Ask The Coach Show | Table Tennis

This Day in History - 0:52 Harvey Ball inventor of the Smiley Face is born. Last #PQOTD - 2:46 Are there any new regular segments you would like to see in the Ask the Coach Show? #PQOTD - 4:04 Early Prediction… Who will win the Olympic Games next year? PingSkills T-Shirts - 4:57 Brock: Alois and Jeff, have you stopped wear your PingSkills t-shirt? Plastic Ball Update - 5:56 Mike: Here is an update from the answer you gave in #144 about the plastic ball. I used a different paddle with a thicker sponge (2.2), the results were more positive, it was slower but not that much. I'll be trying out butterfly's plastic ball this weekend! Forehand Against Deep Push - 6:32 Noel: Hello Coaches, I notice when I play that I'm having trouble with the deep push to my forehand. Should I wait a little bit, when the ball is a little under the table to loop it or should I really whip a strong brush on it above the table? Squats - 8:10 Brock: Do you guys Squat or Deadlift ? Training Camps - 8:48 Brock: Where do you have your PingSkills camp? I would love to be trained by you coaches :) Best Footwork - 9:43 Mike: Hello Super Coach Alois along with your sidekick and numbers expert, Jeff! I watched ITO Mima vs LIU Fei in the Japan Open. ITO Mima looked jumpy during the match almost like a boxer with her footwork. My coach doesn't like it, what is the best footwork? Power Percentage - 12:16 Ilia: Respect for Jeff for the amazing number facts, they are very exciting! Looking at top men players, what is the fraction of attacking shots played at 100% level of their maximum power? What do you think is the proportion played at 90%, 80%, 70%? Xu Xin Finished - 14:32 Romeo: After the usage of the plastic ball, Xu Xin's topspins got considerably slower and some of them aren't even going in. Is this the end for Xu Xin? If it is, then who is going to be the next penholder? Short Shot Allowed - 15:46 Elsayed: After some great topspin shots and the player is too far from the table, Ma Long has played the ball too short. Is it allowed ? Is it Ma Long's point or the other player’s? Hardbats v Spongebats - 17:17 Sergio: Can you weigh in on the hardbat vs spongebat debate? I'd like your opinion because there is a lot of snobbery out there. The spongebaters say the hardbaters have no skill and the hardbaters say that that the speed of sponge has ruined TT. Links in this Episode Forehand Topspin off Backspin Drop Shot off Lob SPiN New York Training Plan Session 5 - Shuffle Footwork - for premium members

On This Day - 1:33 Percy le Baron - The Inventor of the Microwave Oven was Born in 1894… Magnetron Last #PQOTD - 3:31 What rules in world sport are consistently overlooked and turned a blind eye to? #PQOTD - 6:23 Are there any new regular segments you would like to see in the Ask the Coach Show? Throwback Thursday - 7:30 The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis Olympic Games Winners 2016 - 9:56 Chee: Can you make a guess who is going to win next years Olympic Games? Reversing Spin - 10:31 Brock: How do I reverse the same spin back to my opponent? Difference Between Men and Women - 13:17 Bertus: Why do women play TT the way they do, with fast counterhits rather then topspins? I've seen Chinese women like Ding Ning and Liu Shiwen do strong loops so they can do it as well as the men but why don't they use it much? Two Sides With Pimple - 15:47 Chee: Can you have a bat that has a pimple rubber on both sides and is it allowed in the competition? Drills to be Brilliant at a Young Age - 18:02 Tam: What drills do you think Tomokazu Harimoto And Mima Ito must have been doing to be so good at such a young age? Funny Rubbers or Not So Funny - 20:49 Kaustubh: I have heard that funny rubbers are going to be banned from 2015's season. Is it true? Links in this Episode The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis Original Version Effects of Rubbers Mima Ito Training Drills PDF Download  

Last #PQOTD - 2:27 What will Maharu Yoshimura be ranked in 12 months time? Korean Open - 3:44 We discuss the results from the Korean Open World Tour Event #PQOTD - 7:26 What rules in world sport are consistently overlooked and turned a blind eye to? Technique Tuesday - 8:04 Backhand Topspin against Backspin Pendulum Serve Success - 10:44 Chee: Hi Alois and Jeff! Last time i asked you all if i can do sidespin on the pendulum serve and i finally worked it out! I am now trying to get that sidespin pendulum serve well so that i can trick my opponents sometimes in my competition next year! Sponge Thickness - 12:04 Mark: I have a carbon blade, and have opted for 1.5mm sponge rubbers to slow the setup down. However, while I have good control of some shots, I think I might be missing control on others. Should I be thinking about increasing the sponge thickness? Playing Forehands - 13:25 Steve: hi, my Problem is to use the forehand. When I Play forehand Topspin, backspin or others in Training, it is not a Problem. In a match I only Play backhand (Long pimples). I´m unable to make a Point with forehand. What can I do in Training? Getting Low - 16:33 Marv: I see that the professionals crouch down very low when preparing to receive a serve, but they always move before the ball is actually served, and receive the serve in a much taller stance. Why do they get so low when they never receive from there? Attacking High Balls on the Backhand - 18:40 Dieudonné: Hi, favourite Olympians. I have a little trouble with somewhat high balls on my backhand. Do you think it's ok to push them rather than topspin them? Do professional players do that? Olympians - 19:47 Chee: I just knew that Alois was an olympian coach and Jeff is an olympian. Never knew that until now. Good luck for next year"s games! Importance of Bending the Knees - 20:17 Dieudonné: Hi again. I noticed players like Zhang Jike bend their knees as they return a fast ball with a quick close-to-the-table counter-attack? Is bending the knees a necessary part of the technique? Links in this Episode Backhand Topspin Against Backspin Basic Stance Pendulum Serve - for Premium Members Backhand Smash Korean Open

This Day in History - 1:06 Alois presents an interesting fact about this day in history. Last #PQOTD - 2:02 Have you ever hit a 'round the net' shot? #PQOTD - 4:47 What will Maharu Yoshimura be ranked in 12 months time? I'm So Lucky - 5:28 Johan: Oh, I'm so lucky! Only missed half of the number facts before I could connect. Any chance Alois could repeat back what you said so I don't miss out at all? Drill of the Week - 6:48 Down the line warm up. Numbers and History - 11:06 Noel: Hooray! Hooray! Now we have balance with number facts and this day in history! Way to go Gents! Best Camcorders - 11:23 Noel: Hello Alois & Jeff, I see that a lot of players are using camcorders to record there play and there opponent. I might be interested in buying one of those camcorders. Can you name me a few I should look at? Flicking Hard or Soft? - 13:37 Noel: Hello again coaches. If I want to flick a short sidespin backspin serve, do I open my bat and hit the ball aggressively on the bottom half or somewhat soft? Badminton Drop Shot - 16:14 Peter: There is a great shot in badminton called dropshot from the rear court. I have never seen this in table tennis where a player is away from the table, shows a rapid arm movement and slows down shortly before contact with the ball. Is it possible? Changing the Pendulum - 18:05 Ismail: I have done the pendulum serve for quite a long time and now my opponent is getting used to it. I am an attacker and want to know another serve I could use in game play. Close Table Forehand Topspin - 21:11 Oliver: My strength is my forehand topspin which is effective when back from the table but now since I am close to the table, I often use my forehand block which is not as good as there is not much room. So how to play a close table powerful topspin? Links in this Episode Panda Goes around the net to qualify for the Olympics Training Drills PDF Download Forehand Flick

Last #PQOTD - 1:26 What is the best type of Plastic ball you have used? #PQOTD - 3:46 Have you ever hit a 'round the net' shot? Japan Open - 4:17 We discuss the results from the 300th ITTF World Tour event. Technique Tuesday - 9:33 Sidespin Forehand Topspin Returning Difficult Serves - 13:17 Brock: Hey Pingskills, I met a really talented player that had a very tricky serve and the problem was that he brushed the ball really fast, I couldn't even see which spin it was if it was topspin or backspin or sidespin. I failed every time he did that serve. When to Step Back - 16:04 Geoff: I have developed a style that keeps me quite close to the table. I can often do well by keeping the ball short and waiting for the first opportunity to attack. I also play well at 3 to 5 feet from the table. How can I transition between the two? Setting up a School Club - 19:18 Bennett: Since the nearest club is an hour and thirty minutes away I will be starting a club for my school. I need to know things like what I should get if I'm on a limited budget. Reverse Pendulum No Spin Serve - 22:36 Mark: My favorite serve is the reverse pendulum. I found it works best because I get to hit a forehand on the 3rd ball. I mix it up with short sidespin, short backspin/sidespin and long/short sidespin with topspin. I want to add a no spin. Any tips? Links in this Episode Best Round the Net Shot from the PingSkills Classic Sidespin Forehand Topspin Reverse Pendulum Serve - for premium members Receiving Secrets Course - for premium members  

Last #PQOTD - 2:29 What is your favourite Country in the World to visit? #PQOTD - 3:52 What is the best type of Plastic ball you have used? Japan Open Pick the Winners Competition - 4:26 In today's show we announce the 2 winners of the Quarterly Premium Membership. Improving Footwork - 6:55 Noel: Hello Coaches, that was a great event the Japan Open. Xu Xin was fantastic! My question today is I want to improve my footwork in table tennis, what kind of exercises can I do? Calming Down - 8:03 William: I've seen many videos on this topic, but when I try the tactics in them, I just can't calm down. I don't know why I get anxious or flustered. Tell me what the general root cause is. Also, if possible, give some tips on how to not get angry. Ma Lin’s Service Disguise - 11:04 Kevin: When I watch Ma Lin serve, I find it not only impressive on how much speed and spin is on the serve but also how well he disguises it. Not even the best can return it effectively. Can you recommend some effective tactics on legally hiding the serve? Ma Long’s Rating - 13:04 Andrew: Do you know how to convert international players to a US ranking? I am just curious, the top players in the US are about 2700 or so. Links in this Episode PingSkills Training Drills PDF Sports Psychology Course 2015 Japan Open

Last #PQOTD - 2:00 Pick the Winners of the Japan Open Men’s and Women’s singles Japan Open - 3:30 We discuss the results to date and Ma Long's exit from the tournament. #PQOTD - 5:54 What is your favourite Country in the world to visit? Plastic Balls - 6:21 Mike: Hi guys, welcome back! Last week I played with a plastic ball which I found to be much slower, less power which had more of an impact on my game than the different sound it produced. What do you guys think of the plastic ball on the game of table tennis? Playing Offensively with Defensive Blade - 10:36  Diego: I was wondering if players can use offensive rubbers and play offensively when using a defensive blade?.....just wondering Robot Simulating High Balls - 12:17 DK: Recently I recognised that I am quite good at returning topspin, but I have problems with returning a high ball or a spinless attack. Do you have any idea how to use my robot to simulate these shots? Who calls “Let" - 14:31 Joseph: If you serve a let, who shouts let? is it me, my opponent or does the umpire shout let? Links in this Episode Japan Open Plastic Ball Review Choosing a Table Tennis Bat Multiball Course - for premium members (one free video)

Alois Talks About the Spanish Open - 0:55 Alois had a great time and met some PingSkillers at the Spanish Open. Last #PQOTD - 4:48 What is your favourite style of player to play against? #PQOTD - 8:23 Who will win the Japan Open? Pick the Men's and Women's Singles winners and the game margin for your chance to win a Quarterly PingSkills Premium Membership. Playing a Good Blocker - 14:11 Brock: I met my rival today and he won but the problem is that he has been training TT in 25 years and he's a scary powerful blocker and great aim on every time he does his strokes, he both loop on my BH and FH, I try short heavy backspin but he blocked, help :) Effective Attackers - 15:29 Ismail: How to play as an effective attacker? What strategies should I use? Becoming a Professional Table Tennis Player - 17:44 Qamar: I want to be professional table tennis player just started playing after a long time. Can you suggest me some of initial things about the practice and key points to work on. Effect of Anti-Spin and Long Pimples - 20:37 Chee Keat Ong: Last time i told you guys on your channel's comments that my coach wants me to use a pimple bat but he changed his mind and let me have an anti-spin bat. But i wanted to ask you guys what is the difference between an anti-spin bat and a pimple bat.  Links in this Episode Japan Open Match Strategy Course - for premium members Effects of Rubbers  

This Day in History - 0:48 Magna Carta signed - the Magna Carta was seen as a cornerstone in the development of democratic England by later generations. Last #PQOTD - 1:54 Tell us the name of your club and the best thing about it. #PQOTD  - 5:01 What is your favourite style of player to play against? Footwork and Knees - 5:54 Ilia: I feel like active footwork puts tremendous stress on my knees. How to prevent and avoid knee injuries? Sidespin with Wrist - 7:04 Dieudonné: Hi, dearest Jeff and Alois. I played against a leftie whose backhand relied very much on a movement of the wrist to put in some sidespin. I was impressed by the speed and efficiency of his backhand. Do you think that's something worth learning? How to Return that Smash - 9:01 Brock: How can I block a low smash that is both fast and hard? My rival has a very strong power in his strokes and he smashes really fast and hard but is very low also. help me Best Ever - 10:23 Brock: Who is the best TT player ever of all times? Increasing Speed and Tempo - 10:40 Daniel: Speed seems to be my main weakness. My coach says that I need to increase the tempo of my game to reach the next level. Would you have any tips on improving the tempo and pace of my game? Chinese Super League Rules - 12:36 Milos: Hi Alois & Jeff, The Chinese Super League has just started, and some 5-game matches were played. What's weird is that the decider games were played to just 7 points. Do you know why? Are they maybe trying to test a potential new rule? Good Backhand Smash - 17:25 Dieudonné: Hi again. I tend to (jump and) smash high balls with my backhand with a nice flat swing. I have been told by players at my club it's quite an impressive shot, but I haven't seen any pro players do the same. Do you think it's a safe technique? Power Without the Bend - 19:23 Thad: Since i have problems bending one of my legs, on my forehand top spin i have problems with the power behind the shot. is there anyway i can work around this. Waldner’s Sidespin Block - 21:28 Abbas: Hi Jeff and Alois ,yesterday i was watching Waldner's matches from the past years and was amazed how he blocks with side spin on it and it looks difficult to return it can you please teach me how to do it. Pushing Small and Gentle - 24:23 Johnny: My coach taught me to keep my push small and gentle. He told me to keep the movement small. I find this doesn't work against very heavy spins. I need to really come under the ball and slice it to get the ball over. should my push small and gentle? Links in this Episode I can't return that smash - Premium members Kenta Matsudaira's Sidespin Block Backhand Smash Best Ever Advanced Forehand Topspin Backhand Push The Push in Detail - Premium members

Last #PQOTD - 0:48 Can anyone say Nuytinck? #PQOTD - 2:22 Tell us the name of your club and the best thing about it. Get a High Ball - 2:51 Abbas: Hi Alois,is there a way to make my opponent give me a high balls so i could topspin or smash it. Effective Looping - 4:36 Anthony: I found that my opponents are returning my loop too easily. Even when i swing as hard as i can within reason and maintain good technique, my opponent still returns the ball often and low. What should I do? People say that I am hitting too spinny. Gears on my Forehand - 7:30 Ilia: Currently I have only two "gears" on my forehand topspin against backspin, Slow spinny topspin, I play it 90% of the time, very consistent and Putaway shot, to use against popped-up balls, slightly less consistent. How many "gears" does one need? Links in this Episode Dieter teaches us how to say Nuytinck Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Forehand Topspin Variations

Throwback Thursday - 1:31 Carter v Kek Match Commentary Video Last #PQOTD - 3:26 Do you know the rules for Wheelchair Table Tennis? #PQOTD - 8:08 Can anyone say Nuytinck? Where to Hit the Ball on the Rubber - 9:27 Dieudonné: Hi, Jeff and Alois! Do you think I should try to learn to brush the ball with a particular spot of my rubber for a correct technique and maximum spin, or is any part of the rubber fine? Tacky Rubbers - 11:12 Dieudonné: Hi again. If time allows for another question: I was told with a tacky sheet I don't have to loop a backspin with that much open an angle of the bat - can you confirm that is the correct technique, Coach? Waldner as my Private Coach - 12:45 Brock: If I want Jan Ove Waldner as my private coach, how can I ask him and message him? Do you think he would accept it? It would be an honor to be trained by the Legendary Waldner :) Half Short Balls - 14:29 Johan: We can distinguish half long shots which only bounce once but dip down very soon after passing the end line. What can we call balls that bounce twice but the second bounce is very close to the end line? At the moment, I call them half short. Where to Hit the Ball in it's Flight Path - 15:56 Thomas: Should certain balls after specific strokes (like topspin, backspin, push etc.) after the bounce ALWAYS be hit when they are rising, at their highest point or falling? Or are there always different possibilities for returning each of these? Playing Against Penholders with Excellent Backhands - 19:04 Romeo: Can you give me some advice on how to play against penholders who have an excellent backhand? Links in this Episode Carter vs Kek Match Commentary Backhand Topspin Against Backspin - demonstrating where to hit the ball at 3:56 Contact Point for Maximum Backspin

Drill of the Week - 1:25 Short Pushing anywhere. Last #PQOTD - 4:04 What was the standout performance at the World Tour Australian Open? #PQOTD - 6:16 Do you know the rules for Wheelchair Table Tennis? Jung Youngsik - 7:33 Noel: Hello Coaches: How can I play like Youngsik Jung? He was attacking almost every serve. Second ball attack!! Wow. Returning Fast Deep Serves - 10:30 Dieudonné: I enjoy your podcasts. It would be nice if you could add a header and/or a Google calendar to your website where you indicate what days/times it is on hangout. Question: what advice would you give on returning fast deep serves (especially to the backhand)? More Risk - 12:14 Dieudonné : Hello again, Jeff and Alois. I feel like I push too much in my game. Do you recommend taking more risk by looping in order to develop a more aggressive game? Judging the Serve in Flight - 13:51 Ilia: What would you do on service recieve if after watching the contact with racket you think that it is one kind of spin, while trajectory of the ball suggests that is different spin, what would you trust more? High Backspin Balls - 15:46 Nick: I have an opponent who often sends me high backspin balls. If I try to push, it goes off the table. If I try to smash, it goes into the net. I can't do a loop to reverse the spin, I am not good enough to do that. It is really frustrating! Cancelling Spin - 18:55 Dieudonné : Not sure if you'll have time for another question. How much do you think a good loop can cancel of the previous spin? Like, if you're not sure about the nature of spin in a serve, is looping it a good option? Cheap Equipment - 20:43 Frendy: My coach always won the 1st rank at tournament till National 4 years ago. But what makes me surprise is he use the cheapest rubber than the other players. He always tell me that it's all about technique. What do you think about it? Sweat into the Blade - 22:05 Jeff: I just got a new blade, and have a rubber on one side, while the other side doesn't have the rubber on. I played for 2 hours and I realise that the sweat from my fingers on the back of the blade would be getting into the wood of the blade. Is it OK? Adapting Start Position - 23:34 Matthias: I noticed that I have difficulties to adapt my starting position, especially with my FH. I tend to hold my bat too low if the ball bounces a little higher which results in ball going long or at least not very fast. I try to watch the ball closely Links in this Episode Training Drills PDF The Push in Detail for Premium Members The Short Push Return Master Class for Premium Members Smash/Topspin a High Backspin Ball for Premium Members Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Is Laughter Infectious? Alois tries to get the hang of a PingSkiller's name Receiving Secrets Course Returning a long, fast serve Matthias' Cool Cat

Australian Open - 1:25 Results and our thoughts on the tournament. Last #PQOTD - 11:22 If you had a whole lot of money what racket would you buy? - 11:22 #PQOTD - 14:16 What was the standout performance at the World Tour Australian Open? Superstitions - 14:56 Nigel: What superstitious ritual prior to a match helped you play your best? Return Board Training - 17:37 Donato: I have a table in my garage and since is hard to find a partner in this period, I thought to train with a return board. What do you think about it, could be useful or would be better to buy a robot? (just to remember I am a beginner). Playing in a Club - 19:19 Miguel: I love playing table tennis but I only play at my school. I have no table at home and now on vacation will not play much. I have a park with tables near me. Do you recommend I go there or sign up at a club? What do you think of the clubs. Strength Training - 20:51 Dieudonné: Hi, dearest Jeff and Alois. What kind of muscle exercises do you recommend for a topspin-oriented player? Links in this Episode Australian Open Results Men's Singles Fun Facts Women's Singles Fun Facts Watch the Australian Open on itTV

ITTF Australian Open - 1:10 We give an update on the Australian Open before we head up to commentate on the finals. Last #PQOTD - 2:37 Is Japan the next big thing in Table Tennis? #PQOTD - 4:10 If you had a whole lot of money what racket would you buy? Benefits of being a training partner - 4:49 Dieter: I don't have a question really but want to share an observation. you learn probably just as much by helping out someone else as when doing your own drills. So here's my message: be generous to serve as a sparring partner. You'll learn just as much. Good Match Player - 7:17 Tam: Hi Alois I play well on matches but when it comes to doing drills I perform a lot worse could you explain this? Thumb on the Racket - 9:15 Kailash: I have been advised by him to fold my thumb and not place it on the rubber like all the players do. i have also seen that folding my thumb does not allow me to generate enough spin. But this folding has given me much control on my smashes. Attacking Medium Backspin Balls - 11:25 Johnny: I’m having problems attacking backspin balls that aren't short or long, like a mid distance ball. With long backspin I can comfortably topspin it, and with short backspin I can flick. So with this mid distance ball, should I topspin or flick? Links in this Episode ITTF Australian Open How To Hold a Table Tennis Bat

Last #PQOTD - 1:30 Who is going to win this year's Australian Open Men’s and Women’s singles? Comment on our Facebook page and pick both winners and the points margin in the finals to win a Quarterly Premium membership to PingSkills. #PQOTD - 4:04 Is Japan the next big thing in Table Tennis? Throwback Thursday - 4:44 Backhand Sidespin Flick Shoulder Rotation - 6:33 Il: Il: I watched your videо as younger in You Tube and I liked your versatile topspin techniques. Is there any rotation with the shoulder ( its axis) before and into the contact of the ball? Entering Multiple Events at a Tournament - 8:12 Abhinav: I had a question that if we are going to play a tournament and there are two categories (under 17 and under 19) can we play in both the events? What Serve Should I Learn? - 11:49 Firas: What would be a good serve for me if I have been constantly playing ping pong for around 8 months, and participate in middle school amateur tournaments? Please make simple, and spiny, because I can't do those pendulum things, they are too difficult. Ask the Coach Video Responses - 15:19 Michael: Is there a list of all the Ask the Coach video responses that I can browse? Switch to Short Pimples - 17:51 Lukas: I need to change my rubber in a couple of weeks, maybe even a month, and I can't decide if I should get short pimple rubber.Should I try short pimples, and just switch back to inverted if I don't like it? Or should I keep playing with inverted? Links in this Episode Enter our Facebook competition Australian Open Men's Singles Draw Australian Open Women's Singles Draw Backhand Sidespin Flick Ask the Coach Video Responses My Ask the Coach Questions and Comments Pendulum Serve