I would like to thank OldschoolPenholder. The reason I'd like to thank you, is that it's rare to find new members that are as active as you are. Usually the ones who are as active when they're new are spouting their pro tips (dinosaurus), and other random posts just to get those post counts up and be recognized as a regular forum member. I love the way you came in, with long posts, friendly, trying to improve while helping others. Just talking the game and putting your personality into your posts. You're not overly serious about things and in my short time on this forum I haven't seen someone join with such force and acceptance. it is well deserved and I thank you for joining.
Just remember, don't let the goon squad get to you. If they approach, run.
Hello Shuki:
Whoa! I'm deeply honored! THANK YOU! *taps microphone* Is this thing on?
Back in the early late 70's and early 80's, I played 3x a week. 42andbackpains and I were part of a group of friends who practiced a lot together. 42&bp came back to the game ~2 yrs ago, I've been back for a little over a year now (since June 2015). We both had about a 30 yr absence. Had my annual physical last year in Aug and the doctor said i had to lose weight. Too busy with Life with raising a Family and work, I somehow ballooned like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man/Ghostbusters.
I have a few physical activities I'm passionate about: billiards, martial arts, and table tennis. I figured I'd get back into TT and MA as billiards is costly as I don't have my own table. Most importantly I needed to be more active after a sedentary lifestyle if I was to lose weight. I needed to do something physical I enjoyed doing that I would not feel like I was forced to do because I had to lose weight. I enjoy TT and have fun with it. Since June 2015, i've been playing 1x/week. Since June 2016, I've been playing 2-3x/week. August of this year, had my physical and the doctor told me I lost 17 pounds, ~1.5 lbs a month. Need to lose more, will have fun with TT and MA
Sometime in June 42&bp invited me to play with UpSideDownCarl and him. I did and had fun. Although during the 2 matches, most points were over in 3 shots... only a handful saw 5 ball volleys. Didn't play well, I had many unforced errors.
Then Der_Echte made the call about the Goon Squad assembling. 42&bp contacted me and said Carl and some friends were going to get together... interested? I joined in.
Reflection of that night re: doubles ... I used to play in a Friday night League ages ago... 11 matches - 9 singles, 2 doubles. Sometimes I would also play doubles in tournaments. Singles - i didn't play enough tournaments. Would choke here and there. At best I peaked at 1300+. My playing level is probably 1400. Somehow, I don't recall how or when I picked up on some doubles tactics, but Der_Echte and Carl articulated perfectly how a doubles team should play and it dawned on me, I did some of what they said.
As the club was closing down, 42&bp and Carl informed me of this site. So I joined and learning some things.
Anyway, I'm not an attention whore, i know what i know, pay it forward when I can. I call Alex Tam my 'sifu'... he taught me penhold pips basics. I couldn't master the bh smash which he was known for. He had me work with Richard Ling, whom I call 'Dai Si-hing', he worked with me quite a bit when i transitioned to penhold inverted. I also had a lot of help from Vicky Wong, Doon Wong, and Rey Domingo (here was a 2400 player lobbing to me and try as I might smashing his lobs, I couldn't penetrate his defense... he helped me out tremendously). So indebted to others before, I pay it forward. Help out when I can. I know what I don't know and I won't pretend to know it just to speak.
So I sincerely thank the members of TTD on the Daily Chit Chat thread offering advice and posting their sessions. Gives me focus, ideas, and continued drive in my sessions. For anyone that read through this FRAT post, thank you sincerely! I can be long-winded/long-typed-posts LOL
Very truly yours in TT,
~Oldschool Penholder
p.s. I'm camera shy, so huge Props and Respect to NextLevel for consistently posting videos of his sessions/matches!!