Transfer robot practice

[riemsesy]

and that is the reason why pros don't train with robot, but using human multiball feeding, as the placement, speed, arc, frequency per each feed is unique.
there is also a visual and audio aspect than just the ball shooting to you and you need to remember the spin that you set the drill to, and not learn to read how the ball gets contact.

That’s why we have old balls in our robot. Damn … you never know where and when it’s gonna shoot 😂

 

[maurice101]

I would get a better robot that can randomize speed, placement and frequency. Do short videos and send to a coach. I use ttedge.com This is essential otherwise you don't change bad habits and a robot will make you worse.
Robot I use is inexpensive for a 3 ball robot tennirobo

 

[pongbotrobots]

For quite some time now I’m working on changing my forehand technique.
To speed the process up I have decided to invest in a robot to isolate the element.
I have already see quite big improvement while practicing with the robot on various speed, placements… but as soon as I hit the table with real opponent, it seems that very quickly I revert to old habits and can’t really replicate what I do with the robot. I start to feel that it might also be mental issues.

Anyone here had similar experience?
Any tips and tricks to overcome this?

I have decided that while changing, I will not stop practicing with people, as I thought it’s beneficial to test what I learn frequently with real people. But now start to think that this might be the cause I get my old habits re-appearing and slow down the process of change?

I totally get where you're coming from—changing a technique is tough, and it can be frustrating when it doesn't translate perfectly from robot practice to real matches. It’s actually pretty common to revert to old habits when you're under the pressure of a real game.

It sounds like you’re making good progress with the robot, which is awesome! The key now might be finding a balance between the consistency you’re building with the robot and the adaptability needed in real matches. Here are a few things that might help:

1. Slowly Integrate Real-Game Scenarios: After practicing with the robot, try to incorporate drills that mimic match situations. For example, mix in some irregular drills where you don’t know where the ball is coming, or work on transitioning from a predictable robot drill to a more random one.
2. Focus on Mental Training: Since you mentioned a possible mental block, it might help to work on visualization and mindfulness techniques. Visualize yourself successfully executing your new forehand in a match situation, and practice staying calm and focused under pressure.
3. Small Adjustments During Matches: When playing against real opponents, try to consciously apply just one or two elements you’ve been working on with the robot, rather than overthinking the entire technique. Over time, these small changes will start to stick.
4. Patience and Persistence: Don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Change takes time, and the fact that you’re noticing improvement with the robot means you’re on the right track. The more you practice, the more those new habits will take over.

And you’re right about continuing to practice with people—it’s crucial to test what you’ve learned. Just keep in mind that it’s normal for the transition to be gradual. You’ll get there!

Hope this helps, and good luck with your forehand!

 

[pongbotrobots]

I would get a better robot that can randomize speed, placement and frequency. Do short videos and send to a coach. I use ttedge.com This is essential otherwise you don't change bad habits and a robot will make you worse.
Robot I use is inexpensive for a 3 ball robot tennirobo

Our robots can randomize speed, placement, and frequency to enhance your training.

If you have some time, feel free to learn more on our website.

 

[BlopChock]

A robot is a tool, like your racket is a tool. How effective a tool is depends on how you use the tool, so don't listen to the people telling you a robot is useless. It has limitations like any other tool, you just need to find out what it's good for...

Tell me what kind of robot you have, maybe I can give you some tips on how to make it work for you.

Don't need the tips just yet, as I'm still on the hunt for a quality used/affordable three-wheel bot - but would a Power Pong Alpha (not the current plus, the generation just before it) be a good option?

 

[sebi]

A robot is a good tool even if its only a simple one. I think the best advice here is to record your self. What you feel and what actually happens might be completely different. Do a drill maybe 1 min check the video try to adjust in the next 1 min drill check the video try to adjust and repeat.
Next I would try to get a partner in training to play the same drill with me and record that. Drill 1 min watch the video. Drill again try to adjust. Repeat.

If you have the extra cash go to a professional coach and have a 1 one 1 traing session.

Maybe you can incorporate a return board in you robot training to make it a bit more realistic. But equipment is expensive and everybody has a phone. Video feedback is the best you can get.
When analysing yourself always start with the feet. Is your stance correct where do you have the pressure on your feet. Are your knees correct do you use your hip, and body then check shoulders are the in a good position. Next elbow and hand.
Every shot starts with your feet and is a reaction and follow trough of the rest of your body.

Keep trying I know you will get it.

 

[dingyibvs]

Don't need the tips just yet, as I'm still on the hunt for a quality used/affordable three-wheel bot - but would a Power Pong Alpha (not the current plus, the generation just before it) be a good option?

I have something similar in the Butterfly Amicus. It's better for backspin training than topspin because topspin balls are just way too slow for an intermediate level player, and the sidespin it introduces in topspin shots is the opposite of what you'd typically encounter in real games and can be quite annoying to deal with. The Alpha IMO is a bit too limited in its programming. A more powerful software IMO is the Powerpong/Amicus series' main advantage over a competitor like Pongbot. For that price IMO a Pongbot Omni would be a better choice. It can create far, far faster topspin balls that don't have nearly as much obligatory sidespin.

I personally have both the Amicus Prime and the Pongbot Halo, and I do use both. I use the Amicus primarily for backspins, while the Pongbot Halo for everything else, including some backspin drills as well.

 

[BlopChock]

I have something similar in the Butterfly Amicus. It's better for backspin training than topspin because topspin balls are just way too slow for an intermediate level player, and the sidespin it introduces in topspin shots is the opposite of what you'd typically encounter in real games and can be quite annoying to deal with. The Alpha IMO is a bit too limited in its programming. A more powerful software IMO is the Powerpong/Amicus series' main advantage over a competitor like Pongbot. For that price IMO a Pongbot Omni would be a better choice. It can create far, far faster topspin balls that don't have nearly as much obligatory sidespin.

I personally have both the Amicus Prime and the Pongbot Halo, and I do use both. I use the Amicus primarily for backspins, while the Pongbot Halo for everything else, including some backspin drills as well.

Ah. Thanks a bunch for the detailed reply. I asked as I may have an opportunity to pick up a two year old Alpha for half the price of a new Omni and was willing to live with lesser programming - but a bargain ain't a bargain if

topspin balls are just way too slow for an intermediate level player, and the sidespin it introduces in topspin shots is the opposite of what you'd typically encounter in real games

its shortcomings in ball delivery are so pronounced.

I'm a bit put off by what another user here has posted about pongbot's holding users hostage in their cloud, and requiring GPS location to be turned on. Sounds sketchy to me.

And tbh, I've agreed with my other half to hold the spend on a robot down somewhat - because I'm about to replace the thinner top table I was given as a gift after a long-distance move, back to a new proper 30mm bea$$t like I had before.

I guess the search for a used tennirobo or pongfox goes on...

Thanks again, dingyibiv!