January 17, 2006
TABLE TENNIS TIPS: Extending the arm
The third in an occasional series on improving your table tennis game. For more table tennis tips, click here.
Watching a table tennis game can be every bit as thrilling as watching any other sporting event. The flick of the paddle. The slight tapping sound made by the ball as it strikes the table. And so forth. But while table tennis may be exciting for the spectator, for the serious player it is hard work.
In the illustration above, notice how the player is gripping the paddle with his hand. Notice, too, how his arm is fully extended and ready to meet the ball. This is not by accident. No. It is intentional.
Also be aware of how his headband is secured tightly around his head. This has been pointed out in previous lessons, but cannot be overemphasized: If you cannot see the ball, you cannot hit it (unless you get super lucky). For the long-haired player, a headband is not a fashion statement; it is a necessity.
NEXT TIME: "Preparing Yourself Mentally"
Posted by teb at 10:38 AM | Email this entry
January 03, 2006
TABLE TENNIS TIPS: Staying limber
The second in an occasional series on improving your table tennis game.
Good athletes always come prepared. Part of being prepared is making sure to stretch thoroughly before a game. In the photo above we see player rolling his head (circled) to one side. Notice how his hands (circled) are placed on his hips for balance: Proper form leads to proper execution.
Also notice how his headband is in place even during pre-game stretching. This ensures that his hair won't fall into his eyes.
While stretching, it's a good idea to think about your strategy for the upcoming game. Is your opponent overly aggressive? Perhaps you can use that against him. Is your opponent slow on his feet? Perhaps you should keep him running. Is your opponent easily frightened? Perhaps you should frighten him.
Don't stop stretching while you’re thinking. If you can't do both, then just stretch.
NEXT TIME: "Finishing Strong"
Posted by teb at 08:47 AM | Email this entry
December 20, 2005
TABLE TENNIS TIPS: Crouching tiger
The first in an occasional series on improving your table tennis game.
Take a close look at the picture above. What do you see? A table tennis player, right? Well, look again. Notice how his knees and elbows are bent. Notice how his eyes are filled with concentration. Notice how his headband is pulled tight around his forehead.
He is not a table tennis player. No. He is a crouching tiger ready to pounce.
His "prey" is not another animal, but rather a small, plastic ball. His "weapon" is not a set of sharp teeth; instead, it is a wooden paddle with a rubberized surface. He is "hungry" not for a bloody meal but for a winning score. Eventually the analogy breaks down, but the underlying truth remains: The experienced table tennis player, like the tiger, is always ready. Unlike the tiger, though, he does not literally kill anything.
NEXT TIME: "The Importance of Going For It"
Posted by teb at 10:33 AM | Email this entry