Heming Hu on Equipment

[Tyce]

Plus, it's apparently really hard to get a conclusive answer, preferably backed up with empirical evidence.
For example, I think I understand Tony's answer, but I have zero methods to verify it. It's all based on credibility and subjective opinion, and with the context of each individual being different, really hard to say what applies to whose situation

 

[NextLevel]

Plus, it's apparently really hard to get a conclusive answer, preferably backed up with empirical evidence.
For example, I think I understand Tony's answer, but I have zero methods to verify it. It's all based on credibility and subjective opinion, and with the context of each individual being different, really hard to say what applies to whose situation

So understanding Zeio's answer and understanding that sheets are made in batches and cut to size, the point is that the QC standards applied to creating and selecting the batches that meet the national criteria are higher and their properties are more consistent. So a national batch is better quality and with tighter specs so it plays more similarly and within tolerance repeatedly. Which is very important for someone who needs to understand how their rubber plays on every single shot under pressure and for guessing how it will play under circumstances unknown.

Will all that make a difference to someone who is serially EJing and using the rubber once in a while? If you have the money, give it a shot. I figured out a long time ago that I wasn't good enough to care. But I do need something that isn't so cheap it falls apart while playing and modern enough to hold the ball when I loop with closed angles.

 

[JJ Ng]

I would say, if your level is not there, you won't benefit from the hidden gems in pro version rubber.
so don't waste the money, in fact, Provincial is good enough.

Let me give an example of high risk/difficulty shot.
When you in a FH to FH top spin rally and you need to go so far out wide to "scoop" the ball back in, just before it touches the ground.
well, contact success quality will be better in Pro player version.

now, if you don't have the footworks and will never be in that situation (ie, you will just let the ball go pass), then why even bother with that rubber

Tony, thank you for your honest answer.

Yes, I will use up the provincial blue sponge 39 degree first. Then might try provincial sponge 40 degree next. After that, I doubt I will try the star/pro version.

Thanks again!

 

[Heming Hu]

Hey guys,

I see that I may have caused some annoyed people at me that perhaps even think I'm a bit arrogant haha. I get that, and I can definitely see how my energy can sometimes come across as that. I'd probably feel the way you feel too, if I didnt know me and watched my own videos from an outside perspective.

For anyone whos been around or met me in real life, you probably know that I'm an extremely antsy guy who is on the most extroverted side, with always something that he is busy doing. Hopefully my passion for these topics hasn't pissed anyone off. I assure you I just enjoy sharing what I know. IF there is one thing I am good at in my life and know, its Table Tennis (basically all I ever did as a kid up until about 25-26, no girlfriends, parties or friends, just tt tournaments haha)

I do have to say in regards to the opinions I give on this video

I do NOT take on absolute beginners and professional players as clients - They are not my favourite type of players to coach for various reasons. As such, yes the advice of me saying "start on pricey equipment, may be subjective"

As someone who LOVES coaching club level players, I have seen time and time again, players jump onto a hurricane, tell me its rubbish, only to get better in their game, and then love it soon after that.

 

[Tyce]

Ha, love that you are reacting on this particular thread! Speaks miles for you.

As I mentioned in one of the other threads, it's probably more conviction than arrogance, and conviction can go a very long way in professional sports, or any form of success, really.

In regards to pricey equipment, I gotta say H3 commercial is a very accessible price to get to know what this rubber is about. Best 20-25 bucks I've spent recently. It just doesn't work that way for Tenergy/Dignics and other brand's high end stuff.
As you said (imo) it's about getting quality gear, stuff you can believe in, depend and build on.
Money can get you quality, but it's not said that you get something that works for you. If a Golden Vis is not feeling right, it's not right. But if a Korbel works well, then you'll have a quality blade to work with for a loooong time.

Sometimes such commitment to certain products can come across as snobby. But the other side really is that one gets to know that equipment really really well. And that's where you get quality.

 

[JJ Ng]

Ha, love that you are reacting on this particular thread! Speaks miles for you.

As I mentioned in one of the other threads, it's probably more conviction than arrogance, and conviction can go a very long way in professional sports, or any form of success, really.

In regards to pricey equipment, I gotta say H3 commercial is a very accessible price to get to know what this rubber is about. Best 20-25 bucks I've spent recently. It just doesn't work that way for Tenergy/Dignics and other brand's high end stuff.
As you said (imo) it's about getting quality gear, stuff you can believe in, depend and build on.
Money can get you quality, but it's not said that you get something that works for you. If a Golden Vis is not feeling right, it's not right. But if a Korbel works well, then you'll have a quality blade to work with for a loooong time.

Sometimes such commitment to certain products can come across as snobby. But the other side really is that one gets to know that equipment really really well. And that's where you get quality.

Golden Viscaria is the gold standard for every player, beginner, intermediate, advance or pro player. Have you been so out of touch that you have not heeded the 2200-USTTA rated God telling us the same message over and over again?

 

[pingpongpaddy]

When a "club" player tells you he "loves" the pricey rubbers recommended by flash coaches it's not useful or impressive. I see so many "loving " playing big shots for show but failing when playing for dough! They are the embodiment of EJ
I am impressed by players who choose equipment wisely and practise well listening to their coaches and show progress by their ability to win points when it matters and therefore matches. Its about results in the end
hu seems more about self promotion than anything really useful

here's my idea of a real '

no bs'coach

Now He uses his top level experience to benefit club level players. Beautiful!

 

[pingpongpaddy]

there is quantity, then there is quality.

I know many countries national players that train 30+ hours a week.
but the quality of training is not there.

IE. they think they are fit, they train 30+ hours and include everything.

But come to tier 1 TT country, after 1 week of the "same quantity" 30 + hour a week.
they are sore every where. The body can't handle the quality.

I have seen thing many times.

Some years ago, Late 70's? a young player from a UK country I was helping, who was ambitious,super fit and enjoyed the physical side of training got to know A Chinese provincial squad who were touring Europe for experience. Long story short they were impressed by his work ethic invited him and another young player to China for a few weeks quality training in China. My friend told me it was the most interesting and exhausting tt experience of his life. Fortunately he really was fit and though not super talented he did well. His partner however a real 'talent boy' was another story. On the first day he loved it, but by the end of the first week he was hiding in the toilet to avoid the physical sessions and he couldnt wait to get home. I think in that time he learned that it takes more than talent to be a national Player. My friend on the other hand, came back to get a place in his national team for a while
Its just like Tony says: Quality is hard work

 

[Tyce]

Talk about perspective, woof.

Late 70's? I wasn't even in my parent's plans yet.
Fit? I'm sitting on the couch with an annoying cold and walking up the stairs wipes me out...

30+ hours? I'm happy if I can put in 5-6, including matches.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

and mind you, 30 hours is nothing.
Chuan Chih Yuan's academy in Taiwan is known to be hardcore, and train often, "3 meals a day", some times, "4 meals a day".
That is what we call it.
Most team will train 2 meals a day, what does that mean? Breakfast and Lunch, meaning morning and afternoon session.

With evening, it is 3 meals a day
with early morning physicals/running, that is 4 meals a day, ie wake up to do the 6am, 10km run

if we do the maths, it is about 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. So double that of the 30 hours.

there is a reason why Chuang is there, he isn't in the "talent" group, but he is in the hard working group.
same with Kao (his star student).

You either get talent, or you get hard working, or maybe you get both.
very little are talented. Most are hard working and through hardship on quantity and quality, could one refines the skills to elite. Or at least that is the Asian way.

What fascinates me is that many European don't do such hours, but can reach such end results too.
It could be in the DNA, or physical build (ie body height, versus short Asians) or something in that line up.
But I was also told, many Europeans have extreme good feeling of the ball.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

From the CNT who do you think are there because of their talent, only because of hard work or both?

the definition of "there" is a tough one, since there are over 20 players per gender at any given time.
And to name all 3 section (like a chart), and of 20+ years of following CNT, that would require a lot of time to type out. So I have to say, you have asked a crazy question that is big enough to be a thesis.

i'm sure there are a couple of quotes of talent by LGL and other CNT coaches and possibly also from other players/coaches.

Since, talent is the lesser number, i will just list talent and ignore the other two.
Talent (what I feel)
Kong Linghui
Liu Guoliang
Ma Lin
Wang Hao
Ma Long
Zhang Jike
Fan Zhendong to a certain extent

Deng Yaping
Wang Nan
Zhang Yining
Guo Yue

 

[mcfly]

From the CNT who do you think are there because of their talent, only because of hard work or both?

the capability of doing hard work is also a talent

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

the capability of doing hard work is also a talent

I don't understand

 

[NetProphet]

So understanding Zeio's answer and understanding that sheets are made in batches and cut to size, the point is that the QC standards applied to creating and selecting the batches that meet the national criteria are higher and their properties are more consistent. So a national batch is better quality and with tighter specs so it plays more similarly and within tolerance repeatedly. Which is very important for someone who needs to understand how their rubber plays on every single shot under pressure and for guessing how it will play under circumstances unknown.

Will all that make a difference to someone who is serially EJing and using the rubber once in a while? If you have the money, give it a shot. I figured out a long time ago that I wasn't good enough to care. But I do need something that isn't so cheap it falls apart while playing and modern enough to hold the ball when I loop with closed angles.

Just like the 1* , 2* and 3* balls I guess.....

 

[Tyce]

I don't understand

I do, and I agree. Some people are blessed with the gift to keep on going and leaving everything on the gym floor. Strong sense of goal, perspective, or plain good at motivation.

Others (ahem) just don't know how to give themselves to the process 100%

 

[mcfly]

I don't understand

some people just give up

 

[pingpongpaddy]

some people just give up

I know what you mean but for top level sports training "not giving up and working hard"is not a talent the coach hopes for in a player, rather, it is just a basic requirement for everybody no matter their other qualities.

 

[Heming Hu]

100% agreed

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

some people just give up

if we talking about CNT, if you give up, you won't be in the team. You are free to leave, since it will be a waste of your life if you stay on.
so I don't see how "staying on" is linked to talent.
staying on is linked by skill or functionality (ie, chopper/pimple out player stay on as practice partners).

Everyone works hard, not everyone is talented (as in naturally gifted)
So I don't see how working hard or the capability of doing hard work has anything to do with talent.
at most, it is a mindset issue and mindset sure isn't talent.

Ie Guo Yue is one of the most talented womens you will ever get.
13 years old in the CNT
16 years old already top rank womens player - when last you get this? Deng Ya Ping

but her mindset wasn't there, and apparently gotten in trouble due to discipline, so she left the team while very young. Mind, that was still an era that if a mens and womens team got into some relationship, one of them is forced to resign from CNT... unlike today, you can be a parent and still stay on in the CNT. Maybe in today's era, Guo Yue can still play on.

 

[Leno]

if we talking about CNT, if you give up, you won't be in the team. You are free to leave, since it will be a waste of your life if you stay on.
so I don't see how "staying on" is linked to talent.
staying on is linked by skill or functionality (ie, chopper/pimple out player stay on as practice partners).

That's the different mindset and education you receive from different cultures. The definition of hard work is just different. So is the standard.

It starts at a very young age for chinese kids where you visibly see the competition around you. Be it playing table tennis to become a professional or getting results in table tennis to get additional credit in school. If you don't work hard, you will be left behind and cannot survive. That's honestly not just the sport environment, but the over all environment in china.

In western country you basicly don't have that fierce of a competition unless you are in a huge club with really good age and skill bracket and the main focus is table tennis in that club. You can get ahead with talent and the work that is layed out for you (local team, national team). However, it is still within the limits of the countries environment.

That's why the skill gap within the country might be huge. Once in awhile you get a hard-working talent that breaks through the standard and the surrounding is having a hard time catching up.