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Played last night with the UAkron club and, as always, had a blast. The guy that founded the club in 2003 made a special appearance and was a hell of a challenge for just about everyone. Lefty with a wicked sidespin loop. I wasn't playing particularly well and lost 3-0 but all games went to at least 9. If he was in playing shape and I played my game I think it would go to 5 but he would still win.
He and I teamed up to play doubles against the team's 1 and 2 and lost the match 3-0 but kept it close. After the first match we played 2 more games with us taking the first and them taking the second.
Did some soul searching after doubles and thought about why I was playing so badly. Came to find out I was completely trying to predict the ball that's coming and committing to a shot/wing before I even know what my opponent would do. Told myself to slow down and read the ball and that would be my only priority for the rest of the night.
Lo and behold, I go on to play the team's number 1/2 depending on the day, and lost 3-1 (11-9, 11-9, 13-15, 12-10). Night and day difference in the way I played. Still gave some stupid pop ups when I pushed a ball I should have attacked and gave up initiative thanks to poor footwork after my opening attack. But I read the ball well and was generally happy with my consistency and power.
Final match was with the team #5. When I started in November he wouldn't get beyond 5 points in a game, but two weeks ago he beat me 3-2. So big improvement on his part, and his next level jump will probably come from just playing a tournament or two. But I played very well against him and won 3-1 in close games. Attacked where I should have and forced my game on him. Even got an accidental around the net off of his pendulum serve to my wide forehand.
I still have a long way to go but feel like I was actually playing table tennis this time. Hoping to keep momentum going tomorrow for their final practice before regionals on Saturday. I think they'll surprise some people and do pretty well if they stay loose and have fun (which is what I'm there for).
He and I teamed up to play doubles against the team's 1 and 2 and lost the match 3-0 but kept it close. After the first match we played 2 more games with us taking the first and them taking the second.
Did some soul searching after doubles and thought about why I was playing so badly. Came to find out I was completely trying to predict the ball that's coming and committing to a shot/wing before I even know what my opponent would do. Told myself to slow down and read the ball and that would be my only priority for the rest of the night.
Lo and behold, I go on to play the team's number 1/2 depending on the day, and lost 3-1 (11-9, 11-9, 13-15, 12-10). Night and day difference in the way I played. Still gave some stupid pop ups when I pushed a ball I should have attacked and gave up initiative thanks to poor footwork after my opening attack. But I read the ball well and was generally happy with my consistency and power.
Final match was with the team #5. When I started in November he wouldn't get beyond 5 points in a game, but two weeks ago he beat me 3-2. So big improvement on his part, and his next level jump will probably come from just playing a tournament or two. But I played very well against him and won 3-1 in close games. Attacked where I should have and forced my game on him. Even got an accidental around the net off of his pendulum serve to my wide forehand.
I still have a long way to go but feel like I was actually playing table tennis this time. Hoping to keep momentum going tomorrow for their final practice before regionals on Saturday. I think they'll surprise some people and do pretty well if they stay loose and have fun (which is what I'm there for).