How do I get better!?

[Peter Knott]

Hey everybody!

Heres a bit of backstory... So i used to play table tennis in primary school and high school at lunchtimes, nothing serious at all. I'm 19 now and this year my mate has convinced me to get back into the sport. I have been playing seriously now for about 4-5 months. I play comp (A grade at my club) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and train 5hours each Friday and Saturday. The progress I feel has increased a lot. I haven't had any real coaching atm but my mate plays for Super League and has been given me a few pointers. My playstyle is looping and blocking orientated, kinda like Vladimir Samsonov. My mate says that my technique is really good, but I'm wondering if you guys have any advice for me to advance my level in a steady and correct direction. What should I be focusing on and looking out for? Footwork? Technique? Tactics? The few things that im trying to focus on is ball placement, as well as making sure i'm in the optimal position (regarding to footwork) before my stoke. Any tips, tricks regarding anything table tennis that you think would be good for my development is welcomed! Thanks

 

[Ilia Minkin]

Find a coach.

 

[laistrogian]

Find a coach.

This. You can't build your game without building the basic foundations. Coaching makes sure you get all your basic requirements (proper drive, loop, block, push, footwork). After building those basics, it's all about rake in the hours playing and fine tuning the techniques.

Bear in mind you'll always find yourself plateu-ing for a long time and then suddenly in one night you can start counter-looping all balls coming to your forehand. True story.

 

[pujoki]

practicing serves should not be overlooked.

 

[brokenball]

Find a GOOD coach. I have seen coaches that seem to only go through the motions. I could see the problem the student was having but the coach said nothing.

edit, ditto the emphasis on the serve and serve return.

 

[Der_Echte]

Buy a Super Zhang Jike blade and equip it with wheelbarrow tires.

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[Baal]

Play a lot.

It should include structured practice where you focus on particular skills and some matches. Have to do both to get better.

Watch good players. Try to pay attention to the things they do that don't necessarily look impressive.

Video yourself playing.

Figure out the ways you tend to beat yourself so you can reduce that.

 

[Der_Echte]

Ah Baal, you mean he won't be better with a $400+ blade and $160 of rubbers? Party pooper stuff.

OP has one or more who have been there, done that, and got the t-shirt to say the same stuff we say.

Only thing I would say additional is to learn how to take ball off the bounce with a loose grip.

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