Ask The Coach Show | Table Tennis

Welcome to Ask the Coach Show #271 where talk about the magical effect of spin in table tennis. Prologue Alois talks about how spin makes table tennis a unique game. Simple Tips for Dealing with Spin - 4:30 Alois discusses the basics of spin and gives some advice on how to cope with different types.. Tip of the Week - 7:13 No one can do the same serve to you 10 times in a row where you won't be able to get it back by the tenth time! Drill of the Week - 10:16 The Double Handed Catch! Remember When - 14:43 We go back to the 1952 World Championships where Japan unleashed a new secret weapon to a little known player - Hiroji Satoh. Tournament Wrap - 18:04 With only a couple of weeks to go we discuss the Olympic Games confirmed players ranking list. How Can I Return Spinny Serves? - 24:49 Xavier: Every time i try and return a serve it's so spinny it jumps of my bat yet when i see good players they touch the same spinny serve but it just makes it back to the servers side. How do they do that? How Do You Return Timo Boll's Serve? - 25:59 Carlos: How do you return the Timo Boll serve? What Are My Options for Receiving Short Sidespin Serves? - 27:50 Tushar: When some of my opponents do a sidespin serve with short length on my forehand or backhand, I try to receive it short (or we can say want to play a drop shot) on their respective courts but usually (almost all the time) either the ball goes out of the table or the came with height and it is very easy for them to finish it. So what can I do? Is the Banana Flick Effective Against All Types of Spin? - 29:56 Joshnathan: Most of the players are using backhand sidespin flick in receiving serves. Is it effective against all kinds of spin? Receiving No Spin Serves - 31:45 Mars: Coach, I lost a very important match against my colleague because I can't properly return a no-spin serve. Usually, I return it high and then he will just smash the ball with ease. How do you effectively return or attack a no-spin ball? Attacking a Chest High Ball on the Backhand - 34:29 Aaron: I always struggle with how to hit a chest high ball on the backhand side in particular the starting position for the backhand. The ball is not high enough to smash on the backhand side but I want to make an aggressive shot, any thoughts. Thanks Aaron  PingSkiller Mail - 35:34 We discuss some of the mail we received regarding Show #271 - From Garage to Club. Links in this Episode World Championship of Ping Pong - the sandpaper bat competition. World champs of Ping Pong 2015: final Baggaley(ENG) - Flemming(GER) Hiroji Satoh and the first sponge rubber 1952 PingSkills Receiving Secrets Course Backhand Sidespin Flick Tutorial

Welcome to the Ask the Coach Show #270 where we talk about how to progress from a garage, office, or basement, to playing at a table tennis club. Prologue Jeff talks about starting playing in a garage and how some people perceive table tennis. Be Brave and Join a Club - 1:40 We discuss common concerns people have about joining a club and give you some tips to be confident and take this important step. Tip of the Week - 7:18 This week we talk about some easy ways to find a table tennis club. If you can find your National or State association then get in contact with them. Otherwise Google is your friend and there are a number of good websites that will help you find a club in your area. Tournament Wrap - 9:49 Brazilian All Stars vs Olympic Legends Remember When - 13:02 We take a look back to 1988, the year table tennis first appeared in the Olympic Games. Drill of the Week - 18:35 This week we ask you to look differently at your on table warm up. Instead of always warming up with forehand to forehand followed by backhand to backhand, why not try hitting the ball anywhere? Choosing a New Racket for a Club - 24:47 Nikhil: I've been playing mainly in an office and now want to improve. I think getting a new bat will play a big part in this. Do you have any recommendations? My First Real Hit - 26:58 Andy: I've just visited a club for the first time and had a great experience. I'm now really keen to improve. What suggestions do you have to help me? Re-using a Pre-made Bat - 29:38 Sujith - Can we reuse the paddle from a premade bat to make a custom bat? If yes, what should be the things to care about while making such a custom bat? What does M & P stand for? - 33:02 Daniel - In the videos, what does the letter M and P stand for?  Who could view the M and P videos?  Are these videos available to the general public? Stomping Your Foot While Serving - 34:27 Il: Is it illegal to stamp your foot while serving? Links in this Episode PingSkills Multiball Course Choosing a Table Tennis Bat Olympic Legends vs Brazil Stars 2016 Olympic Legends vs Brazil Stars CALDERANO, Hugo BRA vs SAIVE, Jean Michel BEL Table Tennis at the 1988 Olympics Table Tennis Robots Blog

Prologue Alois and Jeff discuss how they started out in table tennis. Tip of the Week - 8:45 This week we discuss the most important skill in table tennis, especially for beginners. Drill of the Week - 13:22 The Physical Warmup has changed a lot in the last 20 years. We discuss the latest methods and share how you should be warming up before playing table tennis. Tournament Wrap - 21:11 We discuss the Pyongyang Open, and the upcoming Olympic Games. Remember When - 28:40 Today we take a look back at a 4 year old Timo Boll playing table tennis. Which Grip is Better? - 30:33 Frendy: I just want to ask which grip is better and give me your reason with your own opinion. I'm a shakehand player but after thinking a lot about the grip between shakehand and penhold (i just like both of these grips) i think that penhold grip is better. Are Robots Worthwhile? - 34:22 Duncan: The quality of my practice at the moment isn't the best - age old scenario of players wanting matchplay, or clubs being too busy to get a reasonable density of practice. Starting with a Fast Bat - 36:11 Musaab - Since I'm a fan of ZJK I bought a ZJK ALC and attached to DHS NEO 3 as FH and Tenergy 64 to it. it was a lot better and  I progressed a little, but now the main problem arises, this blade is extremely fast as a result the NEO 3 FH is became so sensitive to incoming spin, and T64 BH was good overall but blocking heavy topspins is next to impossible. I noticed how control was important for me because now I have no control at all. Controlled Backhand - 39:21 Eugene: Table Tennis is a very fast sport as you know and we usually don't have a lot of time to do big strokes. Especially  on the backhand side. Is it a good idea to just use a counterhit or drive to hit balls on the backhand side and just rely on good control and good placement to win points? I think this way it's faster to recover. Then having a big backhand topspin. Watching the Ball - 41:54 Luka - How do you keep your eyes on the ball? Choosing a Table Tennis Table - 43:39 Hector: What I should look for in a table tennis table? Hardness, weight, color, material, brand? I want it for indoor use, in my own training, and an occasional game with friends. Links in this Episode Timo Boll Video Most Important Skill in Table Tennis Pyongyang Open 2016 Olympic Games Qualified Players Choosing a Table Tennis Bat Advanced Backhand Topspin Table Tennis Robots

Friday Funnies - 1:14 Bobby Charlton was asked how he thought the England team of 1966 would have fared against Iceland. Plus, a ham sandwich walks into a bar! Last #PQOTD - 3:02 Have you ever tried playing Table Tennis outdoors and how was it? #PQOTD - 6:33 Who is the best doubles partner you have ever had? Waldner in His Prime - 7:21 Viktor: I've decided to put Waldner #6 in the rankings if he were in his prime. What do you think? Did I put him in the right spot? I just don't think Waldner even in his prime wouldn't have a chance against our top 5. Average Ball Speed - 8:57 Fesih: What is the the average speed of the ball (kmh) in the professional table tennis match? Playing Medium Pimples - 13:01 Shaun: Is playing against medium pimples the same as playing against long pimples? If not what's the strategy for playing against medium pimples? Out Ball - 15:19 Divan: I would like to know the following- If my opponent hits the ball out past the table and I hit it back before it bounces and that ball is in. Does the play go on? Or do i get the point because my opponent hit it out first. Links in this Episode Outdoor Table Tennis in Texas Table Tennis Rules Video Dimitrij Ovtcharov Smash Speed World Fastest Smash Competition

Last #PQOTD - 1:13 Can Ma Long now win the Olympics after two losses in the last 2 weeks? #PQOTD - 3:39 Have you ever tried playing Table Tennis outdoors and how was it? Throwback Thursday - 4:18 Getting the most from your training High Sidespin Balls - 8:10 Mike: One of my opponents likes to spin the ball high with a lot of side topspin to my backhand during some of our rallies. I'm basically close to the table while he plays further back. I tend to miss many of those shots. How do I counter such tactics? :) Dealing with Sidespin Loops - 9:51 Tim: My opponent starts his counterattack and does the sidespin topspin loop. Then I am unable to return it... I have lost a lot of points because of this. Any advice on what I can do? How to Start a New Player - 12:40 Arjan: I'm about to take a friend of mine to the TT club. Should I let him play with my all-round bat? Should I bother with explaining the correct form of the shakehand grip? Basic serve? Forehand/backhand? What about the ready position? Playing Better Doubles - 16:21 Ivan: How do you play doubles better? Links in this Episode Outdoor Table Tennis in Texas The Most From Your Training Sidespin Forehand Topspin Forehand Smash Strokes & Techniques Doubles Strategy

Last #PQTD - 0:56 Have the Chinese National team selectors got too much power? #PQOTD - 6:42 Can Ma Long now win the Olympics after two losses in the last 2 weeks? Technique Tuesday on Wednesday - 7:09 Short Pushing Ma Long's Shakehand Grip - 12:20 Hrishi: Is Ma Long using shakehand shallow grip or shakehand deep grip? Can the inflexible wrist in shakehand deep grip affect us in playing forehand drive? Receiving Long Heavy Spin Serves - 14:35 Manshay: When I receive a hard spin from serve, many a times when i want to play the backhand it goes outside of the table what should i do? Links in this Episode The Push in Detail The Shakehand Grip Receiving Secrets Course

Monday Tournament Wrap - 1:00 Xu Xin Defeats Ma Long at the Korean Open #PQOTD - 7:20 Have the Chinese National Team selectors got too much power? Last #PQOTD - 7:46 Will Ma Long return to form and win the Korean Open this weekend? Returning Half Long Serves - 9:28 Nicolas: When my opponent serves half long backspin to my forehand I want to attack it but once tried and hit my rubber hard. I tried the FH flick and the BH banana but am caught out of position. Any tips? 2.0mm Mark V for Development - 14:13 Spamm20: 1: I have problems with short serves that look like they are long- i get ready to play a FH topspin, but than i cant play it.Should i just push? 2: I play the Mark V 1.8 on both sides, but i would like it 2.0 on my FH.Should i perfect my technique first? Counter Attacking - 16:58 Tim: To counter attacks I usually try to block or chop the ball but this leads to me playing defensively. I am more comfortable attacking so how should I counterattack a topspin loop effectively? When I try it goes in the net or hits the edge of my bat. Attack Strategy for Professionals and Amateurs - 20:25 Ilia: For an offensive player there are two ways to develop 1 Concentrate on forehand topspin and turn it into an overwhelming strength 2 Work on both forehand and backhand. For a pro practicing often the second is viable but the first is best for amateurs Links in this Episode Korean Open 2016 Korea Open Highlights: Ma Long vs Xu Xin (Final) itTV Backhand Sidespin Flick Forehand Flick The Push in Detail

Last #PQOTD - 0:59 Why is Table Tennis the best sport in the world? #PQOTD - 2:22 Will Ma Long return to form and win the Korean Open this weekend? Friday Funnies - 7:02 Have you heard about the band 1023MB? Waldner in his Prime - 8:06 Viktor: If Jan Ove Waldner were in his prime, where would you rank him in the ITTF rankings? I have been thinking about for a long time and I don't think he would've make it to top 10 but I think he would rank in top 15. What do you think? How to Beat a Blocker - 9:44 Enoch: I have been getting into trouble lately with a particular opponent that likes to block a lot and get back almost about everything. My question is how do I overcome these types of players as they are really frustrating to play against. Backhand Topspin - 12:14 Il: I watched your beautiful videos but I don't understand ... For backhand topspin - should I use forearm(slightly extend from the elbow from triceps brahii) in the ball contact ? Or the angle in the elbow should not to change? Grip Problems - 15:37 Hrishi: i am using the shakehand grip and i use extreme forehand grip when playing forehand and extreme backhand grip while playing backhand. But my finger slips due to the so-called forehand grip and my thumb is rarely on top of the rubber. Links in this Episode Korean Open Match Strategy for Playing a Blocker Backhand Topspin Against Block Backhand Topspin Against Backspin The Correct Grip  

Throwback Thursday - 1:08 Table Tennis Rules Last #PQOTD - 4:45 How many provincial Chinese players do you think there are that are better than the No.50 player in the World? #PQOTD - 7:17 Why is Table Tennis the best sport in the world? How to Become an Equipment Expert - 7:49 DK: As I am very interested in equipment and also because I am more and more frequently asked by younger players about equipment,I would like to ask,what abilities and knowledge do I need to become and equipment expert and how to gain them? Walt Disney Movies - 9:48 Viktor: Which is your favourite Classic Walt Disney Movie of all time? Topspin Against Heavy Chop - 10:54 Johan: Am I the only one who thinks it's easier to topspin against a heavy chop straight off the bounce? I think it might be because it's easier to time (the ball hasn't slowed down so much) and because I convert the upwards energy into speed. Consistency - 13:23 Tony: I have learnt table tennis for four years now and I have developed my strokes pretty good but I just can't get every shot on the table if it is over ten shots what do you think is the problem? Links in this Episode Table Tennis Rules Video How To Choose a Bat Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Backhand Topspin Against Backspin Master Class: How To Improve Consistency

Last #PQOTD - 1:43 Should Fan Zhendong be playing at the Olympics? #PQOTD - 4:44 How many provincial Chinese players do you think there are that are better than the No.50 player in the World? Drill of the Week - 5:34 FH topspin to FH and BH block Persson Coaching Ovtcharov - 8:45 Mike: Hi guys, welcome back! Dimitrij Ovtcharov has a new coach, Jörgen Persson. Do you think Persson who has had his own success against the Chinese of his day can make Ovtcharov more competitive against the Chinese? Developing Unique Serves - 10:46 SJ: As seen in serves of other International players all have developed their unique serving style like Ma Lin and many more. Is it a good idea to develop our own unique serve to boggle the opponent in the match? Hybrid Rubbers - 13:17 Juan: What advantages and disadvantages do you think there are in hybrid rubbers(rubbers with a euro/jap sponge and a tacky chinese topsheet)? Also, would you advise the use of these rubbers or is it better to just choose one or the other? Tracking the Ball - 14:48 Kristian: I can't find the time to calculate where the ball will land. And when I am looking at someone else playing I can predict pretty much every ball, but that's probably because of the 3rd person prespective. When I am in a game I just can't do it. Olympic Champions - 17:21 Viktor: I know it's early but who do you see winning Olympics? Laughter is Infectious - 18:25 Viktor: Have you re-watched the Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou video? Links in this Episode Training Drills PDF Sports Psychology Lessons Ask A Pro Anything: Dimitirj Ovtcharov ITTF World Rankings Anticipation and Improving Your Reflexes Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou Video

Last #PQOTD - 1:07 What is the longest break you have had from Table Tennis? #PQOTD - 3:10 Should Fan Zhendong be playing at the Olympics? Technique Tuesday - 3:31 Long pimple chop block Welcome Back - 6:22 Viktor E: Welcome Back Jeff and Alois, I've missed you. It feels like you have been away for a year. Level of Table Tennis - 6:33 Viktor E: Is it me or has the world of Table Tennis increased and improved while you have been gone? I've been watching alot lately and I see many young talents that I haven't seen before who plays nearly as good as the top 5 in the world. Am I right? is it me? Liu Shiwen's Control - 8:13 Yap: How can Liu Shiwen control the huge amount of topspin by the slow spinny forehand loop by Ai Fukuhara and hit the ball so flat that it is like a smash? Switching from Penhold to Shakehand Racket - 12:09 Nick: I have been a penhold player for 30 years however I have been experiencing some pain in my hand. I would like to switch from penhold to shakehand. I know that I would need to change blades. What would your recommendation be for the shakehand racket? Ai Fukuhara's Serve - 13:18 Michael: I looked to Fukuhara's serves for guidance. I realized (but I may be incorrect), that she keeps all of the fingers on the bat during the duration of the serve. Isn't it more effective to only use the thumb and index finger when serving? Ma Long Loses! - 15:27 Viktor E: Were you surprised that Xu Xin beat Ma Long? Links in this Episode Long Pimple Chop Block 2016 World Championships Highlights: Liu Shiwen vs Ai Fukuhara

Japan Open - 1:05 We discuss the winners who have been shunned from the Olympics singles field. Last #PQOTD - 7:50 Is there a better name for the Modern Defender? #PQOTD- 10:08 What is the longest break you have had from Table Tennis? Body Angles - 11:14 Nuri: I found a picture from web and I wonder what must the angles be at the knee joint, the hips and elbows? Playing with Angry People - 14:48 Romeo: How do you play with angry people? My practice partner makes a ton of mistakes, and he either blames it on me, or hits the table with his bat. We couldn't get any practice done because of this. Weight Training - 17:29 Evil Bunny: I saw in the place where you record your training sessions there is an option for weight training. I was just wondering how useful weight training is and is it good for all levels or just top players. What kind of training would it be? Links in this Episode Japan Open Sports Psychology Course Strength Conditioning for Table Tennis Weight Training Specifically for Table Tennis

Throwback Thursday - 1:20 I can't return that smash! Last #PQOTD - 3:07 Should Boosting be allowed? #PQOTD - 6:51 Is there a better name for a 'Modern Defender'... Jeff suggested 'Attacking Defender'. What do you think? This Day in History - 7:24 Birthdays Keeping It Low With Penhold - 8:53 Dominic: I'm a pen holder and I struggle to send and return the ball low over the net do you have any tips and/or tricks to help me improve? Gionis' Low Flying Shot - 10:34 David: Gionis on his forehand sometimes can't use a smash or a topspin, he does not go for a forehand chop like other modern defenders, but instead he just holds his bat very flat and hits the ball back from a low position. What is special about this? Weight Training and Fine Motor Skills - 13:18 Roneil: While researching I came across a comment that training with weights that have mass significant relative to your bodyweight can cause a decrease in fine motor skills. Have you any knowledge or experience with regards to this? Top Spin - 14:32 Baseer: What is top spin? Playing Topspin in Competitive Matches - 17:20 Dieter: If we are still practicing topspin on deep balls and try integrating it into our competitive game, should we wait until we get a good opportunity? Links in this Episode I Can't Return That Smash Keeping the Ball Low Playing a Modern Chopper Gionis in action

Drill of the week - 1:25 Random in Backhand ⅔ of the table Last #PQOTD - 4:13 What is better, playing as a defender or an attacker? #PQOTD - 6:11 Should Boosting be allowed? On This Day - 6:35 Table Tennis Birthdays Reset Hops - 9:16 Ilia: I have a question about "reset hops" between shots that help to move. So after I make a shot, should I jump once before moving to next position, or it is better to make more smaller hops? Playing Angles - 11:31 Tam: Hi Alois whenever I am playing a match or training I can only hit the players 'power pockets' and not the wide backhand and forehand is there a technique to getting the ball wider to the opponent's wide forehand and backhand? Backhand Problems - 15:50 Tristan: This might be a little simple but in my training lately, my backhand is lacking terribly. It seems like no matter how much i understand how to do the backhand i can't execute it. It is really frustrating when i know whats wrong and still can't do. Pendulum Serve Into the Net - 18:03 Matthew: Please help my pendulum either hits the net or does not go over. I can hit it sometimes but not often. Links in this Episode Training Drills PDF Pendulum Serve Lesson Playing as a Chopper

Last #PQOTD - 1:06 Is Ma Long the overwhelming favourite for the Olympics or will a dark horse get up and win the title? #PQOTD - 3:27  What is better, playing as a defender or an attacker? On This Day - 3:50 Jet Li and William Shakespeare were born Technique Tuesday - 5:09 Chopping technique Closing a Match - 8:19 Grenville: In a particular match  when I was up 2-0 and on match point ( 10 -7 ) , I actually lost the match 2-3 and I wanted to know what should be a players thoughts when they are approaching the win. Blocking Around the Net Shot - 13:26 Carl: If someone is hitting an around the net shot, and once it crosses the net but still isn't over the table, you put your bat outside of the table, preventing the ball from bouncing back on your side of the table. Who wins the point? Missing the Ball - 16:40 Daniel: I miss the ball often on my forehand and backhand. I think it might be that I'm moving my bat up too fast or not pushing forward enough. I was wondering what I could do to prevent missing the ball so much? Links in this Episode Forehand Chop Backhand Chop Pre-point Routine Master Class Forehand Counterhit