Ask The Coach Show | Table Tennis

Player of the Week - 1:55 We discuss the recent German Open winner Mima Ito Yesterday’s  #PQOTD - 11:36 What other sports do you enjoy playing? #PQOTD - 13:45 Do you like playing in cold or hot weather better? Swedish Training - 14:04 Dieter: We discuss what Dieter calls "Swedish Training" Physical Exercise to Improve Footwork - 15:35 Daniel: What are some physical exercises that could improve one's footwork? Are jump ropes any good? Strokes That Improve Your Level - 17:04 Dakota: When does a strong pushing ability stop being enough? I've reached the point where a weak looping ability off backspin is by far the largest factor separating myself and the best guys at my club. What point is the flick the 'next' jump up in skill? Ball Hits Handle - 20:39 Bogdan: What happens if the ball hits your bat handle? Playing With An Injury - 21:45 Matthias: I have some back pain so I was not sure whether I can play at all. I started slow and tried to avoid any abrupt motions and had no pain while playing. I noticed that my counterhits and topspins were very consistent and as fast. Any comments? They Know My Weakness - 26:41 Viktor: I have a problem ! ! ! My weak shot is my backhand and the problem is that they know my weak shot so they hit on my backhand side so I miss often the table or the net. Please Help Me Adapting to a New Bat - 28:29 David: Getting a new bat: very powerful and a lot of spin. Any ways to get used to it. Any specific drills? Rivals - 30:14 Viktor: Have you ever have a rival that you found hard to beat? Links in this Episode Spinified Results Mima Ito Backhand Counterhit Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Backhand Push The Push in Detail Forehand Flick itTV  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 1:53 How do you prepare for an important match? #PQOTD - 4:02 What other sports do you enjoy playing? Throwback Thursday - 4:28 Recognise Your Feelings - Jeff talks about his recent cube competition - https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/sports-psychology/recognise-your-feelings/ Tactics and Long Term Development - 12:01 Dieter: At our level, opponents will play opposite to the tactics we learned during training. Should we do what the match requires, even if it's a bad habit for higher level tactics? Consistency of Stroke - 15:04 Dieter: When doing "Swedish training", is it important to focus on the consistency of getting the ball on the table or on the consistency of doing the stroke correctly? Thicker rubber on Backhand - 17:56 Andrej: I know it's very common to use a thicker rubber on the forhehand than on the bachhand side, the opposite seems to be rather unusual. I never chop with the bh only push and spin.The combo seems right for me because the heavy fh chop is natural. Loosening Your Grip - 19:04 Chris: What are you thoughts about loosening the grip. From what i've seen from the videos Pingskills has posted, it's advised to loosen the grip to allow for cushioning. Would you guys agree with the sentiment to utilize more of a pinch hold on the bat? Losing to Weaker Players - 21:50 Johnny: I get very angry/frustrated when I'm losing to a player who I think of lowly. This cause me to play very badly and lose a lot of points. I am a beginner, but have done about 6 months of coaching. I felt like my work and money was being wasted. I Cannot Beat This Guy - 24:56 David: There's a guy who i can't beat he teases my weak spots but as much as i practice those shots i can't beat him Most Effective Shot - 26:56 Viktor: How effective is Forehand topspin? Is it the most effective stroke? Links in this Episode Recognise Your Feelings Training Secrets Forehand Topspin  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 0:59 What age did you start playing Table Tennis? Player Spotlight - 3:56 Should we have a segment commenting on PingSkiller’s player profile or a top International player? #PQOTD - 4:57 How do you prepare for an important match? Tall Guy Update and Inspirational Story - 5:12 Viktor: I played with the Tall Guy again and I lost AGAIN!!!!!!!! .........Rare? It feels like I will never beat him :( He's too good for me. Covering the table with Forehand - 7:08 Aatif: I am a strong fh player but I cant play backhand. When the ball comes to my backhand I go to play fh n lose my point !!! my backhand is weak. I need to improve it because I am selected for interschool under 14... please help Sealing your blade - 9:23 Matt: I am just wondering how to "seal" my blade and what product is best to use, I have recently purchased a Stiga infinity vps blade, but later noticed reviews saying it is a good blade but it needs sealing as the outer veneer layers are weak. Is Ma Lin’s serve legal? - 13:20  Ismael: When you serve in a competitions are you allowed to do the Ma Lin serve? They told me that when you serve it needs to bounce on your side then the next bounce is at the other side of the table and then it can't bounce again on the other side. Who Encouraged You To Play Table Tennis? - 16:50 Viktor: Was it you or your parents that said you could start TT? Links in this Episode Alois' amazing comeback using his forehand How to execute the Ma Lin serve Backhand counterhit   Become a Premium Member  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 1:09 Is the rest of the World catching up to China? #PQOTD - 2:59 What age did you start playing Table Tennis? Technique Tuesday - 3:18 Today Alois discusses the Flick How Aggressive Should I Play? - 6:38 Daniel: I am a penholder and play at a club, I've been told that I need to return the ball more- to extend the rally. My issue is that I serve and wait for my third ball- then I usually forehand topspin the shot with a ton of power. Is this wrong? Hand Wiping - 8:41 Marv: I have noticed that a lot of players will place their flat hand on the table, next to the net, between points. Why do they do this? Is it some kind of rule, or just a superstition? Positioning in Doubles When Serving - 10:21 Thomas: I played some doubles in my club and one player got REALLY angry at me because I was standing in the middle of the table while I was serving. He said that my playing partner can not see well enough, so while serving I should I stand at the side? Mixed Results - 12:40 Alan: I am happy and sad right now.I finally beat that guy i could not beat for 2 months and that is why i am happy.But after that i lost from a guy who is weaker than me. I it is probably because i underestimated him. Did this ever happen to you ? Kudos - 15:31 Viktor: You are the best coaches in the world, Your tips are great and you inspiring all Pingskillers and if Hall of Fame existed then you should be there ;) Thanks for all the tips and more you have gave us :D Playing Against Heavy Backspin - 15:57 Rob: I have a major problem when playing against pushers who push with heavy backspin. It doesn’t matter what I do, I only get back heavy backspin balls. He only served long with backspin to my backhand. Mima Ito - 18:06 Nigel: Alois, Jeff what areas of her table tennis game can Ito Mima work on in the coming years, she appeared to have virtually no weakness in her game when I was watching. Also what strategy would you employee to beat that style of player? The Best Right Now - 21:37 Viktor: Who is the best player right now? Links in this Episode Forehand Flick Backhand Flick Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Third Ball Tips Doubles Strategy Ma Wenge vs Ma Long  

Previous #PQOTD - 0:45 What segments should we include on the ask the coach show? ITTF Tournament Wrap Up - 1:10 We talk about some interesting results from the German Open #PQOTD - 7:02 Is the rest of the World catching up to China? PingSkills Premium Membership - 7:48 Viktor: Hahahaha I couldn't stop laugh when Alois couldn't say Omonoiadam. Do you guys get paid by money when you learn and coach people on YouTube? Sweet Spot - 8:58 Preston: I have noticed that when i hit the ball around the outside of my racket it has a slightly fainter sound then on the inside. Is this normal? Impact Point - 10:05 Ali: When I want to play BH counter hit or topspins I contact the ball so early that it doesn't have any accuracy and most of the balls go into the net or out of the table. Pendulum Serve Grip - 12:46 Yunge: I want to find out how to do a pendulum and a reverse pendulum serve in pengrip. I tried searching on YouTube but it is always in shake hand. Generating Spin - 14:15 Viktor: Where is the contact point to generate the most spin? Links in this Episode Is Laughter Infectious? Become a Premium Member Pendulum Serve Backhand Counterhit Impact Points  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 1:34 What has been your favourite question in the show so far? German Open - 4:19 The draw for the German Open has been released Why Attack? - 8:34 Yash: I see players often topspin a chop played by a defender instead of chopping it back..Is there any specific reason. Rubber Thickness for Attacking Players - 10:02 Preston: Hi Alois, I am a speed and attack player. and was wondering what thickness sponge you would recommend? Thanks for the Tips - 11:22 Hi it's Alan back from yesterday and your tips really helped but unfortunately I didn't win against that guy. Anyway i almost beat him but i am still doing some mistakes like I am still attacking and I am using forehand on my backhand. Improving Short Game with Flicks - 12:56 Ilya: I want to improve my short game. What should I learn first? A flat backhand flick, or a backhand topspin flick? And what are advantages of both? Difficult Questions - 14:35 Viktor: Which has been your most difficult question to answer here? Best Table Tennis Company - 15:45 Haroon: Who is the best company for table tennis? Defender or Attacker - 17:35 Haroon: How do i know if i'm a defender of a attacker? PingSkills Touch - 19:43 Haroon: What bat do you always use especially the one you have with you there? Competition Winner - 20:22 Thanks to everyone for their suggestions on improving the show #PQOTD - 23:34 What segments should we include on the ask the coach show? How did PingSkills Start? - 24:57 How did ping skills start and how did you two meet? Links in this Episode German Open itTV First Question Second Question Third Question First Real Question Backhand Flick  

German Open - 1:16 Alois and Jeff discuss the German Open Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 4:10 How do you watch the World’s best Table Tennis players? #PQOTD - 5:20 What has been your favourite question in the Shows so far? Best Defender - 5:50 Antonio: Who is the better in defender? Koji Matsushita or Joo Se Hyuk? Chop Block - 6:46 Georgeta: How to execute (if any) a block cut with backhand.? I know how to do a block cut with the running forehand, but I've never managed to do the same thing with the backhand. By the way, I don't know if this is the correct name for the hit. Flared or Straight Handle? - 9:35 Eduardo: I’ve been training my backhand to change my orientation to the table. Most people say that flared handle is better for forehand, i use straight handle to improve my backhand technique. Is it viable to change or should I stay with straight handle? Finishing Position - 12:03 Georges: My coach told me that I was finishing too high. I got a bit confused since I had been doing just what I had seen in your video. So I decided to keep on finishing high at my eyebrow. The coach kept saying finish lower. What should I do? Bat for an Intermediate Player - 14:09 David: What bat do you suggest for an intermediate who has a powerful forehand topspin and quite a lot of spin Tactics Against an Aggressive Player - 15:59 Alan: Alan: I am a amateur and I am almost best in my club but I am struggling to beat one player.He is very aggressive and I am also very aggressive ,but my dad says to me that i should be more defensive but i still lose do you have any tips? Tall Guy Update - 18:12 Viktor (aka Brock): i forgot to say that I lost again against the tall guy, so boring that I can't beat him :( German Open Predictions - 18:59 Viktor: Who do you think will win German Open? Advice When Club is Far Away - 19:24 Hi, i am a semi beginner and i want to play a lot more, but sadly the nearest club is 45 minutes away. Any suggestions of what i should do? Recommended Serves - 20:58 David: I use the tomahawk serve but am looking for a variety of serves what do you recommend? Links in this Episode itTV Previous Ask the Coach Show Blogs Choosing a Table Tennis Bat Forehand Counterhit Advanced Forehand Topspin Chop Block with Long Pimples Kenta Matsudaira's Sidespin Block Serving Secrets Practicing Alone  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 2:24 What is the most important stroke in Table Tennis? #PQOTD - 4:42 How do you watch the best players in the world? Improving Against Tall Players - 5:15 Viktor (aka Brock): Do you have special tips to improve my game against the tall guy? I've noticed that I need more tips from legendary experts ;) Advice for Big Players - 6:32 Matt: I just wanted to ask if you have any advice for big players as I am 6'7 300+ pounds I love both bodybuilding and table tennis, especially table tennis! But obviously being this size slows me down and I feel I am at a big disadvantage Doubles Footwork - 10:29 Kaushik: In Doubles after serving I move to the side but often my partner complains that I do not move away from the line of the ball, making it difficult for him to return and I find myself out of position. What is the best way of moving? How Much Training? - 14:42 Frendy: I just want to know how much training frequency in one week? Because from now on I'll practice 6 times in one week and the duration is 1 hour each day. But I afraid that it's too much and will make my condition bad. Backhand Serves - 16:50 Maciej: When I started to work on doing more effective backhand serve, I see that these services are some great, some very bad. This is for sure something that I can work harder. One thing is the biggest problem is I throw the ball up and miss it. Backhand Topspin Away From the Table - 19:18 Lukas: I've improved massively on the backhand topspin and the loop, but only close to the table. When I'm far away I can't seem to get a clean hit, and the ball just flies away. Any tips on how to do it far away from the table? First Advanced Stroke - 22:33 Viktor: Which was the first advanced stroke you learnt? Links in this Episode Basic Stance Doubles Strategy (and footwork) Backhand Serve Advanced Backhand Topspin Sidespin Forehand Topspin Forehand Topspin Against Backspin  

Win a PingSkills Premium Membership - 0:48 Enter our 100th show competition for a chance to win a yearly PingSkills premium membership Asian Cup Results - 3:07 Alois talks about some interesting results from the 2015 Asian Cup Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 5:57 What suggestions do you have to make the Ask the Coach Shows even better? #PQOTD - 6:10 What is the most important stroke in Table Tennis? Modified Grip for Serving - 6:29 Andre: When doing your modified grip for serving my bat always seems to slip a tiny bit from my thumb and index finger. Should I keep working on that modified grip or are there others that dont need as much of a force to keep stable? Changing to Two Winged Looper - 8:40 Eduardo: I’ve found difficult to play against blockers, and players that play very close to the table, because that requires a lot from my footwork, I'm very tired. i wanted to change my style to two-winged looper. If you could help me how. Topspin Going into the Net - 11:12 Umar: My topspin usually goes directly into the net although I do the follow through correctly.  Can you tell me any reasons for this?  How can I overcome this defect?  It's destroying my game and I give about 5-6 points to the opponent due to this.Help!!! Counterlooping - 14:22 Michel: When counterlooping, what technique is better? Counterloop with straight topspin or try to angle the bat to add a little sidespin? Which is easier to perform? Waldner on Tour? - 16:00 Viktor: When is the next Table tennis Tour, do you think Waldner will sign up for it? Serving to a Penholder - 16:58 Alfredo: What is your go-to serve for a penhold opponent? Links in this Episode 100th Show Competition Pendulum Serve Backhand Topspin Choosing a Bat Forehand Topspin Topspin to Tospin (Counterloop) Asian Cup News ITTF Legends Tour  

100th Show Approaching - 1:06 Let us know your suggestions for a competition for our 100th show. Friday’s #PQOTD - 2:08 Who is the best Female player at the moment? Who is favourite for the World Championships? #PQOTD - 3:33 What suggestions do you have to make the Ask the Coach Shows even better? Tall Guy Update - 4:03 Viktor (Brock): I played with the tall guy yesterday but i lost again but it was really close this time. match 1: 21- 19 and match 2: 32- 30 so I will keep practising so I can beat him very well ;) Unglued Rubber - 4:38 Romeo: I removed my rubber as demonstrated on your video. While removing the rubber I remembered I did not have glue with me so I removed it entirely and placed it on again.To my surprise, it didn't come off. Is it alright for me to play with it like that? Rubber Longevity - 5:33 Bhaswar: How do I increase the longevity of the rubber? Butterfly Footwork - 6:30 Dieter: I was practicing the footwork for the butterfly drill today. When you are the one going down the line, the footwork is more comprehensive. Should I try switching with just one step or by doing two steps? (Cross court I can manage with one step) Losing Short Game - 7:47 Rob: I love playing a fairly open attacking game but when my opponent slows me down by doing short (double bounce type) chops I sometimes get sucked in to a pushing game and find it hard to break out of that game to play the game I want. Playing Two Pimples - 9:47 Sasha: Last night I was playing against a player with two types of pimples. He had short pimples on the forehand and long pimples on the backhand. What strategies should I use since there are two different rubbers? Rankings - 11:15 Lukas: Could you explain how rankings work? For example the ITTF World Rankings. Is ranking different from each other in different countries, or is it the same all way? Links in this Episode Ding Ning Off the Table Replacing Your Rubber  

PingSkills 100th Show Competition - 1:00 What competition should we run to celebrate our #100 show next Friday? Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 2:12 What will you be doing for World Table Tennis Day on April 6th? #PQOTD - 4:23 Who is the best Female player at the moment? Who is favourite for the World Championships? Do I Need to be Tall? - 4:51 Viktor: A teacher at my school was visiting, and he was HUGE, like a giant. He's like 7'3 tall and around 500 pounds and he tried to play table tennis with us and he played very well. Do tall guys have an advantage in Table tennis? Sound of Wood - 6:12 Thomas: When dropping a ball on a blade with NO rubber on it is it true that generally a slower blade gives a deeper sound and a faster blade a higher sound? So that the sound gives you an indication of the speed/flexibility of the blade? High Bounce on Blade - 9:00 Viktor: Which bat am I looking for if I want a bat with great bounce on it? Push vs Push Spin - 9:43 Romeo: If I serve a short backspin ball, and the opponent pushes it back, does this mean that the backspin I placed on the ball is cancelled out? If that is the case, then will the backspin be heavier if I pushed it long? Dealing with Short Backspin - 13:04 Johnny: Hello! When my opponent does a short heavy backspin serve I usually push to ball back short with my own heavy spin. I've seen players topspins/loop backspin balls, and I wonder if you can do it against a short backspin serve? Rubik's Cube - 15:41 Viktor: Are you finished with your cube Alois ;) Links in this Episode World Table Tennis Day How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat Forehand Push The Push in Detail Backhand Sidespin Flick Receiving Options  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 1:02 After winning the German National championships, can Timo Boll win the World title? #PQOTD - 3:02 What will you be doing for World Table Tennis Day on April 6th? Defensive Stroke Selection - 4:27 Johan: Why do offensive players seem to prefer to lob rather than chop when they're forced to defend? Australian Sun - 6:08 Dieter: Are you guys genetically good humoured to be so cheerful in the morning or is it the Australian sun? Contact Points - 6:58 Andrew: I notice when I practice my forehand the ball marks on the bat are closer to and below the handle, where should I be making contact on the bat? Should it be more in the middle of the bat or say on the trailing edge or leading edge of the bat? Tournament Preparation - 10:02 Lukas: My club is arranging a tournament in April. It's from 8am to 8pm, two days in a row. Any tips on how to prepare for this tournament? Performing Consistently - 12:46 Roman: When I start my first match against the strongest opponent I often win the match without any troubles. But in the next games when I play against lower rated players I can't focus anymore. Any ideas for my mental misery? Downloading to iPhone - 17:34 Ashok: How can I download the videos on to my iPhone? Blocking Heavy Topspin Away From the Table - 19:07 Sarang: How to block a heavy topspin if your about 1m away from the table? I find it difficult to block it and it always goes out of the table as I couldn’t control it. Good Days Will Come - 22:28 Daniel: Man, I went to the club last night and got my butt kicked! Last week I felt better. Do players go through these streaks? Cold and hot? Is it normal to have good days an bad days? Links in this Episode World Table Tennis Day Lob PingSkills 52 Week Training Plan  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 2:08 Is Fan Zhendong the best Under 18 player ever? #PQOTD - 4:58 After winning the German National title again, is Boll ready to take the World title? Playing on Auto Pilot - 5:41 Dieter: Hi guys. Today I read a few mental tips. The author said NOT to think about technique during a match, 'cause it will make your game slow. A club mate told me the same. I always thought you had to consciously bring what you've learnt to match situations. Pressure on Myself - 9:40 Yoan: Hi Alois ! I recently noticed that I am not playing as well as I could because I put a lot of pressure on myself. How can I stop putting pressure on myself ? Thank you! Slow Spinny Backhand Loop - 11:12 Long: I want to make a backhand loop, but normal loop is not enough because it cannot be as strong as the forehand, so I want to increase the spin. So how to make a slow spinny loop or get more spin on the backhand loop? Using the Forearm - 13:52 Johnny: Hey. Today while I was playing, an experienced player watched me play and told me to use my forearm/elbow, and not to use my whole arm/shoulder. I'm just a bit confused as I've been taught to use my whole arm. Thanks. Samsonov's Serve - 15:59 Lukas: Lately I've been watching a lot of Samsonov matches, and I just don't understand the contact on his serve. When he serves, he doesn't really loosen up his grip too much, but he still get's a crazy amount of sidespin. How? Links in this Episode Slow Spinny Topspin Advanced Backhand Topspin Forehand Topspin Against Block How to do Vladimir Samsonov's Serve Bill Murray Advice  

Yesterday’s #PQOTD - 1:55 When is the strangest time you have played or trained Table Tennis? #PQOTD - 3:32 Is Fan Zhendong the best Under 18 player ever? Ping Pong or Table Tennis? 3:53 Is it disrespectful to call the game Ping Pong? Tall Guy - 7:00 Brock: I haven't played with the tall guy in a week now and i think I need more practise so I can beat him next time so i think i will practise for 3 more weeks then face him or do I need more time to practise? Tactics Against a Blocker - 7:44 Jasper: I played a very fast blocker who was very good in placin the ball on the table. I lost 3-0. What are some good tips to win against this type of player? What Type of Mark V? 9:50 Lukas: If I were to buy the Mark V rubber, which type would be best for Offensive - ? The normal Mark V, or the Mark V GPS? The GPS is a little softer. Topspin or Chop? 11:00 Brock - When the ball is long do you prefer the forehand topspin or forehand chop? Forehand Slice - 13:22 Morgen: Do you have tips on the forehand slice? I play this stroke all the time it comes as a good stroke for me in matches. Bouncing the Ball - 15:20 Sam: After watching countless matches, I can see that practically all the players bounce the ball on the table a few times before they serve. They also bounce it on their racket sometimes. Obviously this must be allowed but what is the point in doing it? Serving Short - 17:55 Konstantin: How to do a very short serve? I try but it becomes too easy for my opponent. Links in this Episode Match Strategy Playing a Blocker Pre-point Routine Forehand Push Learning To Spin  

Previous #PQOTD - 2:02 Which player do you want to play like? #PQOTD - 3:38 When is the strangest time you have trained or played Table Tennis? World Rankings Discussion - 3:55 Ma Long new No 1 in the World Best Short Pimple Players - 6:39 Michael: I was wondering which players in the top 100 use short pimples on their forehand. I am thinking of offensive players like Wang Zeng Yi.  Preparing Against Funny Rubber - 9:02 Dieter: Last Friday I played inter-club and lost against 2 short pimple players around 1100 ELO and a anti-power player of 800. I'm 750 myself. I beat a 900 player with regular bat. In our club we don't have players with strange rubbers. How to train for that? Favourite Match - 10:39 Brock: Which is your favourite match of all time? Wrong Footed - 12:02 Trevor: How can I avoid or improve being wrong-footed when my opponent goes for a smash/ finishing shot? Angle for Forehand Topspin - 13:39 Bhaswar: While practising the forehand strokes i am not always able to find the right combination of bat angle and bat speed , and so the ball ends up hitting the net or flying out of the table.What should i do? Forehand Sidespin Flick - 16:55 Mahammed: Is there something such as a sidespin forehand flick and if there is, can penholders do it? Aggressive Attackers - 19:01 Brock: Do you know a tip against an aggressive attacker? Sponge Thickness for Learning - 20:04 Martinand: Hello coach, I suppose that the sponge is very important to do and to learn topspin, my question what thickness, 2 mm or less the sponge hard or not hard? First Tournament - 21:06 Thomas: I am entering my first tournament and I have an ittf approved bat, but I was wondering about shoes and what to wear. Do the shoes have to be specifically table tennis shoes. Also are there any other requirements that most people don't know about? Short Pimple Serves - 24:05  Naveesha: What are the best services for a player using a pimple rubber? Links in this Episode Consistency Chart Forehand Topspin Against Block Forehand Topspin Bat Angle What to Expect at a Tournament World Rankings