Odd number at the venue/table - what are some exercises?

[ZFT]

I’ve been quite unlucky recently where I arrive at the training hall and I’m the odd number.

I feel bad as there are a select few members that are really considerate and after 5-10mins feel the need to give up their place. I do the same thing too if I’ve been on the table long enough.

Are there any exercises that are suitable for intermediates to join in where there are 2 more advanced players at the table?

I’ve tried doing 3-4 balls, though with the different spin and power it’s hard for the intermediate to “lock in” as they otherwise could when against the same person.

Another one is the 2 stronger on the same side playing doubles, though this doesn’t really work intensity wise as we end up putting 50% of our shot quality, etc in order to keep the rally going.

It would be nice to reinforce positive behaviours 😀

 

[Yuomay]

Hey a bit late to the party but some suggestions:
Multi-ball for doubles
Movement exercises for doubles
Or the odd number goes honing their skills on solo mode :
Service practice (!)
Robot
Return board
And to finish it off nicely, banana flip by ti-long:

 

[Aizen]

One idea might be multi-ball practice by 3 ppl.
One feeds, one hits, one collects balls.

The Hitter switch to collect, the collector switches to feeding, the feeder switches to hitting.

Because multi-ball is tiring exercise and balls needs to be collected, everyone would be happy.

 

[ZFT]

Yeah I agree for 3 ppl, multi ball would be best exercise with the caveat:

- at least 2 of the players can feed in somewhat of a good rhythm. It does take some practice to be able to feed without pausing/looking down at the tray to grab balls.

- the venue is happy to allow multi ball to occur. I’ve experienced some privately owned venues forbidding multiball, only allowing a couple of balls on their person at a time. I.e. 3 in the hand and 2 in the pockets would be stretching it.

 

[Tony's Table Tennis]

we often have 3 player per table with single ball drills
players will alternate every x mins
1 block and 2 attackers, with attackers alternating every "few" ball.

Of course you don't need to follow fix drills (ie both attacking doing the same). you can do your own drills
but blocker blocks for you
after x min, blocker changes, and so on.

that happens every where in Asia (within proper training centers)

 

[Aizen]

we often have 3 player per table with single ball drills
players will alternate every x mins
1 block and 2 attackers, with attackers alternating every "few" ball.

Of course you don't need to follow fix drills (ie both attacking doing the same). you can do your own drills
but blocker blocks for you
after x min, blocker changes, and so on.

that happens every where in Asia (within proper training centers)

Agree, if multiball is not the case,
Block -> attack -> rest shifts can be performed by 3ppl.

If venue is big enough, let say 4 pair in game 1 pair resting, shifting by 5-10 mins.

But all require an authority or willingness