How did that tournament go? I’m getting that question a lot since I’ve returned from Florida. I won one and lost four. I dropped almost fifty rating points and was done playing by lunchtime. That doesn’t sound like a very good tournament for me personally, but the Sunrise Open was actually an excellent tournament. Even …
Continue reading “The Class of Clearwater – Sunrise Table Tennis”
What’s one of the biggest challenges for developing table tennis players? Perhaps it’s returning serves, developing a strong forehand loop, or learning how to play against long pips. The challenge I’m referring to isn’t any one thing. It’s any two things. It’s learning to walk and chew gum simultaneously. Let me explain. I have a …
I take requests. I recently received a call from a friend and fellow table tennis player whom I had not seen in several months. He asked that I write about a common problem that he’s witnessed at multiple table tennis clubs. The issue was players who snubbed weaker players by refusing to play them, warm …
A brand new table tennis center comes to Atlanta There’s a brand new table tennis center in Atlanta. Technically it’s in Lawrenceville, but it’s well worth the drive from anywhere in metro Atlanta. There’s a lot to like about the Atlanta Table Tennis Center. This is what the Atlanta table tennis community has always hoped …
Players don’t enter tournaments expecting to play poorly, or do they? If your expectation is that you will play horribly, you should probably save your money and not enter tournaments. It’s possible to play very well and not come home with a trophy. Seeding might have something to do with it. If you are the …
Blockers don’t get much respect. Their game isn’t real flashy. A lot of blockers are one dimensional, and their style seems to be ill-suited to the modern game. Players don’t normally appreciate blockers, until they play a really good one. Scattered across the world of table tennis are players who have made blocking a major …
Part 1 – Greetings from beautiful downtown Narashino. From where I sit, I’m only a quick bus ride and a short train trip from Tokyo. This is my third trip to Japan. On my previous trips I’ve been able to work in a few table tennis sessions. It doesn’t look like I’ll be playing on …
What would it mean to reach a USATT rating of 2000? A 2000 rating is a nice round number that proves you are playing table tennis at a recognizably high level. Is 2000 simply too high for the average club player? 2000 is a worthy goal because many will attempt to reach 2000, but not …
I could have taken up a different sport. At different times in my life I’ve played baseball, basketball, ran track, and dabbled in several other athletic endeavors. I fully experienced the loneliness of the long distance runner, and the comradery of team sports. Table tennis wasn’t necessarily my first choice. It’s not such a bad …
There have been plenty of articles written about the value of table tennis for adults, and particularly seniors. I’ve got a page devoted completely to coaching seniors. Seniors Table Tennis Program. There is a little less information about the value of table tennis for children. Actually, I’m not advocating for worldwide ping pong participation for …
