in the handle and my thumb pointed up on the backside. Is it still better to go against all my muscle memory and go with a more standard grip?
Krishna: Its normal that most of the players keep 1 finger at the backhand but I keep 2 fingers is there any side-effect or disadvantage can you help me out plzzz?
Alois has been in Belgium!
We talk about an American President
Jeff's Rubik's Cube tournament and discussion on what it takes to perform at your best
Is serving too big a factor in Table Tennis? Should the serving rules be changed to make it easier for receivers?
What is the furthest you have travelled to play Table Tennis?
Women's World Cup
Ilia: Something really related to table tennis :) Jeff, when you lose to kids in Rubik's cube competition, how do you feel?
Osse02: Do you guys sell table tennis tables?
Utkarsh: I generally rely on my peripheral vision during a rally. I lose many points because I'm not good at keeping a track on the ball. I tried watching the ball all the way but then I can't concentrate on placement and watching opponent's position.
Ilia: I notice that short push is almost useless or even detrimental because for the short push to be effective it has to be tight otherwise it gives an opportunity for a lights-out attack. And to make it tight, one has to read the spin 100% correctly.
BWilson808: As a beginning player, I'm still trying to develop my strokes. Would you consider it more important to slowly progress in multiple strokes at once or direct all attention to learning one specific stroke at a time?
2B 1F then moving it up to random.
How do you interact with us. Do you have a free PingSkills account, are you a premium member, do you watch on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter? Let us know.
Is serving too big a factor in Table Tennis? Should the saving rules be changed to make it easier for receivers?
Social Celebrity
Tam: What serve does Anton Källberg do and what makes it so effective?
Eugene: What serve is Stefan Fegerl doing. He swings his bat behind his body after the serve and look like a pendulum serve but the spin goes to Fegerl's forehand. What is the advantage of this serve?
Romeo: I decided to use the BH flick to receive the ball but I hit my bat and it broke. I glued it but it broke again. Can I still use it?
New York Underground
Are the top Table Tennis players paid enough?
How do you interact with us. Do you have a free PingSkills account, are you a premium member, do you watch on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter? Let us know.
The Push in Detail
Il: I have a problem with correct shoulder movement. Is there any slight pronation forward - left in the shoulder joint when I have to hit the ball? Or only I have to move with front head of the shoulder and after the the contact I continue forward?
Raaquib: 1. how much sleep do you need before you play a match, Tournament. 2. how much do you need to eat before you play a match, Tournament.
Christian: How do i increase the speed of the ball myself, because at the moment i'm only getting momentum off other people's shots?
All videos on the strokes & techniques page are now available for free PingSkills members.
What to Expect at a Tournament
]]>We discuss the interesting results from the latest World Tour Event.
Should we keep the joke of the day and could you contribute?
Who is the best player you have played?
Are the top Table Tennis players paid enough?
Uluru
Ilia: How these two thing affect finish position of the FH topspin (1) distance to the table (2) hardness of the rubber?
Johan: Ever washed a ping pong ball with your clothes?
Yoan: What do you think are the best drills to practice before a tournament ? Thank you :)
Thijs: I push as short and low as I can. But this Guy is waiting and spins the ball even 1 inch behind the table towards my forehand. I'm ready to block but almost every time the ball goes high/long. Doesn't help if I block early or later. Nothing works.
Vijay: I have a question on ball selection, Since the balls are now made of plastic, there are many to choose and most have different bounces and speed, further this affects my speed and timing. So is there a standard test we can use to test them?
Yoan: Hi Alois and Jeff ! I just wanted to thank you for your implication in the sport. Awesome job you guys are doing, keep going we all love you ! :)
How To Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin
Match Routine Drills - for premium members
]]>Canberra and Traffic Lights
How do you arrange a table tennis tournament on Mars?
What is the best thing about Table Tennis?
Who is the best player you have played?
Dieudo: do you think keeping track of the ball with my eyes all the way as it comes to my side of the table is necessary when playing a forehand? Sometimes I feel like I should have focused more on the ball because it slips right next to my racquet.
Daniel: How can I maximize the effects of spin while serving (especially sidespin)? Getting the right contact and brushing motion is important as I realized but if I wish to maximize sidespin on the serve will the velocity of the ball be important as well?
Oscar: What's the meaning of consistency? Is the word for continuous stokes?
Mark: Starting to do some drilling sessions with a practice partner, but we're still at the point where our placement is a bit sloppy and the ball falls out of play fairly often. Is it worthwhile to add in some mixed drills yet?
Anticipation (watching the ball)
]]>Parachuting and Marty McFly
What frustrates you the most?
What is the best thing about Table Tennis?
Our First Ask the Coach Show question - Racket Height: Should the racquet be the same height as the ball or should it be lower than the ball?
Viktor: Hey Pingskills I did listened to your advice about topspin into his middle but I do several fast topspins in the middle but all he does is either block it or a fast backhand sidespin flick to my BH or FH area and I'm not fast enough to return the ball :((
Sandeep: When i play table tennis the opponent gives different serves and i often confuse which action to use and i lose my points so please advice
Infernal Ping Pong Player: Do you know a service that is not too advanced but not too basic?
Ernest: 1. Can u tell me when we do more vertical stroke and when we do a more forward stroke in performing a topspin stroke? 2. Would you also show me the angle of the bat regarding my questions in number 1?
Viktor: How would you stand against Waldner in a match?
Ask the Coach Show Blog Entries
Receiving Secrets Course - fore premium members
Serving Secrets Course - for premium members
Forehand Topspin Against Block
Forehand Topspin Bat Angle - for premium members
Forehand Topspin Variations - for premium members
]]>Xs and Hs
Will anyone get close to Ma Long for the Rio Olympics Men’s singles title?
Ilia: During this season of the Chinese Super League Ma Long lost to Fan Zhendong several times. But on the international stage Ma Long overpowered him wihtout giving a chance. How could it be?
Mike: Hi Guys! Satoshi Aida in the men's semifinal in the US Open 2015, did a serve (7:48 on youtube) which was slow and long to the forehand. There were many instances where Wang Jinxin could not loop the serve, why was Aida's serve so successful?
Viktor: Hey PingSkills I have a brand new rival and guess what, He's really tall,,HUGE like a giant.He said he was 7'4 and 360 pounds and he's a very good player, he said he was the best in his club and been playing for 35 years,He topspins and smash on every ball, he has also won 15 tournamens, won 5 tours in a row at best. This will be a really tough challenge for me, His friend and him attemted 2500 counterhits in a row within 50 minutes, It's crazy!!!! I guess he's better than you guys on amount counterhits :)))
What frustrates you the most?
Marv: I have just recently noticed that if I turn my body at the waist while hitting a topspin drive or loop against a backspin shot, I get better results. When I do these turns, I seem to get the ball back much more reliably. Does this sound right?
Yap: How to serve a fast, straight and long ball to surprise the opponent? Ma Long serves that ball.
Nagaraj: I am currently working on my forehand topspin. I am not bad at it. I get most of the topspins on the table. I start at my thigh level and finish up above head level. What sometimes happens is, my topspin hits the top of the net and sails off.
Viktor: Do you know how much 7'4 is in cm?
US Open Semi-Final 2015 with effective long serves
Forehand Topspin Against Block
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members
Don't Use a Plain Topspin Serve
Ma Long's Fast Serve Down the Line
]]>
Drop Shot Off a Lob
Sydney Opera House
Who can break the Chinese domination?
Will anyone get close to Ma Long for the Rio Olympics Men’s singles title?
What’s your decision. Take a look at the 1st point of the 4th Game between Ma Long and Fan Zhendong in the World Cup final. Something interesting happens. What’s your decision?
Ilia: Suppose that a long, fast flat serve is coming to your FH hitting zone, and the serve is below the net string. Is it possible to powerloop it? What is the correct contact point on the ball in this case?https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/strokes-and-technique/forehand-topspin-against-block/
Raphael: I'm currently a varsity in table tennis in our school and my question is what is the perfect training partner for me? Once we competed with other schools, they crushed me because i can't receive their heavy spin serves and their skill is too good.
Tushar: My racket's rubber has some black spots on edges and centre. What are they?
Yap: Alois, how does Ding Ning do the Reverse Tomahawk serve? Does Ding Ning need a special table tennis bat to do that serve?
Ding Ning's Reverse Tomahawk Serve
Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members
]]>We discuss the results and announce the winner of our competition.
How many times have you hit a "round the net” shot?
Who can break the Chinese domination?
Australian Goldrush!
Ilia: I'm used to do a lot of footwork in my training. But when I face better players, I lose mostly due to my sloppy receive, 3rd, 4th ball attack skills. Is it good idea to abandon footwork for a while and dedicate 100% of the time to serve & receive drills?
Eugene: What is the serving elbow position? Should I lock my elbow in the same position throughout the serve? Because I have a habit of lifting my arm up as on toss the ball up.
Sutthikan: How do I improve my body reaction faster to hit the ball and make my eye catch up to the ball?
Il: I have a problem with getting more topspin instead of sidespin topspin. I don't know how to brush the ball on the contact with the wrist - with straight line or closed (rounded contact)?
Ilia: Does the sponge hardness affect amount of spin you can generate on the serve? What gives more spin: soft or hard sponge?
Watch top table tennis at ITTF itTV
]]>Tragedy!
How many times have you hit a "round the net” shot?
Who has the best footwork in Table Tennis?
The Ping Pong Zone
How many points will the qualifier win against Ma Long in the 1st Round of the World Cup Main Draw?
Mike: Hi Guys, glad to see your back! I was watching the Gary Cup Finals from 2014, it was Eugene Wang vs Kewei Li. I noticed Kewei Li would toss the ball short and back towards him. Isn't that an illegal serve?
Georgi: How to attack on backhand while playing with penhold grip?
Thijs: I currently play in 2 leagues. The league where I play every match, we play to 21. In the other league, I'm a reserve player so I don't play very often. There they play to 11. Next year, the first mentioned league will play up to 11. Any thoughts?
Yazid: Hi alois . i watch the match kenta vs xu xin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_XeJT2-_iw. Kenta does a lot of sidespin blocks and one of those is forehand sidespin block . How to do forehand sidespin block.
Ferly Forehand
What are your superstitions?
Who has the best footwork in Table Tennis?
Eugene: Should the topspin swing be relaxed and just let the arm flow through just like a golf swing? Or should I control it and use my own strength to swing? I personally think that relaxing the arm while swinging will have a more powerful stroke.
Hao: how do you increase and decrease the amount of backspin on the ball when doing either the chop (assuming that my forehand has and inverted and my backhand has long pips).
Sergio: I have seen you say that when building a bat that the blade doesn't matter too much. I guess I'd like to know why it is you say this. Don't different blades made out of different materials react differently?
Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members
]]>What happened in 1792?
Footwork basics
What have you been doing with your Table Tennis in the last month?
What are your table tennis superstitions?
Marcin: Is there a similarity between the technique for a slow spiny topspin and topspin of backspin?
Tam: how does Andreas Levenko stay really low for the whole game I have never seen any player stay as low as him also what physical training must he be doing to stay in that position all game and have such good footwork?
Eileen: When I am practicing at our club events I play good shots but when I start playing in the League I seem to go to pieces. Also I am not really good at reading the spins yet. Will I ever overcome this. I love playing. Please can you help?
Het: How to serve in a particular way that the ball goes in a different direction each time it bounces ....IS IT POSSIBLE?
Slow Spinny Topspin - for premium members
]]>Where have we been?
How often do you change your equipment?
Raincoats?
What have you been doing with your Table Tennis in the last month?
European Championships & Asian Championships.
Trevor: Tuning in from holiday in Denmark, did any of you play vs any Danish players in your career?
Luke: Hey pingskills, how do you normally glue your racket? As a looper I tend to hit the ball with the edge of my racket. Eventually leaving me with a partially unstuck rubber which makes it hard to loop. Then I've got to glue it again... So continues the cycle
Ilia: Suppose that I'm a right-hander playing against another one. The ball is coming into my middle I and want to play a FH topspin to backhand. Should I adjust my feet position, or just try to turn my body more, like in a down-the-line shot?
Richard: I know you're not supposed to toss it towards you and that it should be as vertical as possible but do you toss it right in front of you or should it be tossed slightly to the side of you, as in towards your bat?
Harshit: Can you help me with topspin serves? I can't figure out how to do it. If you can, it would be very helpful.
Hao: When i rally I am unable to hit the second ball coming to me. I serve, my opponent pushes, I topspin the ball back, my opponent does the same and when that ball comes back to me, I would be unable to hit it. Is it because I play close to the table?
Don't Use a Plain Topspin Serve
Pendulum Serve - for premium members
How to hit the ball down the line - for premium members
Forehand Followup Master Class - for premium members
]]>What is the strangest thing you have seen on a TT court?
How often do you change your equipment?
Brian: Do you guys have any diets when preparing for tournaments? I've always had the right exercise plans, but i don't know what to eat.
Ilia: Have you ever seen someone doing a high toss backhand or reverse pendulum serve?
Lakshya: We have not too much time to train, only 2-2:30 hours to play. In that time we have to do physical too. So how do we manage time? We don't have a good coach so how do we improve ourselves?
Manikantan: I'm a Penhold RBP player and find heavier bat setup very hard to play with. Is there anything you would recommend to increase wrist-strength ?
Brian: Is there proper etiquette when playing? I know how to act while playing tennis or golf, but not table tennis.
Il: How many degrees is the legal rule for throwing of the ball in the air when the player serves?
Sebastian: When Im play forehand my wrist is bent down, plus I’m left handed so i'm adding a lot of sidespin to the ball and I’m having problems playing down the line. But it will take months to learn it the right way. Do you have any tips?
Christopher: I use a Donic Dotec blade with an ergonomic handle which I really like but when I change from forehand to backhand I turn my bat slightly closed, and I feel it doesn't sit right in my hand, should I change my technique, my bat or persevere?
Ramzi: Hey there ! Guys its me Ramzi from last year if you remember just checking you out and you helped me a lot i have become a little better and keep on the fantastic work ! Peace from Algeria
PingSkills Vault to store tactics
Nutrition for Table Tennis by Dr. Chandra MADHOSINGH
Correcting Errors - for premium members
Almost Vertical Rule in the Handbook for Match Officials - See the bottom of page 14 for the explanation
High Toss Serve - for premium members
]]>What is the best advice you have received in a match?
What is the strangest thing you have seen on a TT court?
The Benefits of Random Drills
We talk about the different categories in the ITTF Star Awards
Mike: Hi guys! :) In your opinion who has the best backhand in the game of table tennis in both Men's and Women's?
Ernest: Right now i'm using a flared handle. When i play too long, suddenly i have a callous on my palm. Do you think changing blade with another handle (e.g. anatomic/straight) will solve my callous problem? It really hurts.
Bryan: As I get better I am finding that more shots catch the edge of my bat or a finger. There is no limit on the size of the bat so would I benefit from using a slightly bigger bat? And a related question: Should I watch the ball right to the bat?
Brian: When i'm chopping, I always feel awkward, and it feels like I don't have the proper stroke, do you have any exercises to practice chopping?
Romeo: I'm sure we have all seen how players attack the flick to their backhand with their backhand. The question is, are they doing a topspin or a counter-hit? I find it hard to believe that they are even able to attack the ball.
Soumyajit: When I am trying to hit a fast forehand top spin or a forehand smash my left shoulder falls down. Then I either hit the ball into the net or pus it further and miss the table. What can I do to make sure that my left shoulder does not fall away?
Brian: Brian: I have a Nittaku Haneyoshi defensive blade, and XIOM Vega Asia rubbers on both sides. Is this setup suitable for chopping, or should I get a different one?
Random Drills - for premium members
Multiball Extras and how to feed for a chopper - for premium members
Improving Your Reflexes (we talk about the importance of watching the ball) - for premium members
]]>
When does enough training become too much?
What is the best advice you have received in a match?
Ilia: Hi, when I was in a camp, coaches told me that a good topspin should have a soft gentle sound at contact. However, when I watch top players, their rackets 'click' all the time, even when they finish their strokes nice and high. So how could it be?
Tushar: What is a anti spin rubber? What are its advantages? Who uses them?
Jith: My daughter has started playing TT just a couple of months back with a readymade GKI kungfu racket. He had suggested a few blades. He has further suggested that she start with a anti spin rubber on one side and Mark V or Sriver on the other side.
Ilia: I find strong open ups very difficult. I can do them in training with ~50% chance of success and use them in matches only occasionally. does it make sense to work on those aggressive shots, or it is better to concentrate on something else?
Romeo: My coach has always told me to take dead balls on the rise, topspin balls on the peak, and backspin balls on the fall. Recently, I have seen Ma Long do a backhand topspin off backspin shot on the rise. I noticed heeded it well. How?
Ernest: Can u tell me some options to receive a slow topspin serve? And which is the most effective stroke between those options?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members
]]>Will Zhu Yuling win the 2016 Olympic Women's singles?
When does enough training become too much?
Aryaman: During a match, Is it really important to execute a serve randomly or in a definite pattern or manner? Can you tell me a serve which is ideal for both the state level as well as national level player.
Il: When I serve is the point of the contact on the ball exactly in front of the body? Or not always?
Tam: Hi PingSkills, why do the top players only backhand flick or touch serves that come to their forehand and not forehand flick?
Marcin: Jorg Rosskopf used a different grip for the pendulum serve. He had all his fingers spread out on the backhand side rubber. Is there someone else doing this grip now? When I tried it, it felt pretty good. Extremely stable. Are there disadvantages?
Pendulum Serve Index Finger Position
]]>
This day in history 1977
Do you Boost?
Will Zhu Yuling win the 2016 Olympic Women's singles?
Can a player be on the phone to receive additional advice during sets?
Noel: Oh no! How can I forget...Ai-chan! Ai-chan!, Ai-chan!. What a comeback ! She is phenominal!
Noel: Hello Alois and Jeff! I often play alot of doubles at the Rec. center. How important is talking about strategy with you partner? And what strategies are the best? BTW, Ma Long and Yuya Oshima, really awesome match! Ma Long putting the hammer down.
Michael: I feel as if I'm running around in circles.. I've been training everyday for 4.5 hrs.. but I feel as if I haven't made any progress.. my rating has in fact gone down significantly.. is there any way that I can learn to benefit from my practice?
Bennett: I play with the jpen blade but curl my finger for cpen grip. If I do not have time to get around the ball how can I do a backhand smash with traditional backhand.
Lajos: Does thinner sponged rubber wear out more quickly? I am thinking of buying Calibra LT max, it has outstanding durability but a bit springy for me. For more control I am thinking of a thinner one but I am afraid of losing spin and durability.
Mike: I am playing in a handicap event where players start on different scores and play one game up to 51. Do you have any tactics for playing players rated much higher?
Luke: What is meant by brush contact when looping? I think of a thin topsheet contact but the ball makes a squeak noise and falls off the racket. Thus I'm more of a drive looper. What does brush mean? Equipment: tibhar evolution mx-p usatt:1800
Doubles Strategy - for premium members
Match Drills - for premium members
Forehand Topspin and Brushing Contact
]]>
Ma Long is Unstoppable
Who will win the China Open Men’s and Women’s singles?
Do you Boost?
Should the service rule be changed?
Ilia: Footwork drills that I've seen so far focus solely on lateral movement. But sometimes an attacking player needs to move in and out. What are the best drills to practice this movement with attacking strokes?
David: When performing a serve are you trying to make it with the maximum speed you’re able to produce with your arm +wrist or are you holding back since its not really worth it risk reward wise? I'm still learning and if I try to go really fast I miss.
Mike: I really enjoy your website and the lessons. Thank you for helping me become a better player. I have a very inexpensive table and inexpensive robot. Which should I upgrade first? Should I buy a new robot (cost about $600) or table ($600).
Chris: I've spent about $250 for a Butterfly Innerforce ZLF blade. I've used it for almost a year now. I was now curious. After spending so much on a blade is there any significance or significant difference with the newer blades? Any tips on maintenance?
Loong: I haven't played table tennis for 3-4 months, do you have a training method for me to recovery?
PingPod #42 - Change the Service Rule
]]>
We talk about how good the field is for the China Open
Who is the best server that you have played?
Who will win the China Open Men’s and Women’s singles?
Alois struggles to find an interesting fact.
Brock: Hey PingSkills, I met my former rival the Tall Guy in a small tournament today and I beat him with 2-1 in matches, Match 1: 21 - 10, Match 2: 18 - 21, Match 3: 21 - 12. I feel unstoppable now ! ! !
Ilia: For an intermediate player, is it worth to learn and practice backhand counterloop? Or it is better to rely on pivoting and spend practice time on something else, like footwoork or short game?
Hao: When my opponent loops the ball to my centre or left, I would block it with my backhand. But when my opponent loops the ball to my right i would have problem blocking as the ball is too fast for me to block. what should i do?
Chris: I tend to play it safe too often and don't take as many chances as i like. Too often i feel like i fear that i'll make an aggressive shot and i'll miss the table or it'll hit the net. What can one do to mentally get over that?
Reynel: Why doesn't JO move much in the game. This is what JO said that I’m curious about JO: I want to save my energy for the important balls, I am standing where the ball comes, that's why I don't have to move. I can read the game. Should i follow him?
Ahmed: If the ball touch my playing hand, will I lose the point?
Alois talks about England flogging Australia in the cricket and answers Nigel's question.
The Push in Detail - for premium members
]]>Atomic Bomb and Lucille Ball
What is bigger, the World Championships or Olympic Games for Table Tennis?
Who is the best server that you have played?
Mike D: Hi guys! What is the best way to play against a player who blocks a lot with long pips on the backhand side, and has very good serves?
Aryaman: Is it really possible to execute a zig zag serve?
Dakota: I play a guy who at least 80% of the time will attempt to win the point on the third ball. He will attempt to attack both flicks and pushes. I usually tend to push long to backhand or wide to forehand. Should I try to really practice my short push?
Bennett: Since it is more aerodynamic for something to have a smoothed edge instead of a flat edge like a square. Is it allowed for a racket to be smoothed near the edges for people who use their loop a lot. If it is allowed, do you think it is worth it?
Johnny: I have a problem returning fast attacks. I don't have a problem if they attack to where I expect or prepare to return. But sometimes I just can't get to those unexpected attacks. Should I just watch the ball closely and react, or can I predict?
Playing Against Long Pimples - for premium members
The Push in Detail - for premium members
Improving Your Reflexes - for premium members
]]>
Rio Olympic Games are in 1 Year plus other exciting events
Chee: Do you know that this Sunday is Singapore's 50th birthday?
Do you use multi-ball for your training?
What is bigger, the World Championships or Olympic Games for Table Tennis?
Noel: Hello and welcome back coaches! I am creating some bad habits that I would like to fix. It seems that every ball I want to topspin, I brush it to vertical and not flat enough for speed. How can I hit more flatter?
Noel: One more question, gentlemen. What do you do for an aching shoulder? I've been playing lots of table tennis and it's taking it's making my shoulder hurt. Should stop for a week or two?
Hao: I would like to ask what we should do when we are chopping in order to create a no spin ball. Many Thanks!
Dakota: After 8 matches at my first USTTA tournament, I have been able to let go of my desire to win practice matches. do you think that having a greater desire to win practice matches over the desire to improve inhibits people from getting better?
Jared: I recently played an opponent who would smash high balls with backspin/sidespin by pulling is racket down on the ball while smashing. As i have never played against this before it was extremely difficult to adjust to. What do you recommend?
Chee: Jeff and Alois, what serve would you use last time when you were in competitions?
Forehand Topspin Against Block
Pendulum Serve - for premium members
High Toss Serve - for premium members
]]>Is maths ability related to Table Tennis?
Do you use multi-ball for your training?
Mike D: There are times where I love to counter hit the ball against a slower loop. Sometimes I block but my coach says to only use the block against players who are rated 1500-1800 in the US. Should I just block or do both depending upon the situation?
Brock: Hey PingSkills, I know that you maybe don't know this but do you know if there is any Table Tennis Video Games?
Brock: I had my 5th tournament and I won the entire tournament and I'm proud :)
Ilia: I recently went to a tournament, where I played lots of kids that didn't have a strong attack against backspin, but they all had a blazing forehand counterloop. I often found myself blocking all their counterloops and trying to take a breathe.
Lakshya: I have a problem when i am play in ranking tournaments i fear to play backhand stroke. How do i face my fear?
Tushar: I know how to do long and fast serve but is their any way to do long spiny serve.
Kaustubh: What is the best way to return a ball with heavy backspin on it?
Brock: Do you have a tip to counter a very high ball that has sidespin on it, It's maybe a 2- 3 m high ball and when it bounce it goes to the side and I miss, do you know a tip to control that ball ?
How to Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
Long Fast Serve with Lots of Backspin - for premium members
]]>
ITTF World Tour, Pyongyang Open
What was the biggest factor that made you start playing Table Tennis?
Is maths ability related to Table Tennis?
Mike D: Hi guys, welcome back :) I try to vary speed and spin on my chops during a rally, but at times I feel that heavy back spin would help me more in certain situations. How do I put heavy back spin on the ball during a match?
Nigel: Enjoyed seeing England blitz the Australian cricket team here in the UK and it made me wonder if some table tennis coaching could help them read the spin and direction better. Perhaps some mental preparation would help also.
Marcin: Why it is so important for the right-hander forehand push/flick, as answer to a short ball, to put the right foot forward underneath the table? Instead if i go in with the Left foot, it feels as if i have more range where to place the ball. why?
Siva: During the match, my topspin is around 60-70% accurate but when my opponent hits topspin, mostly I’ll miss the block. Even if I block, ball will go outside or will go to net. I tried to focus on the ball all time, but still I can’t get the confidence
David: I'm a beginner , I saw a few videos on the loop on youtube but when I try it the balls goes really far of the table, any tips or drills on how I can practice thin contact?
Sasha: I want to get my side spin more wide, something like He Zhe Wen. I have seen that video, and, whenever I try to serve I hit the ball with the edge of my blade, because I can't hit it on the side. What should be my blade angle and swing be?
Forehand Flick - Using your right foot.
]]>Who do you want to see win the Pan American Games?
We discuss the tournament so far.
What was the biggest factor that made you start playing Table Tennis?
On Table Warm Up
Johnny: I've recently played some players capable of executing sidespin topspin attacks. I've almost never played players that can execute this stroke well, so I had lots of trouble returning this stroke. Most of the times I would entirely miss the ball.
Yazid: Hi Alois, is it good to learn many serves?
Ilia: Some players claim that they can judge the spin on service receive by watching the logo. Recently I tried to spot those annoying no-spin serves by watching if the logo is visible. But I found that staring at the logo takes too much focus.
High Toss Serve - for premium members
]]>
Robin Williams was born
Mark Taylor: What happens if a ball breaks during a rally? I recently lost 2 points in my pennant match after the ball broke.
What is the coldest temperature you have played Table Tennis in?
Who do you want to see win the Pan American Games?
Mike D: Hi guys! When I try to loop a long ball with a lot of back spin, my arm tenses up. Many times I able to loop it over the net, winning points against various players. But when my arm is more relaxed, I have trouble looping the ball. How can I correct this?
Noel: Hello Coaches: Is a punch a fast counter drive? Or is it more like a flick? BTW, I noticed my legs are getting stronger, and my strokes are more powerful. Trying to stay low! Premium videos helping alot. Thanks.
Amr: Hi when I am training some drops of sweat get on rubbers and when I try to get rid of them with my hand rubbers became sweaty and the grip is removed because of sweat on rubbers how i solve this problem?
Chee: My coach is going to make me have a competition with my team mates next month to get me ready for next year's competition.Can you give me some suggestions what to do when i start out in the competition?
Ugo: When committing to a forehand loop return is it sufficient to keep the bat vertical when driving the ball from under the table with a brushing technique . If the opponent chops with heavy backspin, is it the power or the vertical swing and bat angle?
Bennett: I have been playing seriously for about 6 months and I was wanting to know when I should go to a tournament. I'm not too worried about my rating and I am mostly doing it for the enjoyment of the game.
Hello, I am having problems with learning the reverse pendulum serve. I either just push the ball from underneath or I just do the motion but the serve doesn't go over the net. My racket has 11-12/12 spin and 12/12 speed with hard rubber.
Romeo: I am a player that likes to play forehands away from the table. I usually win against my opponents because of my spinny topspins. If I was required to play in small space should I start being a blocker or hitter just in case?
Chee: What is the time now in Melbourne? I am a bit of curious of the time difference between australia and Singapore.
Are you interested in football i mean soccer?
So I won my first tournament! I really have you guys to thank for a lot of that. I noticed that I have trouble when my opponent gets a few points in a row. How could I simulate these situations in my training? Also, when should I back up from the table?
Is it better to brush the ball heard on top of the table when its higher or hitting flat?
Neil Armstrong walks on the Moon
Regional Games are a great opportunity to see different players in action
What is your favourite Football Team?
What is the coldest temperature you have played Table Tennis in?
Jeff M: I would like to start using my TT robot, but the manual says I should put balls into lukewarm water to minimise the chance of it clogging up the robot. Is it necessary? Can I just use a wet cloth to wipe each ball before I put them into the basket?
Romeo: I have seen you guys talk about not tensing your arm during a stroke, but what about the body? Should we relax our feet too? Or should they be tensed?
Jared: I was wondering what is the ideal service placement, speed and spin to use against choppers.
Shaant: Now, I am more kind of an attacking player. In a regular game, I will only attack. My opponent can always chop and chop and chop, but I run out of patience. Can you please tell me what to do? What to do so that I don't run out of patience?
Since Alois is gone and my pingskills clubmate needs advice, let's do a one-time Ask The Webmaster segment. What information and general stuff should a club website contain?
Playing a Defensive Chopper - for premium members
Feliks Zemdegs 2015 Rubik's Cube World Championships Results
]]>What is the most important part of your game? Technique, Tactics, Fitness and Mental?
What is your favourite Football Team?
Noel: Hello Alois & Jeff, sometimes I get caught whether to block or loop the 4th or 5th ball, that indecision gets the ball in the net for me. How can I avoid getting in this situation? Is it a matter of stepping back and start a rally or try to block wide?
Mike D: New Premium member here :) Compared to other players around the world, there is a huge gap on the level of play in the United States. How can the US become more competitive with the rest of the world?
Noel: Who is a better dancer? Alois or Jeff?
Akash: Is mark V rubber is suited for plastic balls? it is because, mark V rubber has least price and comfortable for us, but i can't find that, mark V rubber is suited against plastic balls?
Mark: Do you think any pro players would do even better by reining in their game? I see so many points lost just barely missing the edge of the table, but it's hard to say whether a softer shot would just invite a heavier counterattack.
Marcin: Two Coloured Balls in Chinese League. I think it was a great Idea for the Sport. Why didnt it work? Pros were, having more information on spin of the Serve for the receiver. So hiding or Disguising were no more a big deal. Longer rallies to watch.
2015 Rubik's Cube World Championships
Slow Spinny Topspin - for premium members
Panda Dancing (toward the end of the video)
]]>What is the best part of the PingSkills.com site?
What is the most important part of your game? Technique, Tactics, Fitness and Mental?
Pendulum Serve Index Finger position
Brock: Hey Pingskills I have improve my blocks a lot now :) Sometimes I surprise my opponents when they topspins the ball and I do a long ball on the other side of the table, I'm getting better :)
RB: How can i attack a low long ball? (in Fh or BH). If I block or push my opponent can easily attack. May I use to flick in long ball? How can I do? Attack or continue block? Usually if I want to do a topspin because the ball is low my ball hit net.
Dakota: With a push that would bounce off the end of the table, if being in position isn't an issue, what is the difference in brushing and arm speed if attempting to topspin the ball while it is still over the table compared to off the end?
Nico: how can we choose our receiving positions: left corner, center of the table, close to the table or not?
Omkar: I am not able to play Forehand strokes properly. My stance first was to squat a little towards my right hand side and playing defensive. I now stand parallel to table but still find it very awkward to play forehand shots. Please help.
Brock: If someone serve short and low, do you prefer a push or a flick to return?
Brock: Hey! Recently me and a buddy of mine have been trying to set a record for most counterhits :D. Do you think we should try and increase the counterhits we can execute in 1 rally or should I return to my regular training schedule like multiball etc. ?
Brock: I have a great question: You says that the start and finish are important but isn't it good if you do a great forehand topspin without the start and finish position?
Pendulum Serve Index Finger Position
PingSkills Vault - Record tactics and training sessions
Receiving Position - for premium members
The Finish Position - for premium members
]]>How do you take in the Ask the Coach Shows? Blog, Youtube, Facebook or Podcast?
What is the best part of the PingSkills.com site?
Switching Dual/Duel
Brock: Can you please discuss these two shots?
Daniel: Why do modern defenders like Joo Sae Hyuk and Chen Wenxing use long pips on the backhand? Are there advantages or disadvantages with using inverted pips rubbers (as opposed to long pips) on the backhand for the modern defender style?
Chris: If I serve underspin and they recieve with a push long is there a height where you should switch from topspinning as the ball is falling to topspinning at the top of the bounce?
Amber: I wanted to know what are the differences in terms of 1. spin 2. speed 3. blocking for rubber with 1.8,1.9 and max. Which is recommended for backhand? I do not do lot of backhand topspin.
Bennett: I know its illegal to hide the ball during the service, but if I’m using two different rubbers, could I hide the bat behind my back right before the serve and as the toss is coming down i reveal my rubber giving my opponent less time to read it?
Brock: Hey, my rival gets better everytime I meet him. He said that him and his buddy did 15.000 counterhits in a row, I think he beat your record Alois :(
Random and Competitive Drills - for premium members
]]>
1789 Bastille Day , 1850 - The first public demonstration of ice made by refrigeration is staged at Apalachicola, Florida, USA, by Dr John Gorrie.
Are there any lessons you have learned from Wimbledon that are relevant to Table Tennis?
How do you take in the Ask the Coach Shows? Blog, Youtube, Facebook or Podcast?
Brock: How can I defend myself against an agressive attacker that return all my short ball, I know '' Keep it short'' but I can do it shorter. Help!
Mike D: History was made today, New Horizons flies by Pluto giving mankind its closest view ever! Sometimes I play against long pips and short pips players, is there a difference in tactics when trying to win a match between those two and if so, what are they?
Ilia: Hi Alois and Jeff. What is the correct footwork for playing backhand banana flick from the forehand side cross-court (to rightie's forehand)?
Eugene: How do I get good variation on my back spin and no spin serves? These serves are only effective with good variation especially the no spin or less back spin serve. Plus the sound of the ball is different which is going tell which serve it is.
Kourosh: What is the best way to warm up your wrist and shoulder and body in general. I feel some pain in my active wrist and wonder as I have a strong backhand i may have overdone it.
Krishan: I was wondering how to serve fast balls to make it hard for the opponent to send it back. How could you improve the speed of your serve?
Tam: Hi Pingskills how can I stay low all game like zhang jike when I try and do it my legs get tired halfway through which forces me to stand up straight any suggestions?
Slow Spinny Topspin - for premium members
Master Class on Fast Pushing - for premium members
]]>We discuss the Pacific Games & World Uni Games
Who will win the Olympic Games next year?
Are there any lessons you have learned from Wimbledon that are relevant to Table Tennis?
Mike: Hi guys! When a person waits to receive a serve in tennis, some shuffle their feet, in table tennis, most stay firmly planted till the ball is served. Is standing still a good technique to or moving around a bit before the ball is served?
Brock: Do you think that you two would be great wrestlers? ;)
Frendy: I watched a video of Ma Long doing the pendulum serve. He said that he used his body transfer to do the serve. He focus on the Center Gravity with his left leg following with his body doing a slight thrust after the action. What do you think?
Jared: Jeff, I saw that you played Timo Boll in the 2000 olympics and i was wondering what was it like to play him? He is my absolute favorite player in the world with such an amazing and technical game that is so entertaining to watch.
Pasquale: Hi Alois, im in a training camp in canada for 2 weeks 4 times a day, we only use plastic balls, the coach says celluloid balls will not exist pretty soon, is this true?
Live Aid happened on this day in history in 1985!
Carl: I’m told by my coaches that I need to link my training to my matches and apply everything I learn. This makes me confused because obviously if I train on my forehand topspin, it's simply going to be better in matches, so what does it actually mean?
Match Routine Drills - for premium members
]]>Harvey Ball inventor of the Smiley Face is born.
Are there any new regular segments you would like to see in the Ask the Coach Show?
Early Prediction… Who will win the Olympic Games next year?
Brock: Alois and Jeff, have you stopped wear your PingSkills t-shirt?
Mike: Here is an update from the answer you gave in #144 about the plastic ball. I used a different paddle with a thicker sponge (2.2), the results were more positive, it was slower but not that much. I'll be trying out butterfly's plastic ball this weekend!
Noel: Hello Coaches, I notice when I play that I'm having trouble with the deep push to my forehand. Should I wait a little bit, when the ball is a little under the table to loop it or should I really whip a strong brush on it above the table?
Brock: Do you guys Squat or Deadlift ?
Brock: Where do you have your PingSkills camp? I would love to be trained by you coaches :)
Mike: Hello Super Coach Alois along with your sidekick and numbers expert, Jeff! I watched ITO Mima vs LIU Fei in the Japan Open. ITO Mima looked jumpy during the match almost like a boxer with her footwork. My coach doesn't like it, what is the best footwork?
Ilia: Respect for Jeff for the amazing number facts, they are very exciting! Looking at top men players, what is the fraction of attacking shots played at 100% level of their maximum power? What do you think is the proportion played at 90%, 80%, 70%?
Romeo: After the usage of the plastic ball, Xu Xin's topspins got considerably slower and some of them aren't even going in. Is this the end for Xu Xin? If it is, then who is going to be the next penholder?
Elsayed: After some great topspin shots and the player is too far from the table, Ma Long has played the ball too short. Is it allowed ? Is it Ma Long's point or the other player’s?
Sergio: Can you weigh in on the hardbat vs spongebat debate? I'd like your opinion because there is a lot of snobbery out there. The spongebaters say the hardbaters have no skill and the hardbaters say that that the speed of sponge has ruined TT.
Training Plan Session 5 - Shuffle Footwork - for premium members
]]>Percy le Baron - The Inventor of the Microwave Oven was Born in 1894… Magnetron
What rules in world sport are consistently overlooked and turned a blind eye to?
Are there any new regular segments you would like to see in the Ask the Coach Show?
The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis
Chee: Can you make a guess who is going to win next years Olympic Games?
Brock: How do I reverse the same spin back to my opponent?
Bertus: Why do women play TT the way they do, with fast counterhits rather then topspins? I've seen Chinese women like Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen do strong loops so they can do it as well as the men but why don't they use it much?
Chee: Can you have a bat that has a pimple rubber on both sides and is it allowed in the competition?
Tam: What drills do you think Tomokazu Harimoto And Mima Ito must have been doing to be so good at such a young age?
Kaustubh: I have heard that funny rubbers are going to be banned from 2015's season. Is it true?
The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis
The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis Original Version
]]>
What will Maharu Yoshimura be ranked in 12 months time?
We discuss the results from the Korean Open World Tour Event
What rules in world sport are consistently overlooked and turned a blind eye to?
Backhand Topspin against Backspin
Chee: Hi Alois and Jeff! Last time i asked you all if i can do sidespin on the pendulum serve and i finally worked it out! I am now trying to get that sidespin pendulum serve well so that i can trick my opponents sometimes in my competition next year!
Mark: I have a carbon blade, and have opted for 1.5mm sponge rubbers to slow the setup down. However, while I have good control of some shots, I think I might be missing control on others. Should I be thinking about increasing the sponge thickness?
Steve: hi, my Problem is to use the forehand. When I Play forehand Topspin, backspin or others in Training, it is not a Problem. In a match I only Play backhand (Long pimples). I´m unable to make a Point with forehand. What can I do in Training?
Marv: I see that the professionals crouch down very low when preparing to receive a serve, but they always move before the ball is actually served, and receive the serve in a much taller stance. Why do they get so low when they never receive from there?
Dieudonné: Hi, favourite Olympians. I have a little trouble with somewhat high balls on my backhand. Do you think it's ok to push them rather than topspin them? Do professional players do that?
Chee: I just knew that Alois was an olympian coach and Jeff is an olympian. Never knew that until now. Good luck for next year"s games!
Dieudonné: Hi again. I noticed players like Zhang Jike bend their knees as they return a fast ball with a quick close-to-the-table counter-attack? Is bending the knees a necessary part of the technique?
Backhand Topspin Against Backspin
Pendulum Serve - for Premium Members
]]>Alois presents an interesting fact about this day in history.
Have you ever hit a 'round the net' shot?
What will Maharu Yoshimura be ranked in 12 months time?
Johan: Oh, I'm so lucky! Only missed half of the number facts before I could connect. Any chance Alois could repeat back what you said so I don't miss out at all?
Down the line warm up.
Noel: Hooray! Hooray! Now we have balance with number facts and this day in history! Way to go Gents!
Noel: Hello Alois & Jeff, I see that a lot of players are using camcorders to record there play and there opponent. I might be interested in buying one of those camcorders. Can you name me a few I should look at?
Noel: Hello again coaches. If I want to flick a short sidespin backspin serve, do I open my bat and hit the ball aggressively on the bottom half or somewhat soft?
Peter: There is a great shot in badminton called dropshot from the rear court. I have never seen this in table tennis where a player is away from the table, shows a rapid arm movement and slows down shortly before contact with the ball. Is it possible?
Ismail: I have done the pendulum serve for quite a long time and now my opponent is getting used to it. I am an attacker and want to know another serve I could use in game play.
Oliver: My strength is my forehand topspin which is effective when back from the table but now since I am close to the table, I often use my forehand block which is not as good as there is not much room. So how to play a close table powerful topspin?
What is the best type of Plastic ball you have used?
Have you ever hit a 'round the net' shot?
We discuss the results from the 300th ITTF World Tour event.
Sidespin Forehand Topspin
Brock: Hey Pingskills, I met a really talented player that had a very tricky serve and the problem was that he brushed the ball really fast, I couldn't even see which spin it was if it was topspin or backspin or sidespin. I failed every time he did that serve.
Geoff: I have developed a style that keeps me quite close to the table. I can often do well by keeping the ball short and waiting for the first opportunity to attack. I also play well at 3 to 5 feet from the table. How can I transition between the two?
Bennett: Since the nearest club is an hour and thirty minutes away I will be starting a club for my school. I need to know things like what I should get if I'm on a limited budget.
Mark: My favorite serve is the reverse pendulum. I found it works best because I get to hit a forehand on the 3rd ball. I mix it up with short sidespin, short backspin/sidespin and long/short sidespin with topspin. I want to add a no spin. Any tips?
Best Round the Net Shot from the PingSkills Classic
Reverse Pendulum Serve - for premium members
Receiving Secrets Course - for premium members
]]>
What is your favourite Country in the World to visit?
What is the best type of Plastic ball you have used?
In today's show we announce the 2 winners of the Quarterly Premium Membership.
Noel: Hello Coaches, that was a great event the Japan Open. Xu Xin was fantastic! My question today is I want to improve my footwork in table tennis, what kind of exercises can I do?
William: I've seen many videos on this topic, but when I try the tactics in them, I just can't calm down. I don't know why I get anxious or flustered. Tell me what the general root cause is. Also, if possible, give some tips on how to not get angry.
Kevin: When I watch Ma Lin serve, I find it not only impressive on how much speed and spin is on the serve but also how well he disguises it. Not even the best can return it effectively. Can you recommend some effective tactics on legally hiding the serve?
Andrew: Do you know how to convert international players to a US ranking? I am just curious, the top players in the US are about 2700 or so.
Pick the Winners of the Japan Open Men’s and Women’s singles
We discuss the results to date and Ma Long's exit from the tournament.
What is your favourite Country in the world to visit?
Mike: Hi guys, welcome back! Last week I played with a plastic ball which I found to be much slower, less power which had more of an impact on my game than the different sound it produced. What do you guys think of the plastic ball on the game of table tennis?
Diego: I was wondering if players can use offensive rubbers and play offensively when using a defensive blade?.....just wondering
DK: Recently I recognised that I am quite good at returning topspin, but I have problems with returning a high ball or a spinless attack. Do you have any idea how to use my robot to simulate these shots?
Joseph: If you serve a let, who shouts let? is it me, my opponent or does the umpire shout let?
Multiball Course - for premium members (one free video)
]]>Alois had a great time and met some PingSkillers at the Spanish Open.
What is your favourite style of player to play against?
Who will win the Japan Open? Pick the Men's and Women's Singles winners and the game margin for your chance to win a Quarterly PingSkills Premium Membership.
Brock: I met my rival today and he won but the problem is that he has been training TT in 25 years and he's a scary powerful blocker and great aim on every time he does his strokes, he both loop on my BH and FH, I try short heavy backspin but he blocked, help :)
Ismail: How to play as an effective attacker? What strategies should I use?
Qamar: I want to be professional table tennis player just started playing after a long time. Can you suggest me some of initial things about the practice and key points to work on.
Chee Keat Ong: Last time i told you guys on your channel's comments that my coach wants me to use a pimple bat but he changed his mind and let me have an anti-spin bat. But i wanted to ask you guys what is the difference between an anti-spin bat and a pimple bat.
Match Strategy Course - for premium members
]]>
Magna Carta signed - the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by later generations.
Tell us the name of your club and the best thing about it.
What is your favourite style of player to play against?
Ilia: I feel like active footwork puts tremendous stress on my knees. How to prevent and avoid knee injuries?
Dieudonné: Hi, dearest Jeff and Alois. I played against a leftie whose backhand relied very much on a movement of the wrist to put in some sidespin. I was impressed by the speed and efficiency of his backhand. Do you think that's something worth learning?
Brock: How can I block a low smash that is both fast and hard? My rival has a very strong power in his strokes and he smashes really fast and hard but is very low also. help me
Brock: Who is the best TT player ever of all times?
Daniel: Speed seems to be my main weakness. My coach says that I need to increase the tempo of my game to reach the next level. Would you have any tips on improving the tempo and pace of my game?
Milos: Hi Alois & Jeff, The Chinese Super League has just started, and some 5-game matches were played. What's weird is that the decider games were played to just 7 points. Do you know why? Are they maybe trying to test a potential new rule?
Dieudonné: Hi again. I tend to (jump and) smash high balls with my backhand with a nice flat swing. I have been told by players at my club it's quite an impressive shot, but I haven't seen any pro players do the same. Do you think it's a safe technique?
Thad: Since i have problems bending one of my legs, on my forehand top spin i have problems with the power behind the shot. is there anyway i can work around this.
Abbas: Hi Jeff and Alois ,yesterday i was watching Waldner's matches from the past years and was amazed how he blocks with side spin on it and it looks difficult to return it can you please teach me how to do it.
Johnny: My coach taught me to keep my push small and gentle. He told me to keep the movement small. I find this doesn't work against very heavy spins. I need to really come under the ball and slice it to get the ball over. should my push small and gentle?
I can't return that smash - Premium members
Kenta Matsudaira's Sidespin Block
The Push in Detail - Premium members
]]>Can anyone say Nuytinck?
Tell us the name of your club and the best thing about it.
Abbas: Hi Alois,is there a way to make my opponent give me a high balls so i could topspin or smash it.
Anthony: I found that my opponents are returning my loop too easily. Even when i swing as hard as i can within reason and maintain good technique, my opponent still returns the ball often and low. What should I do? People say that I am hitting too spinny.
Ilia: Currently I have only two "gears" on my forehand topspin against backspin, Slow spinny topspin, I play it 90% of the time, very consistent and Putaway shot, to use against popped-up balls, slightly less consistent. How many "gears" does one need?
Dieter teaches us how to say Nuytinck
]]>Carter v Kek Match Commentary Video
Do you know the rules for Wheelchair Table Tennis?
Can anyone say Nuytinck?
Dieudonné: Hi, Jeff and Alois! Do you think I should try to learn to brush the ball with a particular spot of my rubber for a correct technique and maximum spin, or is any part of the rubber fine?
Dieudonné: Hi again. If time allows for another question: I was told with a tacky sheet I don't have to loop a backspin with that much open an angle of the bat - can you confirm that is the correct technique, Coach?
Brock: If I want Jan Ove Waldner as my private coach, how can I ask him and message him? Do you think he would accept it? It would be an honor to be trained by the Legendary Waldner :)
Johan: We can distinguish half long shots which only bounce once but dip down very soon after passing the end line. What can we call balls that bounce twice but the second bounce is very close to the end line? At the moment, I call them half short.
Thomas: Should certain balls after specific strokes (like topspin, backspin, push etc.) after the bounce ALWAYS be hit when they are rising, at their highest point or falling? Or are there always different possibilities for returning each of these?
Romeo: Can you give me some advice on how to play against penholders who have an excellent backhand?
Carter vs Kek Match Commentary
Backhand Topspin Against Backspin - demonstrating where to hit the ball at 3:56
]]>Short Pushing anywhere.
What was the standout performance at the World Tour Australian Open?
Do you know the rules for Wheelchair Table Tennis?
Noel: Hello Coaches: How can I play like Youngsik Jung? He was attacking almost every serve. Second ball attack!! Wow.
Dieudonné: I enjoy your podcasts. It would be nice if you could add a header and/or a Google calendar to your website where you indicate what days/times it is on hangout. Question: what advice would you give on returning fast deep serves (especially to the backhand)?
Dieudonné : Hello again, Jeff and Alois. I feel like I push too much in my game. Do you recommend taking more risk by looping in order to develop a more aggressive game?
Ilia: What would you do on service recieve if after watching the contact with racket you think that it is one kind of spin, while trajectory of the ball suggests that is different spin, what would you trust more?
Nick: I have an opponent who often sends me high backspin balls. If I try to push, it goes off the table. If I try to smash, it goes into the net. I can't do a loop to reverse the spin, I am not good enough to do that. It is really frustrating!
Dieudonné : Not sure if you'll have time for another question. How much do you think a good loop can cancel of the previous spin? Like, if you're not sure about the nature of spin in a serve, is looping it a good option?
Frendy: My coach always won the 1st rank at tournament till National 4 years ago. But what makes me surprise is he use the cheapest rubber than the other players. He always tell me that it's all about technique. What do you think about it?
Jeff: I just got a new blade, and have a rubber on one side, while the other side doesn't have the rubber on. I played for 2 hours and I realise that the sweat from my fingers on the back of the blade would be getting into the wood of the blade. Is it OK?
Matthias: I noticed that I have difficulties to adapt my starting position, especially with my FH. I tend to hold my bat too low if the ball bounces a little higher which results in ball going long or at least not very fast. I try to watch the ball closely
The Push in Detail for Premium Members
The Short Push Return Master Class for Premium Members
Smash/Topspin a High Backspin Ball for Premium Members
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
Is Laughter Infectious? Alois tries to get the hang of a PingSkiller's name
]]>Results and our thoughts on the tournament.
If you had a whole lot of money what racket would you buy? - 11:22
What was the standout performance at the World Tour Australian Open?
Nigel: What superstitious ritual prior to a match helped you play your best?
Donato: I have a table in my garage and since is hard to find a partner in this period, I thought to train with a return board. What do you think about it, could be useful or would be better to buy a robot? (just to remember I am a beginner).
Miguel: I love playing table tennis but I only play at my school. I have no table at home and now on vacation will not play much. I have a park with tables near me. Do you recommend I go there or sign up at a club? What do you think of the clubs.
Dieudonné: Hi, dearest Jeff and Alois. What kind of muscle exercises do you recommend for a topspin-oriented player?
We give an update on the Australian Open before we head up to commentate on the finals.
Is Japan the next big thing in Table Tennis?
If you had a whole lot of money what racket would you buy?
Dieter: I don't have a question really but want to share an observation. you learn probably just as much by helping out someone else as when doing your own drills. So here's my message: be generous to serve as a sparring partner. You'll learn just as much.
Tam: Hi Alois I play well on matches but when it comes to doing drills I perform a lot worse could you explain this?
Kailash: I have been advised by him to fold my thumb and not place it on the rubber like all the players do. i have also seen that folding my thumb does not allow me to generate enough spin. But this folding has given me much control on my smashes.
Johnny: I’m having problems attacking backspin balls that aren't short or long, like a mid distance ball. With long backspin I can comfortably topspin it, and with short backspin I can flick. So with this mid distance ball, should I topspin or flick?
Who is going to win this year's Australian Open Men’s and Women’s singles? Comment on our Facebook page and pick both winners and the points margin in the finals to win a Quarterly Premium membership to PingSkills.
Is Japan the next big thing in Table Tennis?
Backhand Sidespin Flick
Il: Il: I watched your videо as younger in You Tube and I liked your versatile topspin techniques. Is there any rotation with the shoulder ( its axis) before and into the contact of the ball?
Abhinav: I had a question that if we are going to play a tournament and there are two categories (under 17 and under 19) can we play in both the events?
Firas: What would be a good serve for me if I have been constantly playing ping pong for around 8 months, and participate in middle school amateur tournaments? Please make simple, and spiny, because I can't do those pendulum things, they are too difficult.
Michael: Is there a list of all the Ask the Coach video responses that I can browse?
Lukas: I need to change my rubber in a couple of weeks, maybe even a month, and I can't decide if I should get short pimple rubber.Should I try short pimples, and just switch back to inverted if I don't like it? Or should I keep playing with inverted?
Enter our Facebook competition
Australian Open Men's Singles Draw
Australian Open Women's Singles Draw
]]>Are the World Tour events a good showcase for Table Tennis?
Who is going to win this year's Australian Open Men’s and Women’s singles? Comment on our Facebook page and pick both winners and the points margin in the finals to win a Quarterly Premium membership to PingSkills.
Middle Muddle
Ilia: Is it a good idea to do regular practice and play matches with plastic balls, and do multiball and practice with robots with celluloid ones?
Noel: Hello Jeff & Alois, so it seems everytime I go to a club, the players would like to play with the poly ball. They're like, Hey try this new ball, I see your using a celluloid ball....Is this something that I might have to buy? A pack or 2 of poly balls?
Dakota: I would be led to think that it isn't physical attributes that allow someone to rise above the average club player, but instead go in the psychological direction. What psychological attributes do you think allowed you to rise above other players?
Dieudonné: Do you think it's possible for someone playing with a light blade in an all-around style to be very good and beat the power of attackers?
Nischay: My reverse pendulum stays within my court, it does not move on to the next court, it has its 1st bounce and turns back towards me.
Kaustubh: Hi, in your opinion, are strokes to corners more effective or those to extremes?
Ji-Soo: Time presses on inexorably and my son is almost 4 years old. My intention had always been to start training him from that age but the question now is how to get started. How do you start a 4 year old who is not really into following directions?
What was your favorite subject in school?
Why did you choose the name PingSkills?
I heard rumours that Waldner maybe will retire next year, is it true?
Is Ma Long the best player of all times?
How can I block a long and fast topspin sidespin into the middle?
Dieudonné: What do you think is the age when one starts to decline in performance at table tennis?
Random and Competitive Drills from our Training Secrets Course
]]>Who has the better backhand? Ma Long or Wang Hao?
Are the World Tour events a good showcase for Table Tennis?
Basic Stance - it's how you can tell a good player from a beginner
Feliks Zemdegs tweeted - haha yep nerves and fine motor skills (cubing) aren't the best combination!
Matthias: I noticed that here in China the coaches seem to teach a different technique for the backhand topspin off backspin. Generally speaking, the stroke is smaller than shown in your video and the use of wrist and lower arm rotation is maximized.
Kaustubh: One of the players in my club has tied rubber grip (one used for badminton rackets) to handle of his racket. When I asked him the reason he told me that he did it because his hand sweats a lot. So, is use of this grip legal?
Chris: Today i blew a 7 point lead and lost the game. 13-20 then 22-20. I realized after it that had lost my focus and couldn't settle down. What are some advice on ways to be more mentally prepared for those situations?
Marv: I practice a lot with a robot, and do not want to wear out my fairly expensive playing paddle. I am looking for a durable lightweight paddle but do not want something that is totally different than my 'real' paddle.
Philippines Open & Australian Open
What is the single most important muscle for Table Tennis?
Who has the better backhand? Ma Long or Wang Hao?
Connor: Hi guys, Who do you believe has the best footwork in the world at the moment?
Noel: Hello Coaches, I know I'm playing too much. I had acute back pain a few days ago, and I think it's because of picking up those ping pong balls. Do you have any exercises or tips to remedy the situation?
Johan: Do you think the pendulum serve became so popular because it was easy to hide the contact point compared to for example the backhand serve?
Brock: I have trouble with my forehand topspin because I have always a feeling I will hit the table with my bat, do you know some tips?
Abbas: I have a problem with kid who always serves fast and short balls to the corners of the table if i go to the right corner he serves to the left corner if i go to the left well... you know what happens.
Rexam: When drilling in table tennis I tend to become so stiff , how do I relax? Also I can’t hit the ball on the rise how do I hit he ball with the best timing.
Pao Pao : How to make the ball spin very fast and powerful? What should I do when my opponent returns my fastest shots?
Pragya: Does the action for forehand topspin remain the same while hitting the ball parallel to the table as in straight?
Josef: Anyone have any idea how seamless balls are produced ? If balls have seam it is simple but without a seam?
Johnny: How would you do a topspin serve? What are some types of topspin serves? Right now, I just hit the ball like I would with the forehand topspin, which is pretty obvious. Is there some other way with more deception?
Jeff got nervous during his cube competition. Can he improve in this area?
What have been the best and worst rule changes in the last 20 years?
What is the single most important muscle for Table Tennis?
Practicing Alone
Today Jeff received a signed ball from Michael Landers the 2009 US Open Champion. Michael stars in the movie which follows Michael, Ariel Hsing, and Lily Zhang as they try to reach the London Olympics.
Ilia - If I serve short and my opponent pops up the ball, should I go for a forehand kill applying 110% of my power? Or I should restrict my speed? What is better for my long-term development?
Jeffrey: How do you do the side sweeping forehand stroke to generate top + side spin, so the ball is going 'inside out' with penhold.
Michael: Hi coach, I need to know do I adjust the bat angle with the wrist or through the finger pressure with my thumb and index finger?
https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/adjust-bat-angle/
Sameera: When i switch from forehand to backhand the forehand is correct but I tend to keep the angle of the bat slightly open on the backhand rather than keeping it in a neutral or closed position.This leads to hitting the ball off the table.
Mindrover: Is it always better to attack or to have a balanced game? like wang liqin who used to attack all the time, and we have have zhang jike who has a balanced type of play who attacks when the opportunity arises? but both are multiple world champions.
How would you describe your style of play? What style would you like to play?
What have been the best and worst rule changes in the last 20 years?
Forehand Forehand Footwork
Noel: So after playing for almost 2 months, I think I can play in a tournament. Is this something I should pursue, or should I practice and train for say 6 months before really thinking about doing this?
Noel: Hello Alois & Jeff, If I'm hitting the ball on the edge while trying to loop or totally missing the ball when I try to loop, is this because of lack of concentration or lack of practice?
Nischay: Since, its very hot summer in India tomorrow i have my district level tournament. So is it bad to intake high quantity of water during game play?
Donato: In one of your first videos I saw you saying not to over tighten the racket. But, is this a rule that applies all the time, or there are some shots where we need to forge strongly the racket?
Frendy: I want to ask when is the perfect time to attack in a match? I think that I was too greedy and want to always attack all the time and it makes me lose a lot of points. I know this is fatal, but I also can't control myself to be very greedy.
How To Hold a Table Tennis Bat
]]>George: Good show, can you fellas describe all the major types of players, choppers, chopper hybrids, etc. Thought that would make an interesting topic.
How would you describe your style of play? What style would you like to play?
Do you practice with a robot?
How to Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin
Gargavis: Good morning my friends a strong Brazil 's embrace that love the guys program today we are among 22 people watching here at home could come together quite my friends.
Josh: I’ve been playing for about 6 months and I'd like to know which serve I should continue to practice and master. I can do both the Tomahawk and Pendulum serve quite well, but I also want to learn the reverse version of them. Which should I choose?
Lukas: In about 2 weeks (Next weekend) I will be playing in a tournament, that my coach described as Norway's (Where I live) biggest tournament. I will be playing in three different classes, and I want to know what I should train a lot on/look after when I arrive
Ilia: After watching your video on advanced forehand topspin, I gained some inspiration and tried to add wrist action to my stroke. Is there a difference in wrist usage when looping against backspin and against block? Is it more exaggerated?
Milos: The Chinese Super League has just started, and some 5-game matches were played. What's weird is that the decider games were played until just 7 points. Do you maybe know why? Are they maybe trying to test a potential new rule or something?
Lukas: Just something I've been wondering about: A lot of Chinese commentators say something like "Cha lea" when an amazing rally happen. What does it mean :)?
Chee Keat Ong: Can you actually do side spin on the pendulum serve?
Gargavis: could send a hug and a kiss to OLIVEIRA DE MARIO VASQUEZ VASQUEZ DENISE CAMILA ALEJANDRO VASQUEZ RAFAEL VASQUEZ DAVID VASQUEZ OUR WANTED TRANSLATOR JOHN SMITH SEBASTIAN SILVA SANTOS PAOLO GONZALLEZ FRIENDS ME AND MY BROTHERS we write NO CLUB BLUE BEAR IN P
PingPod #37 - Robots vs Multiball
Match Strategy Section Featuring Different Styles of Players
How To Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin
]]>We discuss the results and some fun facts from the tournament
Matthias’ Cat
Will you get a chance to play Table Tennis this weekend?
Do you practice with a robot?
Brock: I have a new Rival Another tall guy but even bigger, He is about 6'8 and 350 Pounds and he says that he can Bench Press 600 pounds, Squat 900 pounds and DL 800 pounds. The trouble is that he's a great blocker, attacker and crazy agile which's annoying. Help!
Brock: How old are you? I guess 35 and 52.
Brock: Who has the better reflexes? Table Tennis vs Boxers?
Brock: Does Deadlift and Squat increase your balance?
Brock: What is favourite sport in your free time when not doing TT ?
Noel: I wanted to know if having a table tennis in my garage alright?. Now living in Texas, it's get to be 100deg to 120deg fahrenhiet in there. Is there a table that can take that stress? Or should I just put it inside the house, although a little tight?
Noel: Hello Alois & Jeff, I played twice this weekend. On Saturday I played a couple of hours in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. Sunday I went to this club for the 1st. time, they were closing but they let me play for a hour, real nice guys.
Ganesh: Contacting the ball when it is @ it's highest position is difficult for me. But looping does not generate enough speed. I see some players bend to the level of the net to play such balls. What should be the line of eyesight while top spinning?
Morgen: How do you increase concentration and minimise mistakes?
Tam: Hi pingskills when Fan Zhendong serves his reverse serve is it reverse side topspin or reverse side underspin?
Alois tries to convince you to leave a comment to stop Jeff mentioning ridiculous facts about the current show number.
How long have you been playing Table Tennis?
Will you get a chance to play Table Tennis this weekend?
Il: Is there a moment of pressing with palm or any part of the thumb just before throwing the ball in the air at service ? Is there techniques( hold-ball-palm) for more precise accurate throwing the ball?
Marv: I am wondering how much difference there is between the best men players and the best women players.
Romeo: Let’s say I am able to defeat person A. Person A is much stronger than person B. So it means I can probably defeat person B, right? Well, I lost. So, I asked myself; "How do I defeat this kind of player?". The answer then popped into my mind. Adapt.
Johnny: I was wondering, which is better, more time in training with my coach or more time playing matches? I currently only have one hour of training each week, but play a lot more matches.
Lazy Falkenberg
Can Mima Ito each No. 1?
How long have you been playing Table Tennis?
Brock: I have improved a lot and I am one of the best in my school right now :)
Jaydev: I play very well without doing that much exercising, on the other day I play better after doing good exercises. The reverse is true. Sometimes I play well even when exhausted, What is all this mess, I can't understand. Please give me your insights
Johnny: I’ve watched some 'blockers' matches, and I found their playing interesting. I'm wondering if you've got any tips for playing as a blocker, and is the 'blocker' style effective?
Ilia: I only react if the fast ball is coming into my hitting zone or nearby. Typically I stand in my backhand corner I see that my opponent is going to topspin to my wide forehand, but instead of moving to forehand I'm mesmerized by the ball and opponent.
Pradeep: While practicing stroke I find myself quite comfortable executing my backhand. But during game when my opponent blocks , or drive on my backhand I find my backhand return stuck to the net most often.
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Forehand Topspin Variations
What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
Can Mima Ito reach No. 1?
Effects of exercise later in life.
Gargavis: Good morning my dear friends guess what we are today between 9 people here at home watching and eating popcorn ta very good program
Gargavis: You could send a hug to vasquez Alejandro, Mario olive my sister who is in love with the dark camila vasquez leticia olive eduardo silva , Patricia saints Paulo mataja , john smith and bianca sanches silva and send a big hug to all Brazilians love you guys
Todd: I play a guy that is about 6’ 6" with excellent reach both forwards and side to side. He plays with a basic bat with pimples and his game is simply to return everything without spin and work you side to side on the table. Are there any strategies?
Pasquale: I’m having a problem attacking low balls, the problem is that when i want to play a shot fast, the ball comes long and i am able to attack it, but sometimes it goes lower than the net, I’m using the topspin technique but i can’t do it fast.
Thijs: Playing with carbon blade seems I need another technique for short pushes because the ball goes into the net. If I just lift the ball, I can keep it short but any forward movement makes the backspin crawl into the rubber and dive into the net.
Daniel: Is it possible to set up a 3rd ball attack using different sidespin serves? Do specific sidespin serves lead to predictable returns to either my backhand or forehand side?
How do you topspin? Do you spin over the ball or side of it?
Forehand Topspin Against Block
Mima Ito Finals on the ITTF World Tour
Effects of Exercise Later in Life
]]>Do you listen to the show as a podcast? If so make sure to rate us!
We discuss some of the interesting statistics from the 2015 World Championships
We discuss the results from the Belarus Open
What is the best match you have ever played?
What is the scariest thing you have ever done?
Noel: Hello Jeff & Alois, My question is after using a forehand loop, my opponent returns with a weak high block, and I usually hit it out. How can I improve this? Thank you for all the tips and discussions, it really helped me alot. :)
DK: I have noticed that Matsushita often goes for seemingly surely lost balls. Do you have any idea how can he do it? I know that it is the matter of his immense physical condition. Is it something that can be learned?
Random Person: My backhand is stronger than my forehand. When blocking I have a bad habit of sometimes making a backhand block on the forehand side. Do you have any suggestions on fixing this?
Steve: Just wanted to tell you that I received my IPONG Master V300 the other day. It has been a great practice partner when I don't have someone else. The robot has good topspin and backspin so I can practice my drills all day long. I would recommend it.
Toni: Previous studies have shown that practising complex sport skills on both sides of the body benefits performance not only with the non-dominant limb, but also with the dominant limb. What do you think about bilateral transfer in table tennis skills?
World Championships Fun Facts Men's Singles
]]>Alois explains more about the new coaching rule coming into effect after the 2016 Olympics
Who is your favourite training partner?
What is the best match you have ever played?
The Falkenberg Drill
Dieter: I watched the semifinal between Ma Long and Fan Zendongh. During the warmup I noticed that in Fan's starting position for the backhand counterhit, his hand is below the elbow. My coach says elbow should be below hand. Ma is doing that. Who's right?
Michel: I’ve practising table tennis for about 5 years now, and start to notice that my game has not improved too much lately. The question I have is: Does everyone have a limitation? Even with lots of training some people seem to hit a ceiling.
Allen: I am a decent attacking player but I feel I am even better at hard bat as a defender. My skills as a Tennis player help me in the chop department. I think I should try and defend on my b/h and still attack on my f/h but I need advice on rubber.
Dakota: I was watching Samsonov and I noticed that if he had the chance for an open court shot, he would often hit it back towards where the player was, instead of going to the open court. Do most players implement this strategy or is the open court better?
Romeo: Do you recommend topspining mid-distance? If not, is there a reason why?
Correcting Errors - Make a new groove.
Dieter: 122 is one of those numbers whose sum of digits is equal to the sum of digits of its binary expansion and so is 123.
Who is your favourite training partner?
Should we continue to call the show the Ask the Coach Show or should we use another name?
Ilia: How to deal with a short no-spin serve into the middle? I find it really awkward to flick with both backhand and forehand, especially if it is slightly more at forehand side. I usually push it and it gets attacked.
Dakota: The ball doesn't begin to dip until it is almost half way across the opponents side of the table. I play at the table. Because of such a late dip, I have adjusted my swing to be more horizontal. Is there benefits of earlier or later dip?
Romeo: I have noticed that top-flight players hop when they flick. Instead of using one leg, their other leg goes in the able and the other one goes out. Is there any reason why they do this? Or is it just to wow the crowd :) ?
Johnny: After watching some games on youtube, I don't see the counter-hit getting used much in matches at the professional level. At a lower level, should I ever need to use the counter-hit in my matches?
Thomas: I watched the European Champions League live here in Duesseldorf. When Dimitrij Ovtcharov was playing and they got a new ball, he actually put the ball in his mouth and then wiped it dry with his towel. I had never seen this before and wonder why?
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Should we continue to have the #PQOTD ?
Should we continue to call the show the Ask the Coach Show or should we use another name?
Arthur: Good day, Great show as always ;), I would like to know if shadow training will improve my strokes, if it will, how much time will I spend, Thank you again, Arthur from Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Mike: I am new to table tennis and there is lots to think about. What is the first thing I should work on, and keep in my conscious mind to make habit?
Pavle: I am really interested in joining a club and entering a tournament but it is difficult to find a club to join and the same for finding a tournament to enter. So which should I do first? Find a club to join or find a tournament to enter?
Gargavis - COULD SEND A KISS AND A HUGS FOR THE BRAZILIAN?
Andrew: I notice a lot of top players at the end of the contact the bat is not moving or it is even moving backwards. For my heavy backspin serve I have to really follow thru with the bat and sometimes it will even hit my stomach.
If Ma Long were to play Waldner when he was at his best, who would win?
Should we continue to have the #PQOTD?
Keeping the Ball Low
Tam: Hi Alois is serving into the elbow a good tactic? I notice a lot of the top players do it.
Teh: I have been trying to disguise my topspin serve but i just do not get the hang of it what can i do to disguise my topspin serve.
Romeo: Is the reason why world-class players like Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Zhang Jike flick spinny backhand topspin because the ball is too low for them to flick with a flat contact?
Ismael: Hi, I have a problem i know how to do topspin forehand and backhand, flick, loop, serving etc.I don't know the way to get better I know every technique and how to use it I don't know how to get better could you help me please.
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What do you think about the new rule that from after the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, you will be able to coach between points?
If Ma Long were to play Waldner when he was at his best, who would win?
X’s & H’s
Shiva: I used to play with a cheap ready made racket of gki of $20. Now I've purchased xiom vega pro on FH and sriver on my BH on friendship 729 bomb . But changing my racket has improved my game a bit . I had expected my game to improve a lot.
Thijs: This would typically be a move for Waldner but I really want to know how to do the surprise dropshot right past the net when my opponent is far away trying to lob. I can't seem to get the ball to bounce twice. any hints or tricks how he does it?
Jaydev: I practice 3 hours per day on weekdays, and 5 hours per day on weekends. I wish to work as hard as possible till the tournaments start, then, I will have the assurance that now, I have to rely on my training. Should I continue in this way?
Charankamal: When I hit the first topspin my partner returns the ball to the backhand or at extreme forehand and i can’t return it. How can I develop fast reflexes to return the ball and if by chance I reach to the ball then the ball goes out of the table.
Can you give me some advice on how to attack a fast long serve. There is this guy that I play with who always does the same fast and long serve, just alters where he aims the serve.
Brock: Ma Long is the best player right now, I want to see Ma Long vs Waldner one more time
How to Return a Long Sidespin Serve
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Who is your favourite player on the World circuit at the moment?
What do you think about the new rule that from after the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, you will be able to coach between points?
The big tournament last weekend, which lasted for two days, went pretty good. I placed 3rd, 5th and 9th in three different classes. On the tournament I just played a couple hours ago, I placed *drumroll* 1st!
I wanted to tell you that i won 3rd place in Liberia, i won 4 matches and lost one to a very good table tennis player, also they found me so good that they are going to get me a private coach to training me professional.
Brock: How many hours a day do you think Chinese practise?
Brock: What is the difference between a loop and a Forehand Topspin? Or is it the same?
Abhinav: In the match between Timo Boll and Fan Zhendong at the worlds the commentators said that Timo takes the ball early which is the reason for his higher success rate against the Chinese. What does it mean to take the ball early and are there risks?
Utkarsh: When I execute any topspin stroke , most of the time the reason of failure is that the ball hits the edge of the racket. It happens very frequently and leads to irritation . Please help me with this. Is it necessary to contact the ball in middle?
Romeo: Is there a specific way of doing the one step technique instead of skipping around? Like where the weight of your body should be while "one-stepping”?
Pedro: Why some ping pong players say jo?
The So Called Terms for Looping in Table Tennis
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What have you learned from the World Championships?
Who is your favourite player on the World circuit at the moment?
Chris: Do you have any match advice regarding looking for an opponents weakness. Are there anything tests or you guys do to spot weaknesses before playing a match? E.g. Forehand drills, Chopping, etc? There a quick way to see where one has a weak side?
Kaustubh: If during a doubles match, serve falls in the wrong court, but it touches the net before, does the opponent pair get the point?
Thad: What sort of spin should use when trying to play around the net. I have tried this twice in the last few weeks, top spin on my backhand and side spin on my forehand. On both occasion losing the point.
Ilia: If I stay on the balls of my feet with heels barely touching the floor it is much easier to make small adjustments of my position. So should I try to keep myself in such position all the time? What is a good off table exercise to help this?
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Fang Bo on the Rampage
What is your favourite Drill?
What have you learned from the World Championships so far?
Ilia: How to adjust start, finish positions and racket speed to make a slow spinny backhand topspin against backspin, not an aggressive one? And which version should be learned first?
Brock: I played with the Tall Guy one final time and I owned him with 21-14 and 21-12. I feel unstopible now ;)
Brock: Hey PingSkills I beat my new rival :) But I am wondering, Is the start and finish position important when doing strokes?
Leeman: How do you guys feel about Xu Xin losing to Fang Bo? Xu Xin was keeping up until the edge ball at the end.
Table Tennis becomes the sport played in most countries - 222
Coaches are going to be able to give advice during a game
Daniel: 1st,OMG JIKE/XU XIN v. Long/Ball had my heart pumping! Ok.I noticed that my back is more sore after playing.But not in an injured way.Still, watching the Chinese-they seem to keep their feet relatively square 9 times out of 10 & use more legs & back. True?
Kaushik: I have a problem with sidespin service. Sometimes an opponent gives the ball both sidespin and topspin and sometimes backspin and sidespin and also vary the length of the ball making it very difficult to return the service. How do I return it?
Ubaid: How far from the table should I stand while backhand smashing? When I stand far from table I make a fast smash but mostly i fail because i can’t hit the ball accurately. When standing closer makes a fine shot but slow. What should I do?
James: If the bat hits the ball over the net while at the same time the bat is dropped during the swing, is the ball still in play? Secondly, the player can't reach so he intentionally swings and lets the bat leave his hand. Are these illegal?
Mark: I have a sheet of long pips. My index finger kept brushing against the pips and eventually started to peel the sheet off. I took some scissors and cut the pips as close to the rubber as possible. Is this legal or should I cut off the whole rubber?
Dave: Attacking long fast and very spinny serves on both back hand and forehand, what is the best tactic?
2015 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships
Watch the World Championships Live
]]>6 Chinese, 5 Choppers, 3 Indians left in the main draw. Ma Long and Timo Boll lose to Xu Xin and Zhang Jike
What was your favourite match of the day at the World Championships?
What is your favourite drill?
PingSkills Drill
Brock: Do you have any tips on different serves that I can do in variations?
Nigel: I help out at a coaching session for youngsters, a new girl started and all she seems interested in is hitting the ball flat and hard. I try and suggest the salute action and play the ball with a little less force she is not happy. Any suggestions?
Guy: What is the most effective height of the arm for being ready for the ball so i can hit the ball as low as possible. Should my arm be at the same height of the table?, below the table?, above the table?
Romeo: What makes a shot a finisher? I've arrived to the conclusion that these 3 things make a shot powerful: 1. Speed 2 Spin 3 Placement. I think there is more to it than these 3 things. Are there any other factors that makes a shot powerful?
Ilia: I don't get frustrated when an opponent outsmarts or outpowers me. But lost cheap points drive me mad, especially when the ball was high, I was in position and I missed the table. It makes me feel like all my training is wasted. How to cope with that?
2015 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships
Training Secrets Online Video Course
Serving Secrets Online Video Course
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Qualification has finished and the main draw is finalised.
The Forehand Flick
Who has the best draw in the Men’s singles at the World Championships?
What was your favourite match of the day at the World Championships?
Abdullah: I am currently using a pre-made bat, would it be suitable to remove the rubber and and reuse the blade? and pls recommend some rubbers for me that provide good spin and speed, I am an amateur learning chops and forehand loop.
Pavle: I watch the stroke videos and focus on the techniques that I see. But when I actually start playing I see that I am doing the strokes nothing like I should be doing them. Can you please give me some tips for doing better on my strokes?
Christian: I play with a friend of mine, who is very good at consistency with returning the ball. However, I was wondering if I can attack his serve. His serve is a plain topspin serve, that you guys said we shouldn't be using. Any advice on attacking it?
2015 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships
Don't Use a Plain Topspin Serve
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What has been your favourite World Championship so far?
Who has the best draw in the Men’s singles at the World Championships?
The seeded players have been put into the main draw and qualifications have commenced.
Brock: I think I have a new rival, he's an experienced player with scary power in his FH and BH and he does a really spinny serve and when I block it he does a loop into my BH fast and if I possibly block it he does a smash or Topspin, HELP!!!
Daniel: Hey, glad UR back.Good news! I've committed to the game in Jan. B/c I lost to the same friend EVERY TIME for 2 years.He beats everyone. Hard work-Dedication.I finally beat him 4 straight games.As I left he stood on his porch in awe. Lost.Thanks 4 all help!
Yunge: Is it legal to use homemade blades in tournaments?
Ahsan: What is the proper way of cleaning the table if it get dust on it?
Chris: When I watch matches of Wang Hao vs. Joo Se Hyuk it seems like he ignores the backspin because he can get a very fast loop and it looks like his blade is at a closed angle. Does he do this by using a lot of power and can amateurs use this method?
Dieter: What do you advise in terms of training between seasons? A special program, more of the same, a few weeks rest? And how about my particular case?
2015 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships
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How can the Aussies beat China at the World Championships?
How does the doubles seeding work?
What is your playing style?
What has been your favourite World Championship so far?
Ernest: How can I tell the difference between a deadball and a backspin ball when the ball is flying high in the air ? It looks the same to me. Sometimes i judge the ball wrongly so i missed the opportunity to score.
Ilia: I’m planning to attend a training camp. It lasts for five days and is very intense: 2-3 hours of practice before lunch, and the same amount after. I have about two months ahead of me, so what can I do best to prepare myself for it?
Chris: What are some ways of faking a topspin serve if you are a shakehand player? I've seen players often fake a topspin serve from a pendulum type serve. Are there other ways?
Secret Tactics for Aussies to Beat China in Table Tennis
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What is your best win?
How would you describe your playing style?
What do you think of the seeding?
Ilia: I recently changed my tactics from playing with power to playing with placement. But once in an open really, making a placement decision takes time, so I can't make a full swing for a topspin. How can I start playing topspins with placements instead of hits.
David: Any substitute for table tennis glue?
Mohamed: In the forehand topspin against block do we purely brush the back of the ball keeping the start and finish positions and the angle close or the contact is something between hitting and brushing at the same time?
Steve: I bought my ball collection net and I have been practicing my serves as much as possible. The first day I received it I must have served 1000 balls, but today I noticed that my left shoulder is sore. Yes I'm a lefty, but am I doing something wrong?
Can you say shore shoulder ten times fast?
Lukas: So the tournament is in two weeks from today, but I just found out that I'm able to compete in another tournament the week after! Should I sign up for that tournament too, or should I just play in the first one? Also, do you have any tips?
Forehand Topspin Against Block
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I played with the Tall Guy today......It was a gigantic battle between us and I have never in my life been sweating that much before...but in the end...... I WON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bendigo commentary & coaching and Alice Springs.
We discuss the seeds for the upcoming World Championships
Are choppers making a comeback?
What is your best win?
Osman: Hi, I’ve an opponent who is very fast. I mean his technique is not very good but his responses are very fast. So I cant find enough time to answer it. He plays simple but very fast. What can i do for him. What kind of techniques should i use?
Jeremy: Hi Alois I had extreme difficulties in returning a spinny backhand sidespin flick after my serve.I will need your advice in how returning properly the backhand sidespin flick with my backhand.
Romeo: After I topspin a backspin ball, should I jump back once, where I can topspin a block, or twice, where I can counter-topspin? If I jump back twice, and the opponent blocks the ball, how do I topspin it to them?
Brock: What happens if I tries to do a normal smash on a heavy backspin or topspin?
Brock: Hey Pingskills do you know how to loop when the ball is low below the table with both sidespin and backspin on it? should I do the same position anyway?
Brock: Do you know some tips against an agressive, powerful attacker with scary forehands and backhands? I try the forehand push but he always do a forehand flick and if it's long he does a forehand topspin, what should I do against this sort of game?
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What did you do or are you doing for World Table Tennis Day?
Are choppers making a comeback?
Ilia: I’ve noticed that when I play a fast topspin against a push, I finish near my head. When I play a slow spinny topspin I finish halfway, at my shoulder level. With this shortened stroke I can hit balls consistently. Should I try to fix this?
Nikola: I’m having some trouble chopping the ball low over the net with my long pimples. Sometimes it goes low but occaisonaly it goes a bit higher and my opponent is able to smash the ball. Do you have any tips on how to get the ball lower over the net?
Aaron: Say your opponent hits a high backspin lob. The ball crosses your end line when it is high in the air, but then starts drifting back and looks like it will bounce on your side of the table. Can you stop the rally to point out that this has occurred?
Jack: Whats the best side to do while serving, the black side or the red side?
Brock: I have start practise really serious and way more intense training with a special coach, I practise 6 days a week in 3-4 hours and I think with this training I am sure I can beat the Tall Guy next week ;) I started this last week, I want to beat him ! !
Ilya: I struggle with a fast backspin serve to my backhand. When I'm trying to topspin it with my backhand, I almost have no time to make a full swing and rotate my body. Should I keep trying the full motion, or shorten it, like a topspin flick?
Daniel: As a penholder I've been playing unconventionally-chopping &more side spins.Some say I am giving up my superior power/fast advantage.While it does work am I really breaking the mold by doing this?(& Jeff whats taking over your face-Alois, school him please.
Quentin: Hey guys are their any good tactics that i can use against a left hander with a very fast powerful forehand and decent backhand.
Long Pimple Attack Against Backspin
Options Against a Long Backspin Serve
Alois Commenting on the ITTF World Junior Circuit Australian Open
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Who would win an arm wrestle between Jeff and Alois?
What did you do or are you doing for World Table Tennis Day?
Muhammad: I have heard of grips I have heared flared amnatonic or straight what is the best one?
Ashish: I had this in mind for a long time that why do most of the top players bang their foot while having contact with the ball on serve?
Devin: I have been working on my forehand topspin and other strokes, but my opponent seems to just keep getting it back on the table. Do you have any tips for me on getting the point against really good defensive players?
Daniel: Hey Guy, even though I get beaten since you recommended joining a club. I've used your tips to beat a decent player.First one since Jan. I just wanted to thank Alois for the Better Days Will Come encouragement.Keep up the good work so I can win more!
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What is the peak age for Table Tennis?
Who would win an arm wrestle between Jeff and Alois?
The most important skill in table tennis
Brock: How tall are you? I guess you're like 5'10 or something like that?
Kyriakos: I was trying to execute the 3rd ball attack tactic but couldn't get the response i wanted from my opponent to attack the ball so could you point out some good serve variations that i can use to execute this tactic.Thanks in advance.
Mat: I know that you alway insist push is a defensive stroke, but I find putting more spin and doing in a finer and quicker contact and aiming for the corner could win some easy points. Pls tell me how to do it, and how to defend it.
Christian: Can you please tell me how can i pull off a short topspin serve, that i see most pro players do? it looks really confusing.
Frendy: There's a coach said that multi ball is only useful for beginners and useless for pros. He said that it's better to practice with only one ball. What do you think about it? If it's useful, how much frequency should I practice with multi ball?
Valentin: Hey there, I recently did some drills with a partner but she had forgotten her racket and had to use an old one.I struggled a bit as the ball was going in the net.So can a really old inverted rubber that is worn out work as an antispin rubber? Weird.
Valentin: What is your favourite brand of table tennis balls? *will be waiting for the review of the new rubbers, Alois* :D
The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis
Don't Use a Plain Topspin Serve
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Do you like playing against long pimples?
What is the peak age for Table Tennis? Mima Ito and He Zhiwen
Brock: Hey PingSkills I have a HUGE problem!! I met a huge player today, He's 6'9 and close to 400 pounds and he looks like a Bodybuilder and he trains Strongman training but his strokes are really powerful and fast because he has HUGE and Powerful arms, Tips?
Daniel: Look at you guys together and all. Love it! I wondered- do you guys live far from each other? How long have you know each other? What are your professions outside of PingSkills?
Brock: My problem with my backhand has improved but I have a trouble to block fast smashes into my backhand area, I'm a good blocker on my forehand but I often miss when it's my backhand, Have you some tricks and tips I can try?
Brock: Who would win in an Arm Wrestling between you two? Do you think you can show us tomorrow on the show?
Valentin: Hi there, great to see you together. Can you explain the effects of the anti spin rubbers. Also, is a slow or fast table actually a thing? What are some characteristics to look for when buying a table? Thanks! Also , get well, Jeff!
Tam: Hi PingSkills, What are the key components to have a forehand like Ma Long?
Vincent: Sometimes when I hit the ball I can hear it hit the wood. Does this mean that I have to get thicker or harder rubber?
Wilson: I’ve been practicing the same the routine, mainly footwork and 3rd ball attacks. During the practice, I can execute the moves perfectly, but I could not perform the same way during tournaments. Do you have any suggestions I can try out?
Girish: I’m not comfortable with plastic ball. My topspin is very good. Push is difficult with plastic ball?
Valentin: Hi again, Somebody showed me a way to practice alone.It's basically multiball but without having the ball fed to me by another person/robot.What I do is just drop the ball on the table with one hand and then execute the stroke.Do you think that's ok?
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Do you like playing in cold or hot weather better?
Do you like playing against long pimples?
We talk about results from the 2015 Spanish Open.
Forehand Finish Position - Make sure you get it right!
Brock: I played with an experienced player and the problem is that he does really really spinny spins, no matter how fast action I do on the contact point it just goes into the net. Help Me!
Ilia: Learning the topspin backhand flick and I'm finding it to be a difficult shot. I noticed that it is easier to lift backspin and nospin balls if I contact the ball with the very tip of my racket. Should I keep trying to hit the ball with the tip?
Yunge: How do you forehand and backhand flick using CPen.
Khalid: I have a problem with topspin vs backspin. Out of 10 backspin balls in a gameI can only return 5 or 3 with topspin. Some say my rubber is too hard. I have tried vega pro, tenergy 05, tenergy 80. All of them don't make me satisfied.
Valentin: I was wondering , is it possible and if it is , how can one get sponsored by a table tennis company?
Maeen: Not in spin, in a flat rally, is it better to move your wrist through hitting ball especially on back hand or not?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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We discuss the recent German Open winner Mima Ito
What other sports do you enjoy playing?
Do you like playing in cold or hot weather better?
Dieter: We discuss what Dieter calls "Swedish Training"
Daniel: What are some physical exercises that could improve one's footwork? Are jump ropes any good?
Dakota: When does a strong pushing ability stop being enough? I've reached the point where a weak looping ability off backspin is by far the largest factor separating myself and the best guys at my club. What point is the flick the 'next' jump up in skill?
Bogdan: What happens if the ball hits your bat handle?
Matthias: I have some back pain so I was not sure whether I can play at all. I started slow and tried to avoid any abrupt motions and had no pain while playing. I noticed that my counterhits and topspins were very consistent and as fast. Any comments?
Viktor: I have a problem ! ! ! My weak shot is my backhand and the problem is that they know my weak shot so they hit on my backhand side so I miss often the table or the net. Please Help Me
David: Getting a new bat: very powerful and a lot of spin. Any ways to get used to it. Any specific drills?
Viktor: Have you ever have a rival that you found hard to beat?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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How do you prepare for an important match?
What other sports do you enjoy playing?
Recognise Your Feelings - Jeff talks about his recent cube competition - https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/sports-psychology/recognise-your-feelings/
Dieter: At our level, opponents will play opposite to the tactics we learned during training. Should we do what the match requires, even if it's a bad habit for higher level tactics?
Dieter: When doing "Swedish training", is it important to focus on the consistency of getting the ball on the table or on the consistency of doing the stroke correctly?
Andrej: I know it's very common to use a thicker rubber on the forhehand than on the bachhand side, the opposite seems to be rather unusual. I never chop with the bh only push and spin.The combo seems right for me because the heavy fh chop is natural.
Chris: What are you thoughts about loosening the grip. From what i've seen from the videos Pingskills has posted, it's advised to loosen the grip to allow for cushioning. Would you guys agree with the sentiment to utilize more of a pinch hold on the bat?
Johnny: I get very angry/frustrated when I'm losing to a player who I think of lowly. This cause me to play very badly and lose a lot of points. I am a beginner, but have done about 6 months of coaching. I felt like my work and money was being wasted.
David: There's a guy who i can't beat he teases my weak spots but as much as i practice those shots i can't beat him
Viktor: How effective is Forehand topspin? Is it the most effective stroke?
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What age did you start playing Table Tennis?
Should we have a segment commenting on PingSkiller’s player profile or a top International player?
How do you prepare for an important match?
Viktor: I played with the Tall Guy again and I lost AGAIN!!!!!!!! .........Rare? It feels like I will never beat him :( He's too good for me.
Aatif: I am a strong fh player but I cant play backhand. When the ball comes to my backhand I go to play fh n lose my point !!! my backhand is weak. I need to improve it because I am selected for interschool under 14... please help
Matt: I am just wondering how to "seal" my blade and what product is best to use, I have recently purchased a Stiga infinity vps blade, but later noticed reviews saying it is a good blade but it needs sealing as the outer veneer layers are weak.
Ismael: When you serve in a competitions are you allowed to do the Ma Lin serve? They told me that when you serve it needs to bounce on your side then the next bounce is at the other side of the table and then it can't bounce again on the other side.
Viktor: Was it you or your parents that said you could start TT?
Alois' amazing comeback using his forehand
How to execute the Ma Lin serve
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Is the rest of the World catching up to China?
What age did you start playing Table Tennis?
Today Alois discusses the Flick
Daniel: I am a penholder and play at a club, I've been told that I need to return the ball more- to extend the rally. My issue is that I serve and wait for my third ball- then I usually forehand topspin the shot with a ton of power. Is this wrong?
Marv: I have noticed that a lot of players will place their flat hand on the table, next to the net, between points. Why do they do this? Is it some kind of rule, or just a superstition?
Thomas: I played some doubles in my club and one player got REALLY angry at me because I was standing in the middle of the table while I was serving. He said that my playing partner can not see well enough, so while serving I should I stand at the side?
Alan: I am happy and sad right now.I finally beat that guy i could not beat for 2 months and that is why i am happy.But after that i lost from a guy who is weaker than me. I it is probably because i underestimated him. Did this ever happen to you ?
Viktor: You are the best coaches in the world, Your tips are great and you inspiring all Pingskillers and if Hall of Fame existed then you should be there ;) Thanks for all the tips and more you have gave us :D
Rob: I have a major problem when playing against pushers who push with heavy backspin. It doesn’t matter what I do, I only get back heavy backspin balls. He only served long with backspin to my backhand.
Nigel: Alois, Jeff what areas of her table tennis game can Ito Mima work on in the coming years, she appeared to have virtually no weakness in her game when I was watching. Also what strategy would you employee to beat that style of player?
Viktor: Who is the best player right now?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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What segments should we include on the ask the coach show?
We talk about some interesting results from the German Open
Is the rest of the World catching up to China?
Viktor: Hahahaha I couldn't stop laugh when Alois couldn't say Omonoiadam. Do you guys get paid by money when you learn and coach people on YouTube?
Preston: I have noticed that when i hit the ball around the outside of my racket it has a slightly fainter sound then on the inside. Is this normal?
Ali: When I want to play BH counter hit or topspins I contact the ball so early that it doesn't have any accuracy and most of the balls go into the net or out of the table.
Yunge: I want to find out how to do a pendulum and a reverse pendulum serve in pengrip. I tried searching on YouTube but it is always in shake hand.
Viktor: Where is the contact point to generate the most spin?
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What has been your favourite question in the show so far?
The draw for the German Open has been released
Yash: I see players often topspin a chop played by a defender instead of chopping it back..Is there any specific reason.
Preston: Hi Alois, I am a speed and attack player. and was wondering what thickness sponge you would recommend?
Hi it's Alan back from yesterday and your tips really helped but unfortunately I didn't win against that guy. Anyway i almost beat him but i am still doing some mistakes like I am still attacking and I am using forehand on my backhand.
Ilya: I want to improve my short game. What should I learn first? A flat backhand flick, or a backhand topspin flick? And what are advantages of both?
Viktor: Which has been your most difficult question to answer here?
Haroon: Who is the best company for table tennis?
Haroon: How do i know if i'm a defender of a attacker?
Haroon: What bat do you always use especially the one you have with you there?
Thanks to everyone for their suggestions on improving the show
What segments should we include on the ask the coach show?
How did ping skills start and how did you two meet?
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Alois and Jeff discuss the German Open
How do you watch the World’s best Table Tennis players?
What has been your favourite question in the Shows so far?
Antonio: Who is the better in defender? Koji Matsushita or Joo Se Hyuk?
Georgeta: How to execute (if any) a block cut with backhand.? I know how to do a block cut with the running forehand, but I've never managed to do the same thing with the backhand. By the way, I don't know if this is the correct name for the hit.
Eduardo: I’ve been training my backhand to change my orientation to the table. Most people say that flared handle is better for forehand, i use straight handle to improve my backhand technique. Is it viable to change or should I stay with straight handle?
Georges: My coach told me that I was finishing too high. I got a bit confused since I had been doing just what I had seen in your video. So I decided to keep on finishing high at my eyebrow. The coach kept saying finish lower. What should I do?
David: What bat do you suggest for an intermediate who has a powerful forehand topspin and quite a lot of spin
Alan: Alan: I am a amateur and I am almost best in my club but I am struggling to beat one player.He is very aggressive and I am also very aggressive ,but my dad says to me that i should be more defensive but i still lose do you have any tips?
Viktor (aka Brock): i forgot to say that I lost again against the tall guy, so boring that I can't beat him :(
Viktor: Who do you think will win German Open?
Hi, i am a semi beginner and i want to play a lot more, but sadly the nearest club is 45 minutes away. Any suggestions of what i should do?
David: I use the tomahawk serve but am looking for a variety of serves what do you recommend?
Previous Ask the Coach Show Blogs
Kenta Matsudaira's Sidespin Block
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What is the most important stroke in Table Tennis?
How do you watch the best players in the world?
Viktor (aka Brock): Do you have special tips to improve my game against the tall guy? I've noticed that I need more tips from legendary experts ;)
Matt: I just wanted to ask if you have any advice for big players as I am 6'7 300+ pounds I love both bodybuilding and table tennis, especially table tennis! But obviously being this size slows me down and I feel I am at a big disadvantage
Kaushik: In Doubles after serving I move to the side but often my partner complains that I do not move away from the line of the ball, making it difficult for him to return and I find myself out of position. What is the best way of moving?
Frendy: I just want to know how much training frequency in one week? Because from now on I'll practice 6 times in one week and the duration is 1 hour each day. But I afraid that it's too much and will make my condition bad.
Maciej: When I started to work on doing more effective backhand serve, I see that these services are some great, some very bad. This is for sure something that I can work harder. One thing is the biggest problem is I throw the ball up and miss it.
Lukas: I've improved massively on the backhand topspin and the loop, but only close to the table. When I'm far away I can't seem to get a clean hit, and the ball just flies away. Any tips on how to do it far away from the table?
Viktor: Which was the first advanced stroke you learnt?
Doubles Strategy (and footwork)
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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Enter our 100th show competition for a chance to win a yearly PingSkills premium membership
Alois talks about some interesting results from the 2015 Asian Cup
What suggestions do you have to make the Ask the Coach Shows even better?
What is the most important stroke in Table Tennis?
Andre: When doing your modified grip for serving my bat always seems to slip a tiny bit from my thumb and index finger. Should I keep working on that modified grip or are there others that dont need as much of a force to keep stable?
Eduardo: I’ve found difficult to play against blockers, and players that play very close to the table, because that requires a lot from my footwork, I'm very tired. i wanted to change my style to two-winged looper. If you could help me how.
Umar: My topspin usually goes directly into the net although I do the follow through correctly. Can you tell me any reasons for this? How can I overcome this defect? It's destroying my game and I give about 5-6 points to the opponent due to this.Help!!!
Michel: When counterlooping, what technique is better? Counterloop with straight topspin or try to angle the bat to add a little sidespin? Which is easier to perform?
Viktor: When is the next Table tennis Tour, do you think Waldner will sign up for it?
Alfredo: What is your go-to serve for a penhold opponent?
Topspin to Tospin (Counterloop)
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Let us know your suggestions for a competition for our 100th show.
Who is the best Female player at the moment? Who is favourite for the World Championships?
What suggestions do you have to make the Ask the Coach Shows even better?
Viktor (Brock): I played with the tall guy yesterday but i lost again but it was really close this time. match 1: 21- 19 and match 2: 32- 30 so I will keep practising so I can beat him very well ;)
Romeo: I removed my rubber as demonstrated on your video. While removing the rubber I remembered I did not have glue with me so I removed it entirely and placed it on again.To my surprise, it didn't come off. Is it alright for me to play with it like that?
Bhaswar: How do I increase the longevity of the rubber?
Dieter: I was practicing the footwork for the butterfly drill today. When you are the one going down the line, the footwork is more comprehensive. Should I try switching with just one step or by doing two steps? (Cross court I can manage with one step)
Rob: I love playing a fairly open attacking game but when my opponent slows me down by doing short (double bounce type) chops I sometimes get sucked in to a pushing game and find it hard to break out of that game to play the game I want.
Sasha: Last night I was playing against a player with two types of pimples. He had short pimples on the forehand and long pimples on the backhand. What strategies should I use since there are two different rubbers?
Lukas: Could you explain how rankings work? For example the ITTF World Rankings. Is ranking different from each other in different countries, or is it the same all way?
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What competition should we run to celebrate our #100 show next Friday?
What will you be doing for World Table Tennis Day on April 6th?
Who is the best Female player at the moment? Who is favourite for the World Championships?
Viktor: A teacher at my school was visiting, and he was HUGE, like a giant. He's like 7'3 tall and around 500 pounds and he tried to play table tennis with us and he played very well. Do tall guys have an advantage in Table tennis?
Thomas: When dropping a ball on a blade with NO rubber on it is it true that generally a slower blade gives a deeper sound and a faster blade a higher sound? So that the sound gives you an indication of the speed/flexibility of the blade?
Viktor: Which bat am I looking for if I want a bat with great bounce on it?
Romeo: If I serve a short backspin ball, and the opponent pushes it back, does this mean that the backspin I placed on the ball is cancelled out? If that is the case, then will the backspin be heavier if I pushed it long?
Johnny: Hello! When my opponent does a short heavy backspin serve I usually push to ball back short with my own heavy spin. I've seen players topspins/loop backspin balls, and I wonder if you can do it against a short backspin serve?
Viktor: Are you finished with your cube Alois ;)
How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat
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After winning the German National championships, can Timo Boll win the World title?
What will you be doing for World Table Tennis Day on April 6th?
Johan: Why do offensive players seem to prefer to lob rather than chop when they're forced to defend?
Dieter: Are you guys genetically good humoured to be so cheerful in the morning or is it the Australian sun?
Andrew: I notice when I practice my forehand the ball marks on the bat are closer to and below the handle, where should I be making contact on the bat? Should it be more in the middle of the bat or say on the trailing edge or leading edge of the bat?
Lukas: My club is arranging a tournament in April. It's from 8am to 8pm, two days in a row. Any tips on how to prepare for this tournament?
Roman: When I start my first match against the strongest opponent I often win the match without any troubles. But in the next games when I play against lower rated players I can't focus anymore. Any ideas for my mental misery?
Ashok: How can I download the videos on to my iPhone?
Sarang: How to block a heavy topspin if your about 1m away from the table? I find it difficult to block it and it always goes out of the table as I couldn’t control it.
Daniel: Man, I went to the club last night and got my butt kicked! Last week I felt better. Do players go through these streaks? Cold and hot? Is it normal to have good days an bad days?
PingSkills 52 Week Training Plan
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Is Fan Zhendong the best Under 18 player ever?
After winning the German National title again, is Boll ready to take the World title?
Dieter: Hi guys. Today I read a few mental tips. The author said NOT to think about technique during a match, 'cause it will make your game slow. A club mate told me the same. I always thought you had to consciously bring what you've learnt to match situations.
Yoan: Hi Alois ! I recently noticed that I am not playing as well as I could because I put a lot of pressure on myself. How can I stop putting pressure on myself ? Thank you!
Long: I want to make a backhand loop, but normal loop is not enough because it cannot be as strong as the forehand, so I want to increase the spin. So how to make a slow spinny loop or get more spin on the backhand loop?
Johnny: Hey. Today while I was playing, an experienced player watched me play and told me to use my forearm/elbow, and not to use my whole arm/shoulder. I'm just a bit confused as I've been taught to use my whole arm. Thanks.
Lukas: Lately I've been watching a lot of Samsonov matches, and I just don't understand the contact on his serve. When he serves, he doesn't really loosen up his grip too much, but he still get's a crazy amount of sidespin. How?
Forehand Topspin Against Block
How to do Vladimir Samsonov's Serve
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When is the strangest time you have played or trained Table Tennis?
Is Fan Zhendong the best Under 18 player ever?
Is it disrespectful to call the game Ping Pong?
Brock: I haven't played with the tall guy in a week now and i think I need more practise so I can beat him next time so i think i will practise for 3 more weeks then face him or do I need more time to practise?
Jasper: I played a very fast blocker who was very good in placin the ball on the table. I lost 3-0. What are some good tips to win against this type of player?
Lukas: If I were to buy the Mark V rubber, which type would be best for Offensive - ? The normal Mark V, or the Mark V GPS? The GPS is a little softer.
Brock - When the ball is long do you prefer the forehand topspin or forehand chop?
Morgen: Do you have tips on the forehand slice? I play this stroke all the time it comes as a good stroke for me in matches.
Sam: After watching countless matches, I can see that practically all the players bounce the ball on the table a few times before they serve. They also bounce it on their racket sometimes. Obviously this must be allowed but what is the point in doing it?
Konstantin: How to do a very short serve? I try but it becomes too easy for my opponent.
Match Strategy Playing a Blocker
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Which player do you want to play like?
When is the strangest time you have trained or played Table Tennis?
Ma Long new No 1 in the World
Michael: I was wondering which players in the top 100 use short pimples on their forehand. I am thinking of offensive players like Wang Zeng Yi.
Dieter: Last Friday I played inter-club and lost against 2 short pimple players around 1100 ELO and a anti-power player of 800. I'm 750 myself. I beat a 900 player with regular bat. In our club we don't have players with strange rubbers. How to train for that?
Brock: Which is your favourite match of all time?
Trevor: How can I avoid or improve being wrong-footed when my opponent goes for a smash/ finishing shot?
Bhaswar: While practising the forehand strokes i am not always able to find the right combination of bat angle and bat speed , and so the ball ends up hitting the net or flying out of the table.What should i do?
Mahammed: Is there something such as a sidespin forehand flick and if there is, can penholders do it?
Brock: Do you know a tip against an aggressive attacker?
Martinand: Hello coach, I suppose that the sponge is very important to do and to learn topspin, my question what thickness, 2 mm or less the sponge hard or not hard?
Thomas: I am entering my first tournament and I have an ittf approved bat, but I was wondering about shoes and what to wear. Do the shoes have to be specifically table tennis shoes. Also are there any other requirements that most people don't know about?
Naveesha: What are the best services for a player using a pimple rubber?
Forehand Topspin Against Block
What to Expect at a Tournament
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What playing conditions make a difference for you? Floors, lights, table?
Which player do you want to play like?
The winners, the losers, and the different styles as people age.
Brock: I watched the Legend Tour yesterday and Waldner lost in the semi-final but I thought he would win this time. Did you notice some things he forgot to do or think about that made him lose?
Sam: I was thinking whether I could mix a fast blade with slow rubbers, as the next bat I get will probably be customised. This means that you could start with slow rubbers then when you want faster rubbers you can keep and save money on the Blade?
Akash: If we play table tennis on a small tt table, is it helpful for us or not? What is the advantages and disadvantages.
Thomas: Recently I played with someone with a lot of experience and my soft short pendulum serve won me some points, and he criticized this serve and the points won by it. I wonder if there is an unwritten rule that you are not supposed to serve like this.
Peerawit: Who is the best penhold player ever?
Bhaswar: Who is the best Chinese table tennis player ever?
Kunaljeet: What's the best table tennis bat?
Brock: How can table tennis be that popular a sport?
Haroon: Do you have any tips for playing in high amounts of wind?
Brock: How helpful is a robot?
Stellan Bengtsson Vs Chuang* Tse-tung
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The ITTF Legends Tour Ignites Ping Power in Halmstad
Is red really faster? Which colour do you use on your forehand?
What playing conditions make a difference for you? Floors, lights, table?
Johan: Are there any potential downsides to Reverse Backhand serve? I find it easier to play short with spin than normal backhand serve. People just stare at you like "what the hell did you just do?" if you start with a long and fast serve like that.
Ben: I was at a tournament a few years ago and saw people from new york putting some kind of foam on the rubber blade of the paddle and using a a special sponge to help the rubber more slick, what exactly is it?
Charankamal: How do you hit a topspin on a sharp push and how to make it spinny and slow?
Andrej: I tried two different short pimples out rubbers, both of which are said to generate spin. While I'm aware that there can never be as much spin as with inverted, with my usual technique I wasn't able to get any amount of topspin on the ball.
Bhaswar: while doing the forehand -forehand counterhit with my friends the ball sometimes becomes too low or goes though the middle of the table .i cannot hit it with the same speed and drop it on the same place..and where do i stand near the table to it the best?
Brock: Do you think Waldner can win the Legends Tour?
Jaydon: When I return a slam, is it better to slam back or just to do a backhand topspin?
Jaydon: If I upgrade my bat, what is the best part to upgrade?
Receiving Smashes in Table Tennis
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Does a home ground make much difference to results in Table Tennis?
Is Red really faster? Which colour rubber do you use for your forehand?
Johan: How would you go about making a tomahawk serve without much spin? Currently I do it by coming under the ball a lot and pushing it forward a bit... It looks like a no spin serve as a variation on pure backspin. Is there any subtler way?
Lukas: So when I watch Waldner play, I notice that he ALWAYS serves from his left corner. He does the same swing, but he moves his wrist differently, so he get's different spin most of the time. Is there a good way to learn to serve like this?
Ilia: All the footwork drlls that I saw so far are regular, the active person know where to expect the ball (unless they practice with an inconsistent partner). Does it make sense to add randomness to the footwork exercises?
Phillip: When playing doubles and the server is serving very close to the center line, who has the call if the serve is in or out? Specifically, if there is a disagreement, (there is no umpire or referee) does the server or receiver have the final say?
Lukas: I'm trying to get better at the backhand topspin (where you really twist your wrist before you do the stroke). It really depends where I hit on the racket, so I'm wondering; where is the contact point for this stroke?
Steve: Terminology in Table Tennis?
PingSkills Training Drills PDF
Terminology of Table Tennis Question
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Can Timo Boll & Ma Long win this year's World Doubles Championships?
Does a home ground make much difference to results in Table Tennis?
Brock: I have been watching some Jan Ove Waldner matches and I was wondering ' Can he match the level and beat players like Timo Boll or Ma Lin? Do you think Waldner would match that level these players are right now? He would crush them in his prime easy.
Calle: I sit in a wheelchair. The problem is that backhand goes very good, but I can't take forehands because then I need to move with the wheelchair, so what I choose to do is to hit with back hand...is there anything I can do to be able to hit forehand?
Johan: You talk about by making a heavy topspin, you will neutralise your opponent's spin. Does the same hold true for backspin or sidespin? If you get a really fine and fast brush, will it counter their spin in the same way as a heavy topspin?
Lukas: On Friday, I was playing matches in my club. I was 2-0 down when I was playing my first match, but then I started telling myself: "I'm better than this guy", "I can beat him easily". I won the game 3-2 after that. Have you done this before?
Brock: Do you know a special tip to improve your backhand and forehand smash?
Matt: I was just wondering if a change of rubber is necessary for the new plastic balls as I haven't played with them yet, I have seen many stores selling rubbers that sell plastic ball ready rubbers and some that aren't plastic ready.
Ernest: Is it possible to move our old rubber to new blade?
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Have you started using the Plastic ball yet?
Can Timo Boll & Ma Long win this year's World Doubles Championships?
At the World Championships Timo Boll and Ma Long will play together in doubles. Will this be good for table tennis?
Nigel: Manufacturers sell a product with low life expectancy for some remarkably high prices. Currently I am enjoying Tenergy 80 but find it is very brittle and at the current disintegration rate will have to replace it before it's 3 months old!
Matt: My partner and I practice 2 or 3 times a week for 2 hours each time. We have been wondering whether it is better to take it in turns to feed multiball to each other or to do drills by hitting the ball back to each other. Thank you
Johan: An opponent in a little burst of frustration said I "play like a woman", because I play so close to the table. I thought it was hilarious, but then I started wondering, is there anything to his observation that women play closer to the table?
Brock: I forgot to say that I hold down my finger on my bat but it hit either my fingers or the edge on my bat. I feel like I have the most unluck in school. It doesn't hit my finger when I practise in my club, just in the school. I sometimes nearly throw my bat
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Guest Mark Taylor talks about how to run a successful club
What was the most important thing you learned at your first tournament?
Have you started using the plastic balls yet?
Christopher: Hi Jeff and Alois! Just an update on the club, we have implemented a few of the suggestions you gave and numbers have been steadily increasing. We hit our peak a few days ago (about 24 people with 4 tables) and may need to look at another venue. Thank you!
Bhaswar: When a ball comes (not much fast)on the left side of the table i go to the left hand corner and try to play the forehand topspin stroke...while doing it very fast (the movement) I lose balance and move away from the table. What should i do to stop this?
Brock: Who is the better one between all three of you?
Lukas: A couple of days ago I started using a fast topspin against a very spinny sidespin serve. It worked pretty good for me. Is this an effective way to return the serve, or is there a better way? (Short push, chop or something else)
Edgar: I want a premium membership for one month only, but apparently you charge my paypal account every month. How do I get one month only to try it out?
Did Brock beat the tall guy?
How long can Samsonov stay competitive with the best in the World?
What was the most important thing you learned at your first tournament?
Andre: I am going for the tournament and I need help with what equipment I need e.g (kind of) clothing, number of bats and so on. I would like to know everything so I don't embarrass myself in the tournament. Thanks in advance?
Frendy: I want to ask about the thumb on backhand. Some people told me to put my thumb a little bit up on the rubber but some others told me to only put it on the paddle just like the usual grip.
Ralph: When I want to vary between a fast loop and slow loop off heavy chop, could explain the two different techniques to achieve those shots. How open should the blade be? How much should you let the ball drop? how much should the ball reach the wood?
Nikola: Hello! I am interested in investing in a new sheet of long pimples. I am wondering what the difference between OX (no sponge) and 1-1.2mm sponge. How will it affect the playstile of the rubber and my arsenal of shots?
Brock: have a problem, When I am playing in the school I often hit my finger, very often. nearly all balls I get. the players who is worser than me wins. Do you have some tip to help me with that or there isn't a tip to help that?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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Rolling the Ball from Side to Side
We discuss the rules around playing for another country
When your opponent makes a service error, do you say "Thank you”?
How long can Samsonov stay competitive with the best in the World?
Brock: Your tip for the loop with backspin and sidespin didn't work, do you have any other tip to block it? I'm frustrated :D !!!!
Lukas: Today at school I played against one of the best player in my club, and he won 15-13, none of us were trying our hardest, but I was still happy about the result. He's been playing a LOT longer than me, so I think that I've improved a lot in just 4 weeks!
Huzaifa: I have seen many people doing the tomhawk serve and they say that it is a very special serve i don’t seem to see anything special in it WHY?
Brock: Which serve do you prefer, the pendulum or the tomahawk serve?
Nick: It was recently suggested to me by a much better player (I'm a beginner) that I should keep my wrist angled a little down. He says it will be important to move to the next level. I have been using a straight wrist shakehand grip. What are your thoughts?
Koekjes95: Hi pingskillers, After 10 years of playing I have developed quite effective serves. But still, I keep missing too much serves in a match. Do you have any tips to improve my consistency in serving?
Lukas: And also, when I get a heavy topspin serve, I tend to go a little back and loop the ball back. Should I continue doing that, or should I try and get used to the tips in your video on heavy topsin?
Brock: How can I improve my balance?
Viet: Nowadays, I see defenders and penholders are getting fewer. Most of top players now play shakehand style and attack. For example, Joo Se Hyuk is the only defender that is well known. Also, Xu Xin and Wang Hao are the only penholders.
Nick: I am finding it takes me a long time (a couple of hours) of playing to really be able to play at my peak. Any advice or warmups that might help?
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Should the ITTF put in place stricter rules to stop ex Chinese players playing for different countries?
When your opponent makes a service error, do you say "Thank you”?
Bhaswar: How do we play against a very heavy sidespin? The one that spins on the right? I generally use the forehand topspin stroke.
Brock: How can a Chinese play better at table tennis than a Swedish player? Different tempo or what?
Lukas: How old do you think Tomokazu Harimoto was when he started to play table tennis?
Brock: Does Waldner still live in China or does he live in Sweden now or does he still compete?
Matthew: I’ve been training for a month and I’ve learnt the forehand and backhand counterhit, backhand and forehand push, and forehand topspin. I can do around 100 of these. I am thinking about becoming a Premium member and using the 52 week training plan.
Tom: How do you roll the ball from one side of the bat to the other. In your 'practicing alone' video at 02:05 you start rolling the ball from one side to the other. How do you do this?
J-B: Playing against an opponent of similar level. Leading with what statistically looks like a decisive margin, say like 8-5. You think that in this position, it would be a shame to not be able to close it. You play like your grandmother and blow it.
Andre: I have been playing table tennis for 4 years and I want to begin to play in tournaments. There's a tournament in 2 months and it's a regional qualifier. Should I sign up for it or do I still need more time to practise?
Bhaswar: When practising the backhand counterhit I don't much follow through but the ball goes really nice? Is it really important now to follow through?
Brock: Who was your grown-up idol in table tennis when you were kids?
Lukas: It's very impressive, Tomokazu proved how good you can get in a couple of years. Do you think that if you practise hard enough, that you can reach that level in just a couple of years?
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Who is hungriest for the World Championships 2015?
Should the ITTF put in place stricter rules to stop ex Chinese players playing for different countries?
Safir Open and Qatar Open
Nigel: I was umpiring a junior match between a boy and a girl about 10-13 years old. The girl won the first game and the boy the second after that the girl came out crying, this seemed to put the lad off . How should you handle this sort of situation?
Ernest: Is a topspin stroke the most effective way to counter a long serve? Are there any strokes to return long serve? Maybe you can suggest to me another way to return long serve effectively.
Kaustubh: How does speed affect spin and vice versa?
Brock: How can I block a loop with backspin and sidespin on it? The tall guy started doing this last time. How can I block it? I can block normal loops.
Bhaswar: What are the exercises that we can do to improve our movement and balance while playing table tennis?
Lukas: What's the best way to counter a really heavy topspin?
Bhaswar: Who is the best table tennis player ever?
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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What are the critical factors for running a successful club?
Who is hungriest for the World Championships 2015?
Brock: I played with the tall guy earlier today and he won 2-0 in matches, match 1: 21- 15 and Match 2: 21-17 so I'm really close now and I think I might beat him next week :) just so you know ;)
Daniel Lim: I recently played a player who had a very strong and accurate third ball attack and lost badly. Are there any general tips you could give to discourage or even prevent a third ball attack from an opponent?
Daniel Coto: I am able to glue the rubber correctly to the blade, but I am having nightmares getting a clean cut. I've seen people cut the sponge with the first motion and then the sheet with the second pass. I don't know what knife I should use.
Geoff: I have settled on the backhand serve for my "bread and butter" serve as it is successful. If my other serve is the tomahawk serve, the sidespin element on all my services would be in the same direction. Do you feel like this a drawback?
Phil: For maximum topspin should you contact the ball with the top half or bottom half of the paddle?
Christopher: What is your experience with fake blades/rubbers?
Sasha: I have got a tournament on Sunday and I am concerned about an opponent's serve. He does a sidespin backspin serve to my forehand, I can't topspin. Should I play the backhand from the forehand corner.
Brock: If I would train my wrist and forearm in a gym, would I get more spin then?
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Without the Chinese players at the Qatar Open, can Ovtcharov win?
What are the critical factors for running a successful club?
Andre: I’ve been think about this for a while now, why don't people hide their strokes, like their serves back in the day? I know it would be hard to master but adding side spin slightly to a topspin ball can really make the difference.
Martinand: When we play slowly it's easy to know if I play with forehand or backand but when the play is quicker it's difficult to know where the ball arrive for the forehand we have to arm the arm before the ball arrives. Any suggestions?
DK: Do you have any idea how to practise footwork and connect it with the stroke?
Jake: In other sports, I've benefited from cross training (such as adding some swimming while training for track and field). Are there non-table tennis activities you recommend as part of a table tennis training program?
Brock: Do you know a great table tennis exercise that is very effective?
Brock: How is it going with your cube Alois?
Alois solving the cube in 2006
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What are the critical factors that make the Chinese better?
Without the Chinese players at the Qatar Open, can Ovtcharov win?
Abdul: What did you parents say about playing Table Tennis?
Brock: How was your feeling after your first loss in a tournament? Did you became more nervous for other matches or did it get better?
Anthony: When receiving serve, my opponent says that I can not move to step around or anything until the ball has left the racket. Is this true? Thanks.
Malke: It was 10:9 for my opponent and he served the ball. He pretended to serve backspin service so I tried to push it back. The problem was the ball was so wet that it immediately fell down. Can I make the ball wet to manipulate the surface?
Marcus: It was my turn to take the U13 team to their match. The doubles was 2:0 start but the boys just did not realise how the opponents corrected their game and adjusted. They lost the following 3 sets. I did not take any timeouts. Should I have?
Andre: When playing forehand topspin, do you have the same angle for the bat when you focus on both spin and power? or when playing power close the bat and go more horizontal with my arm and forehand and spin more open and have a vertical stroke?
Brock: This question is to Alois: Do you think your 1990's hairstyle can comeback again? ; )
PingPod #31 - Chinese Domination
PingPod #36 - Giving Advice During a Match
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In how many countries is Table Tennis played?
What are the critical factors that make the Chinese better?
Matt: I get nervous during matches. My arm feels very nervous , as if it's almost shaking. This doesn't help my shots as they start to miss. I am an attacker. But sometimes I am too sacred to attack. How can I stop these problems?
Dieter: Last session our coach taught us the mental device of discharge-relax-recharge between every two points. I was focussing less on tactical plan. It was hard completing this routine against players who served immediately. Is it worth developing this?
NickyT: I am a beginner and I am trying to learn how to return side spin serves. What tips can you give me?
Christopher: I have recently started a small table tennis club (4 tables). What are some good ways to attract people to the club? Any other nuggets of wisdom to help with the initial phase?
Dakota: Do you think there is a limit to how far reading and watching videos can take you? I have put in countless hours of reading up on the many aspects of the game and watching videos.
Thomas: I am 52 years old and a beginner ((obviously a very rare and unusual species :-) ): According to your experience...what is the MINIMUM thickness of sponge of Mark V that you would recommend to learn with?
Developing a Pre-Point Routine
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Have you played in a tournament? If so what were your experiences at your first tournament?
In how many countries is Table Tennis played?
Dieter: I’m following the Chinese trials and none of them were chole-ing ever. Have the Chinese eradicated this altogether or only in trials? Fan zendong used to cho after each point. Ma long would wipe the table. They’re doing nothing of the kind.
Brock: Hey Pingskills! I practise harder than I have ever done before and I improves really much now. I played with the tall guy yesterday in he won with 21-12 so I'm pretty close ;) I've now noticed that he starts loop both fast long to the FD and BD area
Zhang: How do you attack a ball that is over the table during a rally (not the first five balls)? My opponents blocks it back with backspin so it is over the table.
Yazid: Hi Alois . What is the best way to serve. Power serve or slow serve?
Brock: What is your best bat you recommend on your website?
Abhiroop: I have seen many international right handed players like ma long stand extreme left or even the corner of the board taking a stance to return serves. Is it to open their dominant forehand? Why do they stay so low while receiving?
]]>Where will Portugal be ranked at the end of 2015?
Have you played in a tournament? If so what were your experiences at your first tournament?
How do you do the spiniest serve so people cant return the ball on the table? Abdul
How can I block a low heavy backspin, would a backhand push be good or have you any other ideas? Brock
Which table tennis brand do you think is the best?
How do you practice to not miss shots in sessions an how to lower your fear when playing in tournaments and how to play backhands like the pros? Abdul
Tam: Hi Alois, I'm left handed and I'm having trouble with hitting wide shots is there a way I could improve this?
Ilia: I use the pendulum and the reverse pendulum services in my play. I'm also a very forehand oriented player. My rivals often return my services with backspin to my backhand to force me to pivot. How can I "enforce" the service return to my forehand?
Abdullah: Is there a certain technique to multiball? My brother and I have tried it, but it ends up making a very awkward arc could you help us?
Dakota: I have been thinking of looking for more control in my game. Should I simply drop my thickness from MAX down to maybe 1.8 and keep using Vega Pro or try a different slower rubber that has better control, but use MAX to retain spin?
How can i improve my table tennis reflexes?
Forehand Topspin against Backspin
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Has the backhand become more important over the last 10 years?
How does Ma Long get so much power from his backhand? Abdul
How do you do the fastest legal serve? Abdul
Where will Portugal be ranked at the end of 2015? 1 CHINA 2 GERMANY 3 JAPAN 4 KOREA REPUBLIC 5 PORTUGAL 6 CHINESE TAIPEI 7 HONG KONG 8 AUSTRIA 9 FRANCE 10 SWEDEN
What's up PingSkills! My strokes improves very much every time I practise now :) i played with the tall guy yesterday and he won, he beat me easily. But I did win 5 points against him, he won 21- 5. I'm Proud :)))))) Just so you know ;)
Recently I watched a live match. Do professional players really play better when they are cheered for? I doubt it... Several times it looked to me like Timo was standing at the table waiting for the spectators to calm down before he made his serve. Thomas
If I practise a topspin everyone says that I should make the stroke relaxed. But when I relax and make the loop freely, it ends in the net or I miss the ball. Do you have any idea where is the mistake? DK
I find that when I try to smash high returns from my opponent I frequently badly hit those with heavy backspin. I'm ready for hitting a winner, and instead it dives into the net. I feel suckered. What should I do if I see that type of shot? Richard
Who is the better one out of Alois and Jeff? Abdul
Do you think Jan Ove Waldner would play one more match before he retires? Brock
I felt that my backhand push became spinnier and more consistent after I employed my backhand serve more and more in my game. Is it just my feeling or is it true that player can improve his/her backhand push through practicing backhand serve? Erriza
How old were you guys when you first compete in a tournament? Brock
Don't use a plain topspin serve
High backspin close to the net
Who's Better Between Alois and Jeff
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How do you learn best? 1. Watching, 2. Hearing about it, 3. Doing and feeling or by 4. Getting lots of facts and figures.
Has Backhand become more important over the last 10 years?
Can you give me tips how to join England team? Abdul
I had a competition for 1 hour ago but I couldn't compete because I have bad knees. A doctor has also looked at my knees. But how can I strengthen my knee as it hurts? Can I stretch it out or what else can I do? Please help me :) Brock
While my FH topspins, BH and footwork improved quite a bit I still struggle with consistent, powerful counter hitting after moving from BH to FH side. My coach insists on this stroke as a follow up after a pivot FH topspin or BH topspin. Matthias
I was wondering if it's a good method to use 2 bats, 1 for training (slower bat) and the other (faster bat) for spare time? Because I'm a very offensive player. Benjamin
Do you think that it is good to have a motivation in order to win? Everyone is continuously telling me that I have to be motivated and believe in myself on order to be good. But they also constantly condemning my defensive style. DK
When someone sidespins the ball, I must move my bat to the side but I do that but it just goes over the table, what am i doing wrong? Brock
I have a problem with returning no spin serves with my long pips backhand. I can do anything I want but the ball is always high and the opponent just smashes it. I am also trying to twiddle, but the result is always the same. Do you have any advice? DK
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Do you prefer Language or Mathematics?
How do you learn best? 1. Watching, 2. Hearing about it, 3. Doing and feeling or by 4. Getting lots of facts and figures.
I have a trouble, When I practise in the club my strokes often hit the table but when i play in the school I miss the easy balls, Why?
Can sticky rubber protectors stick to tacky rubber? If so, how does this affect the rubber. John
I generate good power and control with my forehand. The problem is after playing for about 15 minutes my good shots just vanish. Is it a time question, like I will get better and will maintain the skills for longer or is it because I get tired? Aleksander
When I play table tennis, it often happens that I miss the ball under the bat. Which mistake I do? I am very nervous to push on the ball, so I think that is the mistake. But can I find some other mistakes when the player miss the ball. Tobias
Which is your favourite serve? Brock
I have a problem with blocking topspins without much spin with my backhand. Every time when I try to block it, the ball goes into the net, even when I open the angle of the racket very much, so is there a special technique? Thanks Lukas
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Peter Scudner returns to the position of Chairman of USA Table Tennis. How important is the role of the Chairman of a National Association? What qualities should a Chairman have?
Do you prefer Language or Mathematics?
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey Pingskills ! I have been practised with a coach in 2 weeks now and I've been better on my strokes but when I use it on the tall guy he just block, I'm SHOCKED !!!!! Have you any other tip that is maybe advanced? Brock
So next week on monday, I'm playing my first ever table tennis tournament. Do you have any tips on what I should do, or any tips on how I can read my opponent's serves and/or moves? And what techniques do you thing I should use? Lukas
I am the defensive player but I want to make some more back spin. Also I want to know about what I need to do to be better defensive player?Jang
I sometimes use the backhand with just a wrist action when the ball is half long and also from deep of the table as well. Sometimes I find the wrist shot effective and sometimes difficult to control. Is this technique fine? Grenville
I play a player who has a backhand serve from his backhand corner played fast and deep into my backhand corner. The difficulty is that he varies and disguises the spin, and I cannot read which spin is on the ball. How can I learn to read it better? Michael
Eye Dominance Article about Darts
How to Return a Long Sidespin Serve
Options Against a Long Backhand Serve
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Who is the second best Table Tennis Nation in the World?
Peter Scudner returns to the position of Chairman of USA Table Tennis. How important is the role of the Chairman of a National Association? What qualities should a Chairman have?
Is it late for me to start playing professionally (Im 19 years old) ? Will I have a chance against players who have been training for years or I should keep playing just for fun?
Hi coaches, I've been training for a while now and i was wondering if i can turn over a new leaf and become a penholder.(btw im currently a shakehand player). A few months back I was actually a penholder but decided to become a shakehand player. Diego
What if your palm holding the ball is sweaty and the ball gets stuck to your palm and it doesn't release from your palm like it usually does. Are you allowed to wipe your hand and start the serve again or is this just bad luck, point over? Beauford
With the new poly ball I have some difficulty in adapting to it. On the serve as I feel I am not able to put much spin into it. In the rally I feel that the ball is not coming to me the way I like it, it feels a bit slower and lighter. Grenville
Is flicking the ball is the only way to return heavy short sidespin serve? Are there another way to return that kind of serve? Ernest
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How high on the World Rankings do you think Quadri Aruna can reach?
Who is the second best Table Tennis Nation in the World?
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey Pingskills! I know if there is a lot of topspin you must angle your bat down. But how do I block a backspin? What angle? Brock
Do you think learning to play with both hands adds another dimension to game play? I've seen Timo Boll do it and I was always curious. Adil
In our Inter-club competition, I play 4 matches. I'm performing much better in the first match than in the next ones. This could be explained easily if I met the better players last but the opposite is true. Dieter
When I forehand push, it always hit the net. should I do my stroke faster. I hit under the ball but it hit the net. Have you a tip that can help me :) Brock.
I am struggling to get a good anticipation. How can i have a good anticipation faster. Charankamal
Can you please explain what the numbers on the rubbers mean, my rubbers has 49-009 on it. Can you please tell me what exactly they mean. Ebrahiem
When you make PingSkills videos, do you guys coach players also at the same time? Brock
I am here to ask you about training with a human is good but an you tell me that training with a machine is also helpful? Huzaifa
Can You Escape the Ping Pong Zone?
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How can I download PingSkills videos on to my iPhone?
How many training sessions did you do last week?
How high on the World Rankings do you think Quadri Aruna can reach?
So usually I use a low tomahawk serve, and it works quite well. The only problem is I don't get much sidespin on the ball. Sometimes I get a lot and sometimes I get almost no spin at all. Any tips on how I can produce more spin on the ball? Lukas
If you would answer my question I would be very grateful. In which point at your bat must the ball be hit for the Banana Flick? Thanks Nick
My hitting partner and I were discussing that we think we blink when our opponent hits a hard smash or drive. So we lose track of the ball at a critical time. What is your experience with this? Do most players do this? Is there a way to stop this? Phil
I and my partner often practice topspin but after hitting the first topspin i am not able to return the second one. How can I hit the second topspin and return to my position quickly. Charankamal
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Who is the most inspirational player you have seen?
How many training sessions did you do last week?
Hey PingSkills, Your tips for the tall players didn't work on this guy, He's unbeatable :( He just blocks, I smash, loop, chop but it doesn't work. Please have you another tips? Brock
Sir, my defense is dominant in bh. So, when the attacker attacks, I automatically switch to backhand. i'm weaker in fh. Any tips please? Earl
I am having trouble chopping the ball (forehand) in a match, where it goes too far or too high or I just miss the ball. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can fix this? Thanks! Nikolas
My son is just 10 and quite interested in learning TT and his dream is of becoming a world champ. He is prepared to do anything to be a master and hold the trophy. My full support is with him. Should I buy a table for him or 10 years is too young? Young
Please explain how Ovtcharov does his serve and why. Dii
How can I improve my forehand topspin? When I do it, it always hit the net. Am I missing something?
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How old were you when you started Table Tennis?
Who is the most inspirational player you have seen?
My problem is my backhand and power hits. The power hits are not going right. When I make a smaller version of it then it goes really well, but when I add more power I lose control or balance and the ball goes over the table. Aleksander
Hi I am having an issue with my backhand these days. When i try to make a backhand topspin smash, it tends to go under the net most of the times. at the moment, I use side topspin to sort of lift the ball at the same time but it feels unstable. Denny
Hey PingSkills! I have a trouble with tall players, the guy is like 6'5 tall and around 200 pounds of muscles and he's a very good table tennis player and he block all my best shots. Please have you some tips? Brock.
I watched some amazing footage of Waldners career and how he developed his trademark serve along the line below his arm. It is impossible to anticipate and even less see what he is doing but isn´t there a rule you are not allowed to hide the ball? Marcus
I am wondering what benefits I can gain from seeing a coach in person, versus doing drills I have learned with someone at or above my skill level. Would it beneficial to have a coach critique my form and help and analyze my in game strategy? Dakota
Backhand Topspin Against Block
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How many different types of rubber have you tried?
How old were you when you started Table Tennis?
How can i play a offensive stroke on a short side spin serve? Pratap
What is an ideal contact point for BH and FH? Because BH the bat is close to the stomach. FH the bat travels from far from the back. Ashok
I’ve read the chinese put the forefinger not along the bat but near the middle ? I have tested and I find the control is better and the feeling is also better when the ball arrives on the bat. What do you think? Martin and
Is there a way to make the ball spin backwards and while spinning backwards have the ball curve sideways when serving? Tyson
In your previous video, you said not to use the backhand smash that frequently but since I'm a left handed player, I receive most of the shots on my backhand so should I use the backhand smash more often or do you have another strategy? Aiyan
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Is there anything that you aren’t sure about with the service rule?
How many different types of rubber have you tried?
$3m World Tour Prizemoney for 2015. New event in North Korea.
I know I've asked this but I have forgot, how many years have you guys played table tennis? Brock
Hey PingSkills! if i want to get better, should i train with someone better than me or someone alike me? 2: How can I block a short low backspin serve with a lot spin on it? should I do a backhand flick or what should i do? Help Me :) Brock
Can a Backhand banana flick lift a short underspin serve? Jared
One of my buddies would like to get better, but is a tennis player. As he likes to be back from the table it leaves him very open to well placed angled shots and drop shots. He is also quite stubborn about sticking with his current style. Dakota
My opponent turns around and drives my service where do I do the service and what should I do? Srikanth
So earlier today, I switched from penhold to shakehand, and my spin and backside were a lot better. My forehand and smashes were a bit worse though. But in general I was playing better. Should I keep playing shakehand? Lukas
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Where do you play your Table Tennis most? Work, School, Club?
Is there anything that you aren’t sure about with the service rule?
I thought it was only necessary that the ball be tossed and hit from behind the table line. I did not think it was necessary for my body to be behind the line as well. Which is it? James
How can i improve my defence? Yazid
I see that many players stay very low while serving, for example Timo Boll. What is the technical reason behind that? Does it improve the quality of serve in some way? I like to toss the ball high, it is awkward to stay low. Abhinav
Hi Alois, how to do the sidebackspin serve and can i stand a littleaway from the table (like 30 cm or something like that)when serving. John
What is your favorite move/ skill in table tennis? is it loop or smash or what is it? Brock
Ready Position After Pendulum Serve
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Are video games helpful or damaging for your Table Tennis?
Where do you play your Table Tennis most? Work, School, Club, Office?
I am experiencing inconsistency around my forehand counter hit. I can go weeks counter hitting well and then I start to lose technique and it gets worse mostly due to me getting frustrated and searching for the correct stroke. How to deal with it? Bevan
My backhand remains my weakness. I have a robot at home which is always set on my backhand. When I do it at home everything is fine and manage to produce some excellent backhand returns. However in match situations I still do not feel at ease. Why? Filippo
Returning to this wonderful game I wonder how long you can calm yourself down between each ball? Is there any general rule about it? Have noticed that world class players dry their sweat every 6 points and between balls dry their hand to the table. Matti
I recently made the next 'step', which was improving my loops and drives and service return, which now allows me to challenge for the better players at my club with rankings closer to 2000. What were your 'final' steps that got you to that level? Dakota
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What are the most important muscles in Table Tennis?
Are video games helpful or damaging for your Table Tennis?
How can I improve my smashes? Do you know some tips? Brock
I am always losing my temper while playing against rally players. They change their game often and I find it hard to guess their next move. Any suggestions on how to keep focus when playing long rallies? Ruthvik
From the ready position what is the exact point of time I should take my body up for the stroke on a service of the opponent. Is it the moment he contacts or after his contact with the ball or during the time it is between his racket and net? Singaraju
Do you think it is more beneficial to play with someone slightly better than yourself, or slightly worse? Someone not as good would give opportunities to work on technique. Someone slightly better would force you to be more focused and work hard. Dakota
When someone loop against me, what angle should I use to block it? Brock
I often have problems returning high spinny loops - it seems these are sometimes impossible to block. Recently I tried to smash them instead and it seemed to work better. but the position to the ball must be exactly right, which isn't easy either. Andrej
What kind of pendulum serve should I learn first?
What is your favourite activity apart from Table Tennis?
What are the most important muscles in Table Tennis?
Hi Alois, on my attacking forehand topspin strokes, is it ok that when i get to my finish position to open the angle of my bat while getting to it or it should stay the same angle? Pasquale
I am an attack player. What serve should I use? Nick
I have been training for a long time on a pendulum serve. The results are converging to a 80% success rate, about 15% into the net and 5% single bounce. How to improve the numbers and restore confidence so that I can use the same serve in matches? Dieter
I'm an attacking player and rely a lot on speedy topspin shots. I was playing with a spare old bat. I've recently got a new bat which is much lighter and while it's easier to control the spin shots when I try to generate any speed it flies off. Shinjini
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Who will be number in the World in Mens and Womens at the end of 2015?
What is your favourite activity apart from Table Tennis?
Hey Pingskills, What is the best sort of bat and rubber you can buy? Brock
Which Training camp did you guys join first before you started make Pingskills videos? Brock
I put a second coat of sealer on the blade and then when i used free chack the glue was drying as fast as I spread it. It clumped up. I scraped the glue and tried putting more this time. When I put the rubber on the blade, the rubber is peeling off. John
I am a righthander, I do a backhand serve from the left side of the table with my left foot further away from the table. If I dont know the ball is coming short I stand parallel to the table and kind of fall over. I cant figure out the problem. Manuel
After they blocked my loop it touched the top of the net. When I touched it, because it has lots of topspin it went out. What should I do when the ball has topspin or underspin or sidespin and touches the net and bounces on my table. Long
I noticed while playing against someone, their drive would sometimes 'sink'. Is this behavior dependent on the intensity of spin or power? I usually see this done with topspin but can this be done with other spins? Waley
If I want to block a spin, should I do it slow or fast? Brock
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Should Table Tennis copy other sports and go to a reduced format like 20/20 cricket and Fast 4 Tennis?
Who do you think will be Number 1 in the World at the end of 2015 in Mens and Womens?
If you must choose an opponent that you would want to meet, who would it be? Brock
Who is your best Table Tennis Player of all time? Brock
How often did you guys play table tennis when you were rookies? Brock Lesnar
About the pendulum service when i practice this service i usually hit it in the net. I want to know how exactly to not hit it in the net or the judge calls a let. Am I supposed to draw back when I'm serving or there is a better way. Caylan
Does height affect gameplay in table tennis? Jaydon
In an old match from 2011, between Ma Long and Zhang Jike, if we leave everything else and just focus on Zhang Jike's feet I am mesmerized as to what level he has taken his footwork to. China excel in it. Are we missing some technical information? Arnab
Some coaches don't like their players fooling around and do a lot of experimenting while they are playing or practicing. So is it necessary to always practice hard with seriousness, determination or hard work, or, it wouldn't hurt to have some fun? Arnab
My friend says that if you angle your bat 45 degrees when you smash, the ball will land on more often. This tactic has worked for me, is it true? Or is it false?
I use "yasaka phantom 009" on my backhand.I learned many serves from your helpful videos, thank you. Can you show and teach me some serves with this kind of rubbers. Siddharth
What angle is the chop to generate spin? Brock
Zhang Jike vs Ma Long Match with Amazing Footwork
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Have you noticed any differences in play of the Worlds top players with the Plastic Ball?
Should Table Tennis copy other sports and go to a reduced format like 20/20 cricket and Fast 4 Tennis?
Hey Pingskills, Your videos are very helpful and I have been good with blocking smashes but how do I block a smash with spin on it? - Brock
I am 15 years old. I began playing around 10 months ago. My rating is 682. Although, I have been showing immense improvement I am still only able to compete against players who are 2-4 years younger than me. Did I begin playing too late? Abdullah
Hi guys I'm asking you what is the difference between speed glue and water based glue and how does this effect our rubber or how does it damage the wood of the racket. Thanks Barbatel
I'm a beginner player and enjoy table tennis. I play with friends and they play 21 pts and 4 players. We do 5 serves and serve from the right and left corners. According to the lessons, serves should be only from the right. What are your thoughts? Rita
what is the best paddles and balls to buy?
I've got a question about my anti spin rubber. What is the best way to block the ball? (on the backhand) Huub from Holland
How do I improve myself more easily? Brock
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What did you think of the results of the ITTF Star Awards?
Have you noticed any differences in play of the Worlds top with the Plastic Ball?
Hi guys, lately I have hit a wall against a player 6'3 with long arms who I can't back off the table. I've tried long and short strategies and he just pounds me ..... any advice ? Thanks George
I confused how to control the direction of my smash. in game I usually smash the ball just to the right of the opponent's table side. I want to ask how to control the direction of the ball while I do a smash. Fairuzi Zafrano
I qualified for the regional games last october and I have been practicing with myself since then through matchplay only. What can I do to help myself be in my best condition in 1 month for the regionals? What are some exercises I can perform? Wayne
When I try to do a high toss serve I get two results. The ball bounces high during the contact landing near the net on my side and the other side. Sometimes I manage to keep the serve low but it moves across the table very slowly. What can I do? Sachintha
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What is your Table Tennis Goal for 2015?
What did you think of the results of the ITTF Star Awards?
World Cup results
During a match my opponent started to read the spin of my serves very well. And then he started to flick aggressively every short serve or even my short receive of his serve. As the result, I lost many points to it. What would a good player do? Ilia
I am not confident if I play a backhand smash or a forehand smash. So I rarely play them, is there a way to improve my confidence? Jukemc
I am getting good with my forehand counterhit but do I wait till it becomes very consistent then learn a loop or switch between them? When to use counterhit and loop while playing? Am I right that professional use loops only and never counterhits? Mohammad
Should I join a table tennis club? Jukemc
Hi guys, during a point I hit a shot that tipped the net, bounced on top of the plastic side piece holding the net and spun back onto the table on the other side. I doubt I'll ever see that again but in case I do, how would you rule that? George
When moving to the left should I start the move with my left or right foot, or does it make a difference? In the videos it seems that a move to the left is started with the right foot, and a move to the right is started with the left foot. Bill
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What has been your personal Table Tennis highlight of 2014?
What is your Table Tennis Goal for 2015?
Wang Hao's Career
Is it OK to stretch the rubber (inverted) when gluing it onto the blade? Jared
You can use sidetape that covers a lot of the edge of the racket. This will help a bit, but unfortunately a lot of the rubbers are fragile and will chip on the edges. Gary
My problem is that my techniques of forehand attacking a topspin and backspin ball interfere with each other. I try to play a lot 5th ball drills concentrating on switching between those two strokes and regulating the swing, can I do anything else? Ilia
One of my friends continuously hits to the backhand side then forehand side. This is becoming a big issue since he makes me quickly lose control and balance. How do I play against him so that he wont be able to place ball? Akash
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What are the world ping pong records and which one do you think you can break?
Will you play Table Tennis on Christmas Day?
What has been your personal Table Tennis highlight of 2014?
Which side should be your forehand the knubby or smooth side? Jacob Llewellyn
I have been practicing my slow topspin and found a way to not get bored, and i was wondering if i do 10000 slow forehand topspin's in a week can I make my stroke consistent enough to start generating speed? Is this good practice? Pasquale
I find that on my forehand my elbow wants to come up after the stroke. Like I am willing the ball to go over the net and hit the table. Should I be concerned? Is it that my stroke is too close to my body meaning I should use my whole arm? Daniel Martinez
What are the differences between chopping with short pips and chopping with long pips? I'm very aware of the differences between the 2 types of rubber but do you have any tips on how to achieve a consistent short pips chop on my backhand.
Can you settle an argument? I say that once the ball has left the palm of the server in doubles if the non playing hands of any of the 4 players touches the playing surface during the rally then it is a fault regardless of whose turn it is. Les
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ITTF Off the Table Interviews
What did you think of the presentation of the ITTF World Tour Finals?
Will you play Table Tennis on Christmas Day?
I understand why people go to long pimples or antispin, they want to play defensive but why do someone migrate to short pimples on one side or even both? Why do people give up the opportunity to play with lots of spin from both wings? Ilia
How exactly do you tell a good blade from a bad one? For example, if you’re just browsing online for a bat, what do you look for? Can you recommend a good blade or a premade bat suitable for custom made rubber, are there any that really stand out? Olly
I can't recover for the next stroke when I play a stroke, especially flicks. I get paused at the end position. Please tell me how to recover for the next stroke. Do you have any drills to practice recovery? Kaustubh
I'm kinda confused about doing a topspin/loop stroke. Should my elbow be fixed and do the stroke with my shoulder or should i do the stroke with my elbow? I'm a chinese penholder. Antonius
What is your favourite part of PingSkills?
What did you think of the presentation of the ITTF World Tour Finals?
When I started learning forehand topspin against backspin I started by taking the ball late. My stroke was almost vertical whereby, I attempted to lift the ball and give it maximum spin. as I developed, I want more speed and more depth. Mudit
I wanted to share a video from Facebook, which shows a girl learning forehand topspin, but there is no bat or ball involved. My question is how important or effective this kind of training can be for a little child beginning to learn to play. Arnab
I want to become a table tennis referee or umpire please advise me whom to approach. Vijaykumar
Sir when I played table tennis some players gave me bouncy spin serve and I am unable to return them kindly looking for your answer. Sundaram
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
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PingPod #42 - Changing the service rule
Is Tenergy worth the cost?
What is your favourite part of PingSkills? Is it the Ask the Coach Show, the Lessons, the Blogs, the Vault or something else?
Which is the deadlier long pips with no sponge(ox) or with sponge and which has more control?? thank you. Jared
When you start your attack, should you be looking to hit at your opponent's elbow or a wide angle? I've found that the wide angles aren't always available to me, especially early in a rally when we're both in good position to play from FH and BH. Gary
How do i do the backhand tomahawk serve but having my feet in the normal tomahawk serve position so it creates a off putting effect? Rowan
I'm at a crossroad of how to improve seeing as I don't have people better than me to play against. Can I trying to attain better form in the middle of games is worth the effort, or if I should stick with drills that I can do alone. Dakota
PingPod #42 - Change the Service Rule
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Can Ovtcharov win a major title in the future?
Is Tenergy worth the cost?
Do you have any experience regarding how long a rubber glued on a racket keeps its quality when NOT played with? Thomas
I've been focusing more on a faster pace but a lot of my shots end up hitting the table towards the middle providing my opponent with an easy-to-block ball and I'm thinking I should change that approach to hit with less power and more placement. Gary
I lose my temper while losing points and after losing my temper I am uncontrollable. I probably lost 14-15 matches after losing my temper and broken 1-2 bats after losing matches. Kindly looking for your response. Sundaram
Is there any exercise in order to practise my reflexes? Nick
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Pick the ITTF World Tour Finals winners - Congratulations Luc Jike on winning our Premium membership for 1 month.
Can Ovtcharov win a major title in the future?
Can we learn anything from pro games at all? I come from a board game background (Go) and in pro matches in that area so much is going on under the surface that any learning based on it is mostly illusionary. Dieter
Hi Jeff and Alois, is there any video response about the sidespin backhand topspin? Thanks, Nick
Hello, I tend to bend my wrist when playing forehand. I have heard that it is a bad habit, how can I change that?
Hi PingSkills, how does Ma Long have such a powerful forehand? Tam
Forehand Topsping Against Block
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Do you remember your first tournament?
Write down the Mens & Womens Singles World Tour Grand Final Winners as a comment on the Blog to this show and win a free 1 Month Premium membership. First to name both winners on the PingSkills blog wins. You are only allowed one guess.
I heard the term "dummy loop" on some table tennis blog that I can't quite recall. It had a vague definition and I couldn't quite grasp the concept. What is it? Sawyer Meverden
I see a few players serving with a "pick axe” motion a shakehand version of Wang Hao's service. I don't understand why a professional is serving this way, because there seems to be hardly any wrist action. I must admit that they are hard to read. Dieter
I have been unable to return balls which dribble over the net. Often they are hit hard and I am expecting them to come fast and far back. Is it possible to increase reaction speed to the point that you could lunge forward and return it? Adam
Some friends of mine said that my game is very predictable, like hitting the ball back right at where it come from, and some other stuff. I often lose because of this. I'm a looper, and how to fix this? Erriza
There was talk on a local radio station about Table Tennis as an Olympic sport. Should it stay?
Why are left handers over represented on the World Rankings list? Xu Xin and Ding Ning are both number 1.
Do you remember your first tournament?
This one's for both of you. Do you have any signature serves? Brony
Do the balls lose any quality of spin, speed or bounce after a certain amount of usage? Thanks guys. George Byron
What happens if you make the ball touch the net twice or more during a serve? Lance Ramos Yeo
When my opponent lobs the ball I can't hit the ball consistently and it just annoys me when my opponent takes the point. I mostly lose the point when the lobbed ball hits the table on the third line and I'm forced a bit away from the table. Utkarsh
I noticed that Ovtcharov's backhand service are sometimes effective, sometimes not. Once when he executes this service, Ma Long easily returned the ball around the net and won the point. So what are the advantages and disadvantages of this serve? Viet
I have a lot of problems when receiving heavy sidespin short serves. Since theres is almost no backspin nor topspin, what is the most effective way to receive? Michel
ma long serve plz - Jerome
I have been having trouble against the Ma Lin serve recently and was wondering if there's a good way to counter it - Tyler.
2014 ITTF World Tour Grand Finals. The Draw is out.
In what year will a Non Chinese player win a World Mens singles championship? - 2031 :)
Why are left handers over represented on the World Rankings list? Xu Xin and Ding Ning are both number 1.
Can you explain to me the Ma Lin awesome flick? Nick V
I am a defender, my opponent attacks on my forehand and I would play a very fast deep chop but my opponent just plays it short and I need to run for it. So is it right to play a fast, deep chop or should I play a normal chop allowing him to attack? Rutvik
I struggle with my backhand topspin against loose/dead balls which are just dropping of the edge of the table. I also sometimes find myself doing the stroke either in slow motion or too much vertical, why? Mudit
I played against a top player in my school. I lost points when he does a very fast topspin serve to my Backhand side. Sometimes I can return with an attacking topspin stroke. But then he increased the speed and sometimes put a little sidespin. Nicho
How many counterhits can you do in a row?
In what year will a Non Chinese player win a World Mens singles championship?
I see lot of discussions here on footwork but am not able to understand why it is required cus I have seen many players in my colony not using efficient footwork but can play very well. Chandrachur
When using long pips what is the proper stroke to use against another long pips no spin ( dead) return assuming you are not going to twiddle to the inverted side? Should this stroke be only defensive or can it be use more offensively? Jeremiah
How many sets are required to win a match? I thought that the game is 3 of 5 sets till 11 points, but now i see matches with 4 of 7 sets. Is it fixed value or depends on tournament or judges? Or rules are changed? Dimitar Dimitrov
l bought a Grass D Tecs rubber last year and l am very happy with it , After playing a match this week my opponent was not happy , and produced a list of legal rubber which he stated it was not on his list and declared my rubber illegal. Robert Atwell
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When should local clubs start using the Plastic balls?
World Junior Championships results, Chinese dominance and choppers.
How many counterhits can you do in a row?
After watching your demonstration of how to execute pure backspin on serving by contacting the ball underneath with a completely flat level bat please advise how you impart enough forward movement to get the ball up the table and over the net. Thanks. Les
I am a penhold player, and I play at my local high schools, table tennis club, I have difficult doing a backhand when people hit the ball hard and fast, and also when they hit in the middle, How do I have a strong backhand while playing penhold grip? Ben
I’m not sure if you guys have a video of it but i was wondering what the rules are when it comes to accidentally hit the ball with the finger or the racket handle, the ball goes over the net, and hits the other side of the table. Jayce Soberano
I am having a hard time with my forehand loops. It seems that I am able to loop it because it is a long ball but when I hit it I feel very awkward because it feels like the ball is too close to the table for me to do a proper forehand loop. Any tips? Mark
]]>Should Table Tennis players use a tennis grip?
When should local clubs start using the Plastic balls?
I wonder how often i need to change my racket if i take care of it. Jasper Nokkosmaki
It's clear that Alois and Jeff have mastered all the shots, forehand and backhand blocks, topspins, loops, flips and chops. But for the club player, should we focus on the few shots we are strong at or try to master all the shots? Mark Roberti
Can you please explain the angles required to execute banana flip on short and low serve with large backspin and moderate sidespin on it? Parkash Rawat
I am 13 I have started table tennis could I play international tt tournaments Gavish Pandya
World Junior Table Tennis Championships
Would Waldner survive in the modern game?
Should Table Tennis players use a Tennis grip?
Is it better to block at the bounce of ball or at the peak of the bounce. I find that when I block at the bounce, it gives less reaction time to my opponent, but when I block at the peak I can control the block better against heavy topspins. Luke Woodley
How do you know when you need to calm down? Should you call a time out when you are ahead, behind, or both? Should you call a time out when you are about to lose a set, or wait for the set to be finished? Nicholas
I have been playing table tennis for 18 months and I have made it my life and my world. This is my last year in Under 15 category and I have 12 months remaining to practice. Pls advise how to practice and win. Aditya
Our tt hall is small and the table is dead so that when we go to play matches in the bigger hall, we cant manage the strokes, and the speed of ball. When we change from small to big hall, how can we manage the speed, spin of ball. Akash
What do you think about the rubber tenergy 80 fx compared to tenergy 80 in terms of spin and speed ? Thanks. Dat Pham
Vote for the ITTF Star Awards
How many different serves do you use
Would Waldner survive in the modern game?
In a match against Xu Xin, Samsonov seemed to put him under all sorts of pressure, almost as if he cut Xu Xin down to size by not letting him play that fast forehand. Was there something wrong with Xu Xin in that match, or was it Samsonov’s game? Shripathi
I have a problem when they do topspin stroke, I block but sometimes they heavy topspin and sometimes it has no spin, so when i block it, it sometimes goes out or net. What should I do to keep the block on the table and know how much spin it has? Long
i have a major problem witch is that i know a lot about ping pong but when i start a match i scare a lot and i lose ! plzzz help! Ramzi
If my head moves up or down because of my stance does it matter in judging a ball? Should its position remain at same height all the time? Should I constantly look at the ball during play or shifting the sight between ball and opponent? Ahsan Ali
For Backhand serve, where should I stand? Maybe more than one position? Should I have my left foot in front ( I am right handed), right foot in front, or feet even? Anthony Capasso
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Should edge balls be ruled out?
How many different serves do you use?
When a topspin ball hits a bat with pimples, the rotation isn't reversed, so it comes back with backspin. In table tennis terminology this is spin reversal, while actually it is spin continuance the ball keeps spinning in the same direction right? Thomas K
When it's 10-8 for my opponent and it's my serve, what type of serve should I do if I want to do a comeback, or does it just depend of the player your playing against. And also if I am the one leading 10-8 what serve should I use to finish the set. Luke W
Finally i was able to join in. So i only have 2-3 hours daily for working on my table tennis and i want to rework on my game from basics. So should i start with stroke mechanics and then footwork ? and in which order should i learn strokes ?
I've got a question. How do you determine whether a rubber has long pips or medium pips? Do you measure its length? If so, how? Thanks! Kong Wen Ge
I've noticed that most players have more than one serve. Is this a good idea? If so please could you recommend another serve or other serves that I should try to learn? I currently only use the pendulum serve. Matthew
Another question guys : Difference between european and Chinese looping style and pros and cons of both.
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Can your club survive without volunteers?
Should edge balls be ruled as out?
I have a question about short pushing? Is there a different technique for this compared to long pushing? If so, how does it differ? Dima
I hold the bat like it is in the pendulum serve. When i do that i can't hit the ball backhand and if i hold the bat like normal i can't play so good at my forehand how can i change this? Oğuz Aydemir
Hey, I'm just wondering, how does a penholder play a role as a defender? Because I don't see much defending from a penholder. Thanks. Antonius Willson
I have a game coming up where my opponent has a very strong forehand loop and he even tries to pivot. His weakness is his backhand. Any tips or advise which I should I stick to while I am playing against him? Salman Razi
The PingSkills Vault for recording tactics
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Could your club survive without its volunteers?
Is it OK to use ordinary varnish like plastic varnish or wood varnish and what benefits does it gives?? thank you. Jared Yulo
I often get into a position whereby my opponent has made a mistake and returned the ball back very high and short but with backspin. I feel that this ought to be an easy kill but I seem to put it in the net way way too often. Dan Shoop
Do you lose a point when the server’s racket touches the table on a serve? I believed that its not allowed for the paddle to touch the table when serving however its allowed other times. Please clarify. Ubayeedurrahman
I want to share you that that I am short. So can you suggest me some serves which are good for me and effective spin serves because I am not able to do good serves because of my height. Kosheen
High Backspin Close to the Net
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What percentage of your serves are short as opposed to long?
I like to attack when the ball is long or high. However my footwork is not that good and topspins are not consistent. People suggest that I should not try to topspin everything. Sometimes if I play more passively I win more points. What’s better? Ilia
Have u heard of Desmond Douglas? Lloyd Taylor
I was playing in a tournament at my local club and one of my opponents was blocking the view of the contact with his free hand. He would likely have beaten me anyway, but I had no chance to return service effectively with him blocking my view. Gary McAdams
I have been playing tt for 2 years but haven't improved much because I haven’t had proper guidance. When doing forehand topspin I can't get the length right or transfer my weight. I have improved during shadow play but how to improve in practice? Raut
Can you tell me how I should practice my high toss serve. Sometimes I dont even get the bat to hit the ball while its falling. When I practice the serve should I practice for about 45 minutes. Sachintha
Forehand Topspin Against Block
Forehand Topspin Against Backspin
High Toss Serve Video Response
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The ITTF World Tour Grand Finals
Have you ever seen yourself play on video and did you find it useful?
Should players allow their opponent to examine each others rackets before a match? - Shezie
Is it better to serve short topspin serve or would it be better to serve short side spin serve. Or a short side topsin serve? Luke
Should I first explain grip, let them play with proper grip. Then stance, footwork, ball mechanics, full strokes etc etc? Or should I explain a full stroke including all those aspects and then correct all aspects together while observing? Dieter
When i go to tournaments, i see some players playing a long stroke and some playing short stroke. Which will suit me best? and what factors does it count for the type of stroke i play? Which is the more advisable stroke, short or long? Earl
How does Kenta do his tomahawk serve both reverse and normal one, it is quite difficult to return that serve. Could you give me some clue to make that serve even better. Long
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Who is the best player in the World at the moment? Men's and Women's.
How could I achieve pure heavy back spin serve with Pendulum motion and no side spin on it? So as soon as the opponent touches the ball it goes straight into net. Salman
I've just bought a new rubber and realised that i have glue but out of sponge to apply it to my rubber. I thought that regular sponge can be used as an alternative but it will just soak the glue. Is there any other method to apply the glue. Utkarsh
Can you please tell what and how should a defender practice? Rutvik Thakkar
I'm a pretty advanced player but I'm looking to maximise spin when I chop but it usually either goes well up into the air or lands in the net. Any advice for this? Joshua Griffiths
Pendulum Serve Video at 1:19
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Jun Mizutani heads the standings for the World Tour Grand Finals and won the title in 2010. But can he win the title again?
I can't return hook and fade sidespin topspins effectively. Please tell me an effective way to return them. Kaustubh
Hello. What is the difference between forehand loop and forehand drive? When is the appropriate time to use each one? What is the hand movement like? Karan Sagar
I am wondering what main differences are with the backspin reverse pendulum serve and a standard backspin pendulum serve. Which is easier for almost everyone to do? Stanley Wong
Is it right that different types of top sheets tacky & non-tacky, have a different type of protection? Can you give some explanations? Ernest Wahyu
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Should the ITTF bring in a time limit between points?
What is the difference between pimple in and out rubber? I had heard about long pimple rubbers which are for chopping and defending can there be long pimple rubber which has its pimple in? I am going to change from pimple in rubber to pimple out. Nick
I have this problem because I want to get my arm to my eyebrow for the forehand topspin so then my strokes are too vertical. I was told to shoot through the ball but I'm unable to stop myself from playing vertically. How can I hit through and not up? C Cc
I try and do a forehand topspin but it keeps on hitting the net help? Kian
As a lefty I've seen you hit a forehand and forehand smash with a curve to the right side of the table. Can you do a curve (screwball) to the left side with a forehand? What about a backhand smash screwball? Rex
When I make a let serve touching the net, should I make the same serve again or make another serve? Kaustubh
What do you think of the plastic ball is it better than the original? Kian
Should pimple and anti-spin rubber be banned?
I´ve read your answers regarding durability of rubbers and they’re focussed on the surface layer. What about the sponge? Could I assume that the sponge is still ok if the surface is not worn out? Thomas Kunzfeld
When I'm receiving a serve in forehand I'm unable to return it. When I chop or cut the ball it goes out of the table or in the net, it may be any serve where you need to brush the ball underneath. Siddharth Shah
I consider myself as beginner. I played with simple bats up till now. I want to develop my game. What is your suggestion, Touch or Rook? A T
I got a Wally Rebounder recently, and it's a lot of fun, but I'm wondering if it will actually help you improve your game? I know that it's always better to have a training partner, but I really don't have that luxury. Gary McAdams
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Should you beat a weaker opponent 11-0 if you can?
I am a lefty. Lately a righty has been serving down my forehand side and I automatically return to his backhand for which he kills me most of the time. I stand to the middle of the table on his service and find myself tripping over my feet. George Byron
Can I attack a heavy backspin with a flat shot without topspin? Once I hit a backspin flat batted and it placed on the table more like a smash. But it doesn`t work on loose backspins. Can I hit that ball like that? Tharindu Dinethra
Hi I was wondering if the glue you use makes a difference to the speed of the bat and if it affects the spin. Or are all glues the same? Shea Kiely
During a match that I had, I made a smash and the ball broke during the impact, making me miss my shot. Would that be a let, or my opponent's point? Shawn
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My style of playing table tennis is as an attacker But when is the time to defense just like block or chop? As I only try to attack the ball as an attacker. Frendy Halim
I have switched over to the shakehand grip and long pips on my backhand. I play 95% of my balls on the backhand. What are the best strokes to use with long pips to fool the other player? The group I play with hit about 75% underspin. Craig Smith
Can you please explain what rule is being exercised in this rally and why the point was given to Ai Fukuhara? http://youtu.be/I4hdZyD5GM8 Arnab Ghosh
Can I hit the ball with the side of my racket? it create some good speed, and it's also surprising. is it legal? Chezki Indursky
Who is your inspiration?
I've recently seen your video about amazing tricks where you played holding a shoe. This reminded me of a video of Zhang jike where he returned ball with his shoe (worn shoe). Is that legal? And how can I perform it? Siddharth Shah
Whenever I try to loop the ball or topspin the ball I've noticed that it's easier to loop whenever I get lower. I am able to have more leverage on the ball. Is this a good solution? Todd Fee
What is the reason that so many players use a thinner sponge on their backhand than on their forehand side? To me as a beginner who wants to develop forehand and backhand equally, this wouldn´t make sense, right? Thomas Kunzfeld
I noticed that in videos from the 80s and before, players tended to bounce the ball off the floor before points. In contrast, players today tend to bounce the ball on the table, if at all. What caused this change. Was a rule created? BG
Using the Shoe - Will See Won't See Video
]]>Do you play in a club? - 0:29
I play in a club and I am used to playing on the club table. When I go for a match it is tough to get used to that table and none of my topspins or blocks are landing. But in the club I am able to land most of my balls. How do I overcome this. Rohan
How to do Seo Hyowon serve with a great spin and curve on the ball? Napnap Salcedo
Is it advisable to flick a short spiny sidespin serve; with the right height? Abdiel Maldonado
Hi, I was just wondering what the flip shot is. I've been looking at articles and interviews with players and the've all been saying the flip is really hard to execute. Kevin
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Should we make the Ask the Coach Show available as an audio podcast?
Can we train everyday for about 3 hours? Yusra
I couldn't play table tennis for 2-3 months. There was a tournament so i practiced hard and regained my form. But when i played my first match which was against a very weak player i don't know what happened to me and I just started playing horribly. Utkarsh
My coach told me that i should bend my body and my knees. My eyes should be at the net level throughout the rally. How could i get used to it? Kevin A
I have problem that when they make a topspin serve or no spin serve I don't know what to do, Is there any way to return this type of serve without flicking? Long
Is the Chinese National championships harder to win than the Olympics?
How and when to move to ready position after you've made a pendulum serve from the backhand corner with your left leg in front of you. Should you move into position when you know where your opponent will place the return or as soon as you’ve served? Robin
Why Can't We Start With a Fast Bat? Why do we need different blades and rubber? Why we can't start with a higher topspin or power? Can I buy Pingskills Touch Vega Pro Bat for my second Bat? Kritpol
I recently purchased a small table tennis table and I was wondering what kind of training will I be able to do with a small table? Enoch Oppong
Is it a good move to chop smash and why none of the professional players use it? Petar
What style of player do you find hardest to compete against?
Can I play 2 sports at a same time. In my school I play table tennis and basketball. So Is it ok if I play both at the same time? Or will basketball ruin my table tennis stroke because of the heavy ball? What is your opinion? Jethro
What is the right leg position while playing a punch? Which leg should be in front while playing a forehand punch and which when playing a backhand punch? Kaustubh
I can already do a backhand flick on a short backspin serve but not really on the forehand side. I can do it from the middle of the table but I'm not quick enough to move to the forehand side. Is there a trick to know where it is coming? Rob J
I used to play hard bat and was able to beat some better opponents using it. Since I have moved to a sponge bat my better opponents are beating me. Can I change to my old hard bat playing a better player and change back to my sponge bat for the others? Stan
]]>What is your favourite serve?
When I watched a video of me playing I noticed that all of my loops were going to the middle of the table, Ma Long is able to control his and I was wondering how do you do it? Luke Styles
Sir, how do I improve my topspin against a chop player? Sahil Garg
After serve I usually do the slow spinny loop againt the backspin. Sometimes they can block my slow spinny loop but after that I don't know what to do, should i do the counter loop or should I do the slow spinny loop again. Long Regain
Why do lots of players use the pendulum serve always or often? Maverick Abrenica
What is your favourite Table Tennis brand?
I try to make a forehand topspin but I hit the edge of the paddle or miss the hit. I saw your forehand topspin clip and i try to hit well but the same result. I thought that the paddle angle is too low and I opened up but the shot goes out. Paul Chitic
I noticed on your pendulum serves that you hit the ball quite close to your body. Is this a personal thing or do you gain more control and spin by doing this? Bevan Henderson
The rubber has started peeling away from the blade at the top of the bat. Since the rubber is only a few months old and is pricey, I'd prefer not to rip the rubber off and replace it with new rubber. Can I do a local re-glue? Ken Cominsky
While playing backhand topspin against both chop and topspin which part of my hand should be locked? Is it the elbow or shoulder? I am getting lot of pain in my shoulder while playing the backhand topspin against chop continuously. Singaraju
Zhang Jike's Prizemoney
What exercises should I do so that my legs move effectively while playing? Anushka Chavan
How should i play forehand loop from off the table should I stand lower or when contact give the ball more lift. Overall how should i play attacking forehand and backhand shots from off the table? Nick Persad
I had two tables in my garage, one for my son and I to play and the other table had a robot for when one of us was not around. What are your ideas about using a robot as a training device and what do you see as its greatest good? Larry Winn
Being a beginner I bought a new tt racket. When I play with my racket, the tt ball slows down and it seems like the ball sticks a bit on the tt racket. What could be wrong? Amit Shah
What are your top 3 Table Tennis moments of all time?
I've got a problem, I don't twist properly and the speed of my topspin drives are slow. I got the start and end positions right but i don’t twist much with the hip and the only thing that twists from me is my shoulder. How can i fix it? AmekunRaiane
Hi, I was wondering whether, in doubles, you and your partner are able to switch bats between points. I know that you can’t get a new bat, but i couldn't find an answer to this anywhere. Thanks. Bob James
What should be the minimum height for the toss? And what if the server fails to achieve that minimum height? Can he be penalised in form of a point or is there something like a warning? Rutvik
Recently I noticed that Ma Lin twiddled his bat right before he serves. I was wondering if you could give me some tips on how to twiddle. Yu
What lesson would you like us to film next?
Many people just turn around and drive my service. Where do I do the service and what should I do? Srikanth Pyaraka
When looping it seems easier to wait for the ball to reach the top of the arc and start dropping before you brush it up. I hit well when the ball is rising but swing and miss a lot when I try to brush the ball after it starts dropping. Can I improve? Ken
I normally stand on the left side of the table. I face difficulty if short backspin service comes to my forehand. I try to push the service and the opponent attacks with topspin. How to place the ball in such a manner so that I can attack the return? Anushka
Most of my serves have sidespin but when the opponent finds an answer to return it, I'm in trouble because all the sidespin is coming back at me especially if it is pushed back. Should I stop serving with sidespin as it can make life more difficult? Thijs
How long have you been playing this game?
When I play outside of mainstream table tennis instead of using topspins and counterhits, I seem to play better. When I lob and play strange shots in the game I seem to get better results. So what benefits do playing normal, mainstream shots have? Oliver
In tennis you hear grunting all the time but I never hear it in table tennis, when playing my offensive forehands I feel the need to make a quiet grunt. Is this allowed in table tennis or would it count as distracting? Luke Styles
If our bat touches the table while playing is it a foul? Varun Chaturvedi
Hi Alois, Some days all my topspins work. Others they dont work at all. is this normal? Matias Chambers
Dear PingSkills, While playing the ball hits my finger hits the rubber and goes to the next court. Is it an foul or is it correct? Bryan George
Has the new plastic ball changed the game of table tennis?
]]>Zhang Jike's fine at the World Cup
Is it good for someone to practice Penhold and Shakehand styles? Skyppz
What is the best way to hit a slow, spinny topspin forehand with the penhold grip? Tyler
Whenever I return a heavy backspin serve it just goes straight to the net. How can I remove this problem? Fleming
Hi PingSkills Is it better to pivot when receiving serve or is it better to just use backhand? can you please tell me the reason why? Frendy
Is the Chinese dominance hurting Table Tennis?
I have a friend that can do a serve, almost as fast as a drive and low just about above the net hitting near the edge of the table, chances of countering it are slim, most of the time the my shot goes high. How do you do and counter this serve? Jigo
I'm interested in a stroke that I'm probably inventing as I've never seen it used. You know the backhand block executed with the wrist movement when the bat curves the ball, I'm wondering if the same stroke can be executed on the forehand side. Eugene S
What is the most important aspect in table tennis? Is the the service, or the return, or the footwork, or the third ball attack, or the speed, or the spin or any other? Kaustubh
I've noticed that in table tennis, a lot of the professional players wipe the top corner of the table every now and then. I wouldn't have thought that they would use that bit of table very often. Do you know why this is? Kai Ball
What is the best penhold rubber? Mark
My kids 7 and 13 have great fun playing table tennis and joined a local club. They train 2 times a week one and a half hours each. Sounds OK but I´m a bit concerned they fool around too much. How to balance structured and unstructured training? Marcus
Yesterday I found it difficult playing with a guy who is taller than me. I am more of a defensive kind of a player so when he hits the ball he has got an advantage that it bounces a lot more and he is better at pushing. What can I do against him? Rutvik T
When both players are in position to play can the server hit the ball in the air and catch it and then serve, or bounce the ball on the floor before a serve ie tennis style. Bryne
How many days a week do you play?
]]>Do you know the specific hand signals for doubles? It might not be the same for everyone. But what have you used? Andrew Yuen
In the office we usually play doubles, and many rallies end soon due to low-quality stroke or just missing the ball. That often happens because a player does not get into a good position in time. Any ideas? Roman Sukhanov
What is the right finish position for the backhand sidespin serve? Kaustubh
Hi, can you please explain what they mean when they say he is a 1500 or a 2000 player. Ron Thomson
What bat do you use?
Juniors and Ratings by Larry Hodges
]]>I was just on a training camp and learned to play early, mid and late forehand topspins against under and topspins. I did quite well there but I guess I still need more training for perfection. I forgot to ask when to play which kind of topspin. Michael W
I saw a point in the match between Timo Boll v Chun Ting Wong, where Chun Ting was serving and after two or three exchanges Timo pointed out it was a let. Do the rules allow players to do this so late in the point if the umpire has not seen it? Abhinav U
I am able to do some video analysis of myself playing and was wondering what are the criteria I should be looking for when trying to find weaknesses, also are there tests we can do on strokes to see how consistent we are at them? C Cc
Hi Alois and Jeff! I have been playing TT for the last 2 years and know the basics(topspin, block, backspin push, etc), but I struggle against opponents with similar skill but more expensive bats with better grip. Should I change my Tibhar Chila Balsa DHT?
The rules say that serves must be from behind the baseline, and the baseline should be considered as extending out beyond the edges of the table. On another website video it is said that you must serve from within the edge line. Can you clarify? David M
Should you apologize for nets and edges?
I play inverted and will play against a hard bat penhold player. He has no problem hitting through chops, and various spins. What I find most difficult is returning his general shots. I hit many balls into the net. Any suggestions? Bob Van Deusen
There is an attacking shot in badminton called dropshot from the rear court. I haven't seen it in table tennis where one player is away from the table, slows down shortly before contact so the ball drops short. Is it possible in table tennis? Peter Habich
Being not a terribly strong guy, I’ve always preferred blades on the lighter side. Recently I switched to one which weighs only 5 grams less, and the difference is remarkable. I can’t be sure yet which to prefer, so what's your view on this? Andrej K
My issue is that I'm practicing drills mostly at the club with ITTF standard sized tables and the one at my office is one that lays on top of a billiards table, which is about 9cm higher. How I can adjust my strokes so that I can perform better? Gregory S
Tomahawk or Pendulum?
Hi Alois ! I have my first tournament of the season in a week and I want to practice my serves. One problem : I don't have any plastic balls. Is it bad to practice my serves with celluloid balls ? Yoan Pelletier
Do you and other professionals who play with shakehand, use a specific or specialized grip to serve and then quickly shift to the shakehand for the majority of the point? Do you stay with the special grip after the serve? Cole Mooney
I recently received advice to engage my thumb and apply pressure onto the rubber when backhand counterhitting. The advice improved my backhand but I don't know if should change especially if the rallies are transitioning BH to FH in a fast manner. Danny Ly
Due to studies I didn't play table tennis for 1.5 months. I played today in an interschool tournament and I lost to a player whom I used to defeat every time. What is the reason of my defeat and how can I prepare for my state tournament. Shivam Goenka
As a penhold player, should I hit with the other side of my bat? I tend to find that I cant have as much control as if I simply move more and use the same side of my bat. Colin Young
What will be the effect of the new plastic balls?
Usually players follow one style, attack or defense. If I want to change mine to All Around to add some defensive strokes, when is it efficient to start? When the attack style is completely confident or it's better to study all the strokes at the same time? Olena.
I realize that in table tennis we use only one part of our hand (upper arm, lower arm, and wrist) so what is the time to use each part of it and can I combined them? Frendy.
How to reply to a player who simply sends every shot back with push and chop shots? I feel like I am playing the ball against a wall. I start to think that I have to do something to end the rally and then I make the mistake and lose the point. Len Buffey.
What advice can you give to changing the momentum in a match? I was recently up 2-0 in a match and lost all confidence after losing the 3rd set and continued to go downhill losing in 5.
Is there difference between a lob and a fish? If yes, what is it? Kaustubh Kulkarni.
What is the easiest stroke to learn in Table Tennis?
]]>Hi Alois, I've noticed that the quality of the training some how depends on the mood and the concentration. The same strokes I perform differently and miss more with the higher concentration on the ball. What is an object and level of concentration? Olena
I play at a local club and have received comments that I have a good serve. However, I have noticed that almost all of my backspin serves (Pendulum) have sidespin as well. Is this taking away from the effectiveness of the backspin? Adam
While playing with my opponent when I tossed the ball for a serve my opponent asked me to stop as he wasn't ready then after a pause of 4 to 5 seconds I served again and again the same thing happened. Is this legal? Rutvik Thakkar
Hi, sometimes I see professional players immediately smash the ball when returning a serve, I was wondering in what circumstances could and should you do this. Thanks! Alan C
Who is the best player you have ever seen?
]]>I mainly play in a local league. I have a robot at home. What would be the best preparation for my league match? Matches are played starting at 7.30. How do I warm up? You go straight at the table so any warming up must be done when you hit up. Filippo R
Hi Alois, Just a simple question. Is the finish position for the topspin stroke always be in front your eyebrow? Or just a matter of preference? Because i find my finish position for my topspin stroke depends on the ball that i receive. Antonius Willson
I've noticed you use the shakehand in your videos. I'm somewhat new to the game and find the penhold grip a bit more comfortable. Are most of the videos as shown equally relevant for penholders, or are the styles for both hands too different? Tom Adams
When I play several backhand topspins I bring my thumb on the rubber which helps to close the bat more but the bat rotates in the palm of my hand. If my opponent then switches to my forehand I often don't have the time to recover my grip. Any tips? Thijs G
How long have you been playing table tennis? Please leave a comment to let us know
]]>When I go to club and play with my friends and other players , I’m better than most of them and I can beat them 3-0 or 4-0 . But when I play in a tournament with those players I feel scared even if the other player is a lot weaker than me. Ali.
You show how to execute different strokes, and watching and trying to repeat your moves works well for players who are almost as high as you are. I wonder what adjustments should a player do if he is seemingly lower or higher? Roman.
You know the backhand block executed with the wrist movement when the bat curves the ball on its side and decreases its spin and speed. I’m wondering if the same kind of stroke can be executed on the forehand side? Evgeny.
How to make an effective backhand serve and what about the toss should it be lower or higher? Dario.
Hi Alois and Jeff I tend to have a lot of difficulty with looping half long balls with backspin as they go too high over the net and my opponent can just block it or smash it down. How do i achieve a low arc when this happens? Shea.
]]>Hello, I’m trying to develop a serve that just nicks the table, is this legal? Thanks. George.
As I play short pimples on backhand I have recently begun to wonder if it would be good to turn my bat during a rally and hit the ball with my short pips but on my forehand side. What do you think, is it a good idea to train on that? Fredrik.
I saw when professional players get serves to their forehand they often move over and return it with their backhand. Should I start practicing returning serves that come to my forehand with my backhand or should I practice my forehand more? David.
I have an 11 year old son I am trying to teach table tennis. We practice about once a month and we have been doing that for a while but not making much progress. I feel I should teach him how to consistently bounce the ball. Can you tell me how? Fatih.
Hi guys, just to ask what serves did you both use in your careers? Also can you tell me what serves encourage a forehand return? Sasha.
]]>Hi Jeff and Alois, I often practice to attack backspins with a topspin using a Donic robot, but because of these exercises I tear my rubbers against the table at least twice a month. What I am doing wrong? Stanislav.
Against beginners when I play my full loop I miss more because it feels like their ball has nothing on it and my ball just flies into space. It's got to the point where unless the player p uts a lot of pace or spin I'm afraid to do a full forehand. Peter C.
I was bored waiting, so I did some wall practice, it got faster, after a few minutes I noticed my eyes were adjusting to the speed then, we played table tennis I got a winning streak of 6 matches. What other warmups are effective. Jigo.
Hello, I want to ask: How can I return a fast topspin stroke without blocking it? What are the options? Thanks, Tibor.
]]>Can you give me tips on the traditional pen-hold backhand topspin? I tried gripping the handle a little further from the face, curling my three fingers, and twisting the paddle so the forehand side is facing down, but to no avail. Table Tennis Guy
I sometimes tend to lean back when I loop or drive. I'm guessing it’s a problem with me shifting weight from right to left and instead keeping the weight on my right leg forcing me to lean back to take the shot. I'm not sure though. Justin
Can you say that drills are essential or are plenty of matches required to become a good table tennis player? Meet Master
If both sides of the blade has same rubber glued to it e.g. Xiom Vega Pro is on both sides of a blade then can they be both of same color or they should be black and red? Please guide me according to ITTF rules. Muhammad
]]>Sir, as I play table tennis, while playing too fast the ball sometimes hits my fingers and the whole game goes wrong. So how to prevent it? Rishabh
I was having problems with countering services with combined spin like the topspin with sidespin services. How to counter them? Pat
My coach told me to hold the bat differently when i am serving, but in my last competition i felt that i didn't manage to change the grip on the bat fast enough after i am serving, so when my opponent returns my serve. David
I am facing difficulty while countering the high returns bouncing just on the end of the table. I often play close to the table and I have an attacking style of play. I know this is an unusual weakness but can you guide me how counter these. Mukul
]]>How do you play deceptive shots? Do you have any tricks?
I've asked and also found a lot of information about getting a lot of spin on my serve but my serve only has a little spin on it. I’ve also tried to brush the ball finely and fast an d also the contact point is on the end of the bat. Frendy
What are the best but well priced table tennis tables to get? Adam
I have played Table tennis for about 4 years and 6 months ago my coach said that i should try short pimples on my backhand, i have become a much better player thanks to it but for some rea son i cant block with it very good when doing drills. Fredrik
Hi, I want to know that how can I play like Timo Boll. I consider him as the greatest table tennis player. Can you make a video on this topic. And I also want to know how to play with both hands like Timo Boll.
]]>Racket Height: Should the racquet be the same height as the ball or should it be lower than the ball?
I have a problem with my forehand, it always goes long. How can I solve this problem?
How to control my bat: My bat is ply-donic persson exclusive off, forehand rubber: donic coppa jo gold, backhand rubber: mark V but I cannot get control on ball should I change my bat?
Jeff: Hi everyone, it's Jeff Plumb here from PingSkills.com and this is the ask the coach show episode 1 where we answer your table tennis questions. I've got Alois Rosario with me, welcome Alois.
Alois: Hi Jeff, how are you going?
Jeff: Good thank you. So the first question we've got and are going to talk about is the racket height. So should the racket be the same height as the ball or should it be lower than the ball? That's a question that we've been asked. What do you make of that question Alois?
Alois: What I think we're talking about here is the racket height as you're hitting the ball so if you're going to play a topspin stroke, then the bat needs to be a little bit below the ball so that it can come up on the ball that way. If you're playing a backspin stroke then you can start a little bit above the ball and come down to generate the backspin. Maybe for a serve is what she was talking about. It's best to start either just a little bit above the ball so you can come down on it that way or behind the ball so you come flat and into the ball that way as well. So it depends on the type of spin that you are trying to produce, where the racket starts in relation to the ball.
Jeff: OK. Very good. I'm just currently answering that question. I'm looking at the Google apps features here so there's a little feature on this Google hangouts Alois where you can specify which question you are currently answering so I was just a little bit distracted there.
Alois: OK.
Jeff: We'll see how that goes. Alright so another question we have Alois is about a forehand problem and the question is I can't get the ball on the table while playing the forehand it always goes long and misses the table. What should I do?
Alois: So the natural cure for the ball that is going long is to put a little bit more topspin on the ball so if you're hitting the ball too flat and too fast then the ball is going to tend to go out past the table. If you start to put just a little bit of topspin on the ball then the topspin is going to drag the ball down onto the table so that's probably one of the things that you can look at. The other thing is also just adjusting the angle of your bat so it could be as simple as instead of your bat being at that angle just turn it down and forward a fraction and play the same stroke that you're playing at the moment and maybe that will cure the problem. Always remember though with your forehand stroke to get that bat coming up towards that eyebrow.
Jeff: OK. Good advice there. So really topspin is the key. Great now so Hela's also asked us a question about how to control, that's the title of it so he's got a bat with some rubber on it so I think a Donic Coppa JO Gold and Mark V on the backhand but he can't control the ball so his question is should he change his bat?
Alois: I think he's also got an offensive blade as well there.
Jeff: He does, yes it's a Donic Persson exclusive offensive.
Alois: Yep, so this is a problem we often find with players and it's really natural when we start to play we want to get a good bat and it's really difficult when you're starting to work out what is a good bat. I mean you look at a bat that's $200 and think fantastic that's going to be the one for me but often when you're starting it's really important to start with a lower speed bat and a bat with a bit more control. So if you, it sounds like the bat that you've got there is j]]>
