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I've read that the Chinese National Team does a lot of special training for high pressure situations. They have sports psychologists that work individually with athletes to break down their thought process and thoughts when they make mistakes under pressure. Also, both Zhang Jike and Lin Dan...

Really, this should be a comparison between Waldner and Zhang Jike. They're on equal footings in terms of major titles, but Zhang Jike has done it faster. I'd throw my ring in with Waldner because he was able to play at such a high level for such a long time.

Wow, this sounds awesome!

It kind of bugs me that Zhang Jike doesn't bring his A-game during pro-tour matches. I think one defining characteristic of greatness is consistency. He wins all the major titles, and then loses to people no one has ever heard of. Just bizzare.

Recently, he's lost against Chen Chien-An, Taku Takakiwa, and Samsonov. Why do you think this is?

I saw a great deal of respect from both players during the game (especially during net and edge balls). Zhang Jike didn't really celebrate that much after winning. He must empathize for Wang Hao, because if not for him, Wang Hao would be a grand slam winner already. Great finals.

I think that might be more a result of the speed glue ban. It really forced players to play closer to the table, and attack from both wings.

Thanks Tommy! Looks like the CNT coaches chose Ma Lin and Fan Zhen Dong for the remaining singles spots. Why do you think Qiu Yike was included? Is it because his English is good? I know he played in Europe at some point in his career (but he was dead last in the CNT trials for Paris, so I will...

That is indeed impressive. Could it be that the younger players of this generation are just better than he was in his prime, and he just couldn't adjust after the speed glue era? I bet his backhand is better now than it was back then.

I'm curious, in what way is Wang Liqin worse now than he was back then? He still seems to be in incredible shape.

According to Liu Guo Liang, Zhang Jike has more trouble adapting during games than Ma Long: Source: http://tabletennista.com/2012/7/zhang-jike-is-not-as-good-as-ma-long-video/ Zhang Jike, during an interview said that he believes he has more natural talent than Ma Long, but Liu Guo Liang...

Excellent idea Ben, and great book. I have a copy already, and read it cover to cover. Definitely worth a read for any serious amateur table tennis player.

Jörg Roßkopf, the German national coach is definitely in the top 10. His team has done extremely well in the past several years of international competition. As far as tactical coaches are concerned, Liu Guo Liang is probably the best in the world. He also knows the psychological side of table...

The problem is that as of right now, you don't have any game. To have a game, you need to understand your strengths (the things you are good at, the tools that help you win points), and your weaknesses (the things that cause you to lose points, or put you at a disadvantage during games), so that...

My first observation is that your serves bounce way too high over the net. A good player will be able to flip those quite easily. You can fix this by contacting the ball lower when you serve. Focus less on a deception, and more on spin, height, and placement. It helps tremendously to visualize...

Considering that boosting is against the rules, no pro would openly proclaim that they boost.

Here's a definition of a booster from Greg Letts. http://tabletennis.about.com/od/glossary/g/booster.htm Note that speed glue is now banned by the ITTF, but you can still get some of the same effects with booster on water based glue. Here's another definition from Sir Carl, who can describe...

I think what really matters is how they performed on the biggest stage. Personally, I'd give it to Ma Lin for winning the Olympic Gold medal. I bet Wang Hao would trade all three of his Silver Olympic medals for a Gold one in Men's Singles.

Gonna go with Sir Carl on this:

It seems that Timo's forehand looping style (which is his primary strength) puts a lot of stress on his back and shoulder. As he is older now, it is probably wiser to play less tournaments to prevent injury.