Lightzy, I need to get you in a match with just Nicholi and you would never believe the shots you miss that look like they come from a 1000 level player.
If those guys play even a 1800 East Coast player they will win 11-5 easily.
I will certainly never believe it though it certainly may be true.
But man, I take back my previous statement in any case.
If you can't say something nice often better not say anything at all.. Certainly in this case, with such happy dudes enjoying their game, having a ball. TT at that level really shouldn't be about whose better or worse but about having fun. For me too, I guess, and for anyone not aiming at world rankings.
Life's short.
Also just to make clear, I wasn't ridiculing them by saying that they look like beginners. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just how it seems.
Main coach here has very clear rules on who can come out of the beginners group (before that you have to get private coaching, and though everyone knows he has his personal coaches he recommends and takes cuts from, it being a bit of a hussle, it ultimately is for everyone's benefit so whatever):
You have to be able to put 50 consecutive topspins on the table, both backhand and forehand.
You have to be be able to block 50 topspins on the table with aim.
You have to be able to topspin 4 out of 5 long pushes.
It's not that there are tests per se but those are the general guidelines for who gets promoted to the advanced group and can join ranklist.
Reason being, many in the group will not want to train with you in the advanced groups if you can't do the basics properly and steadily and they'll get pissed if paired with you cuz you'll be ruining their practice and then they'll complain to the coach etc etc.
Assholes if you ask me but sometimes it happens that I come to practice and get paired with a bit of a beginner and even though I know I'm being an asshole I just get angry all the same.
Depends on what kinda day it was at work and if there's competitions coming up etc.
