Ask The Coach Show | Table Tennis

This Day in History - 0:48 Jorgen Persson and Jack Nicholson were born Friday Funnies - 2:25 A phoned the Dentist to arrange an appointment and the only time they had available was tooth-hurty! Last #PQOTD - 3:31 Can Liu Shiwen and Ding Ning recover from her loss in the first Qualification process to win the Olympic Gold medal? #PQOTD - 4:55 Is Ma Long the overwhelming favourite for the Olympics or will a dark horse get up and win the title? Balance of training vs Competition - 7:05 Esi: I am able to play about 2-3 sessions (2 hours per session) per week. In your opinion, what is the right balance between training and competition? e.g. 70% training 30% competition, 50% training 50% competition Around the Net - 11:10 Mohd: Are you allowed to return the ball, around the net, but under the net level? Backhand Topspin Problems - 13:17 Srikanth: My backhand topspin is not right i am playing with my bat closed. My coach says that is because of my grip so what should i do should i continue with this action or should i change my action. Links in this Episode How to Hold the Table Tennis Bat Backhand Topspin Panda Seeks Ping Pong Glory (and hits an around the net shot towards the end of the video) Choosing Training Drills

This Day in History - 2:01 Louis Pasteur begin tests of Pasteurization Last #PQOTD - 2:55 What percentage SHOULD you serve short and and what percentage should you serve long? What percentages do you ACTUALLY serve short and long? Asian & European Olympic Qualification Events - 6:28 We discuss the important results and let you know who has qualified for Rio. #PQOTD - 13:50 Can Liu Shiwen recover from her loss in the first Qualification process to win the Olympic Gold medal? Sweat Balls - 15:00 Gavin: My son keeps coming up against a couple of people that continually serve a sweat ball, and amazingly seem to do it when they are losing. They hit a flat serve so it goes on the table. They say it is by 'accident' but refuse to replay the point. Modern Timing - 17:32 Conrad: I have observed that the newer generation of world class players are being coached to take the ball much earlier and closer to the table. What are your thoughts? Purpose of Reverse Pendulum - 19:24 Dieter: I wonder why the reverse pendulum exists? If you want that kind of spin, why not simply use the backhand sidespin serve? There is more wrist flexibility on the backhand for that kind of sidespin, and you're in a ready position sooner. Drill of the Week - 21:36 Switching Duel Links in this Episode Asian Olympic Qualification Results European Olympic Qualification Results Serve Long Article Training Drills PDF Training Secrets Course

European Olympic Qualification - 1:26 The tournament is in full swing Drill of the Week - 4:37 Serving Practice Last #PQOTD - 7:04 What is your favourite sport apart from Table Tennis? #PQOTD - 10:27 What percentage SHOULD you serve short and and what percentage should you serve long? What percentages do you ACTUALLY serve short and long? On This Day - 10:58 Alois doesn't really know what happened!?! Missing Serves - 12:53 Jesus: I am missing too many serves in matches. I am afraid of make an easy service to the opponent and I take risks. I receive several flicks. I miss more in the first set and less in the others. What can I do mentally, tactically and in training? Quality of Practice Partners - 14:51 Muhammad: Can I improve my game by playing with a partner who has the level of game almost similar to me, or is it necessary to have someone who is better than you to improve? Me and my partner use your videos as our guide and coach. Accuracy Practice - 17:57 Timmy: What is a good way for me to practice hitting the ball in the same spot while training, or just simply getting better control of the ball? Usually the ball just flies anywhere on the table without me being able to control it very well. Streaming at Night - 20:04 Eternity Deluxe: Guys its been a long time you have streamed in the night! I understand when you stream you stream at 5.30 in the morning. But in Singapore its 3.30. So i hope you guys can return to streaming in night. I just changed my channel name. Bats from Sports Stores - 22:13 Liam: Buying a bat from Rebel Sport, what's your opinion? Links in this Episode European Olympic Qualification How To Practice Serving Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

North American Olympic Qualification - 1:07 History is made as the first ever athlete born in the 2000's qualifies for Rio. Last #PQOTD - 6:40 Who is your favourite European Mens and womens player? #PQOTD - 8:38 What is your favourite sport apart from Table Tennis? Technique Tuesday - 8:59  Forehand Block On This Day - 12:34 Liu Shiwen was born in 1991 Adjusting to Different Opponents - 13:21 Ilia: When I play person A, whose pushes are heavy, I can loop them consistently. When I play person B right after, I keep hitting off the end because his pushes barely have any spin. I try telling myself to adjust, but it doesn't work :( How to deal wit it? Push Timing - 15:56 Jim: To help keep the push low should I hit the ball right off of the bounce as it is rising? or at the top of the ball's travel? or just after the top of the ball's rise on the way down? Time Between Points - 18:29 Tom: I am wondering if there is a "time-rule" for getting the ball back for serving. I am 70 years old, and have a heart and lung condition, which allows me to play each point with strong smashes but at the end of the rally I am exhausted. Practicing What You Play - 20:26 Tushar: I have become a very offensive player and I usually do 3rd ball attack and attack on services with flicks and topspins. I hardly use push almost not. My club member asked me why I practice it when I don't use it in a game. Links in this Episode North American Olympic Qualification Forehand Block Keeping the Ball Low The Push in Detail

On This Day - 1:30 Jiang Jialiang and Kenta Matsudaira European Olympic Qualification Tournaments - 2:29 These are starting tomorrow and we discuss the format and the main athletes who will by vying for a spot in Rio. #PQOTD - 7:08 Who is your favourite European Mens and womens player? Last #PQOTD - 7:30 What do you serve at match point? Where is Panda? - 10:15 Ali: I miss panda where is he???? Returning a Fast Serve to the Middle - 10:50 Viktor: How do I attack a long sidespin serve that goes straight in the middle? It's pretty fast and I can't get in any position for the topspin. How can I attack effectively? I don't have the reflexes to move my feet and make the stroke in time, help :) Waldner in His Prime - 12:49 Viktor: I watched Waldner's matches in his prime, he had great speed, power, control and etc. I think I agree about what you said before that he could play against modern players if he was in their era. I think Waldner even in his prime would have a bit of trouble. Polish Open - 14:11 Viktor: When is the next World Tour? Power of Practice Switch - 14:35 Viktor: Do you think you can switch your power of practice skills? Jeff trying spin catcher and Alois trying table tapper in 30 days? Who Serves in Doubles - 15:52 Johan: Could you please clarify the doubles rules? I've understood that you serve against different players every set. What determines who serves first in the sets after the first one? Do you change the serving order in the deciding set? Doubles Serving Tactics by Chinese Players - 19:10 John: I would like to know why serving in doubles is so much less dynamic than in singles. So what is the reason for using a much weaker and easy to read serve when they can comfortably use their normal serves to win the point. Training Breaks - 22:27 Vishnu: I used to play 5hrs a day (morning and evening) and I play basic skills of table tennis quite nicely, but if I take an interval for more than two days, I find it difficult to play even the basics. It takes me weeks to regain my game. Links in this Episode European Olympic Qualification Tournament Panda Seeks Ping Pong Glory Dealing with the Middle Ball Receiving Middle Serves 4 Extra Rules of Doubles Doubles Rules Search Power of Practice Skills Challenge

In a special separate show we announce the winners of our Power of Practice competition. A big thanks to everyone who participated and made it such an interesting competition.

April Fools - 0:44 Alois doesn't really have a job at the Australian Bureau of Statistics Tournament Wrap - 1:36 ITTF-Latin America Olympic Qualification Tournament Last #PQOTD - 4:21  Should edge balls and net balls be considered out? #PQOTD - 7:18 What do you serve at match point? On This Day - 7:39 Robert Downey Jnr was born Head Shot Video - 8:48 Was Alois deliberately aiming at Jeff's head  World Table Tennis Day April 6th - 9:59 Get involved in this great initiative by the ITTF Two Winged Loopers - 11:19 Ilia: Among two-winged loopers some players are more forehand oriented and pivot a lot, some are more backhand oriented. How one can find its own style to follow? Random Drills Problem - 13:47 Sebastian: I have a question of technique when playing random drills. How should I move my racket and position myself when i don't know if the next shot will be a forehand or a backhand. I mostly have problem playing backhand after a forehand. Forehand Across Your Body - 16:39 Bhavesh: I have seen the lessons and many times you mention that the forehand topspin stroke shouldn't go past the midline of the body. Unforunately I feel I'm habituated to go past the mid line of the body in almost every forehand stroke. Teaching My Dad the Basics - 19:21 Timmy: Hey. I'm trying to teach my dad how to play table tennis, and i don't really know any good way on how to teach him how to hit a basic backhand or a basic forehand. He's a beginner. Do you know easy exercises that i can use to teach my dad? Links in this Episode ITTF Latin America Qualification Results World Table Tennis Day Head Shot Video Improving Your Reflexes Video Forehand Topspin Against Block Forehand Counterhit Backhand Counterhit

Our Last Show - 0:45 Alois has got a new job performing number crunching for the Australian Bureau of Statistics and will be doing mathematical equations each morning and so will no longer have time for the Ask the Coach show. This Day in History - 1:41 The 1st of April is know as April Fools Day Friday Funnies - 3:55 Jeff crosses his computer with a life guard and an elephant. And then plays chess against it! PingSkills T-Shirts - 5:16 Matthew: Hi, Alois and Jeff. How do I get my hands on a PingSkills T-shirt? Thanks! Last #PQOTD - 6:35 Do you have a good idea for a #PQOTD? #PQOTD - 8:02 Should edge balls and net balls be considered out? Power Of Practice Final Day - 9:25 Alois talks about his experience and what he has learnt over the 31 days. We'll be announcing the winners of the competition on Monday. We'd love for those of you who have been doing the challenge to record a summary video of your thoughts. Waldner vs Current Day Players - 14:51 Viktor: Would Waldner survive against the current players? I don't think so, I think the game is too fast and they're too strong at the moment, Waldner would have a chance. Maybe in his prime. Your thoughts? Grips for Serving - 17:11 Abhishek: What are the different ways in which the Shakehand grip can be modified in doing the pendulum and other spin serves? How To Pick a Coach - 19:17 Leon: How can I pick a coach? I went to a club and a few coaches approached me to coach me. It was quite overwhelming. Should I practice under a couple of coaches and see which coach i like best? Or should I just pick the best player/coach? Maintaining Composure - 22:50 Stan: In my experience, I've noticed that a few players, including myself sometimes, start to lose their composure; getting frustrated because of losing, which causes them to start losing more. Do you have any way to have any way to help keep composure? The World Tour - 26:09 Viktor: Please tell me when the next tour is and what it's called. WWE - 27:24 Viktor: How much do you know about Wrestling / WWE? ;) Links in this Episode Pendulum Serve Grip Reverse Pendulum Serve Grip Plastic Balls Q&A Sports Psychology Course PingSkills T-Shirts Ben Larcombe's Power of Practice Video PingSkills Power of Practice YouTube Playlist

Drill Of the Week - 1:02 Multiball: One push one topspin Power Of Practice Countdown - 4:37 There's only 1 day left so get your last practice in and send us a video with the hashtag  #PowerOfPractice   Last #PQOTD - 7:58 What inspires you? #PQOTD - 10:59 Do you have a good idea for a #PQOTD? Because I am running out! This Day in History - 12:35 WrestleMania General Approach for Returning Serve - 13:18 Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff. Since there are so many ways one can serve the ball, even perform different movements for the same serve, what is the best way to read and react to all these different styles in order to perform a proper return? Playing New Players - 17:07 Ilia: I have a backhand flick that is effective against some players, but not against the others. In a tournament I often face opponents I'm unfamiliar with. How to find out whether my flick is going to work against them without losing too much points? Returning a Short Backspin Serve - 19:22 Viktor E: How do I return a short sidespin backspin serve with heavy spin? When I push it goes into the net or the ball goes to the side . Is it the angle of my bat that's wrong? I lose points because of this. I can push backspin easily but I can't do it now. Help. Blade or Rubber - 21:27 Bhavesh: Does the blade of the bat effect the performance or is it only the rubber which effects the performance? Two Handed Backhand - 22:59 Toby: I have just started to play at a club and I also play at home. I play with a two- handed backhand in Tennis and I was wondering if you are allowed to play competition with a two handed backhand? Frustratingly Close to Winning - 25:38 Rohan: I have an opponent I constantly lose to. Just couple of points every time. Our skill sets are almost at the same level. My issue is I am not able to analyze where I am going wrong and how I can pull the game to my advantage. It's really frustrating! Were You Famous? - 29:46 Viktor: This question is for Jeff. How did you meet Alois and were you ''famous' before meeting Alois? Links in this Episode Multiball Course Receiving Secrets Course Choosing a Table Tennis Bat Backhand Counterhit Backhand Topspin Pre-point Routine Master Class Recognising Your Feelings

Oceania Olympic Qualification - 0:59 6 Olympic spots were decided over the weekend from the Oceania Region Qatar Open - 5:57 Ma Long back in the winners circle and Dimitrij Ovtcharov also in good form. Last #PQOTD - 10:11 Should participation awards be given out? #PQOTD - 15:18 What inspires you? Technique Tuesday - 15:36 Giddy Up Footwork Return On This Day - 18:32 Some Birthdays plus we discuss yesterday's "On This Day!" Back to the Club - 21:20 Lukas: I went to my club and played a couple of times last week, it was a lot of fun! Of course I was a little rusty, but I got warmed up pretty quickly. My rubber felt a little fast but my coach didn't think that it was a problem. Found anything on Borgar Haug? Flat Lifted Ball Off Backspin - 22:21 Esi: Both players are using inverted rubbers. Player 1 does a heavy backspin. Player 2 put his bat horizontally under the ball and lift the ball over the net, only upward action, no forward action. What spin does player 1 receive and how should he attack? High Backspin Ball - 24:00 Kristian: When my friend returns the ball high using his pimples rubber I am having trouble smashing it. He returns the ball deep on the table and if I just try and smash it, it goes into the net. If I try to use some topspin I hit it out. Extreme Backspin - 26:45 Romeo: How do I lift a push that is loaded with backspin? I had my bat horizontally, my arm move as fast as it can go, had a slightly pushing contact, but still I couldn't lift it. It is a really long and fast push and it made me lose an important match. High Backspin Balls - 29:10 Spamm20: How to deal with high and strong backspin balls? Links in this Episode Melissa Tapper Qualifies for the Olympics Qatar Open Results Berry vs Miao Match Analysis Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Smashing a High Backspin Ball

Oceania Olympic Qualification - 1:08 We discuss the results in the tournament so far. Throwback Thursday - 5:13 Ready Set Move  This Day in History - 8:35 And escapologist's birthday Last #PQOTD - 9:17 What is your favourite venue to play? #PQOTD - 11:20 Should participation awards be given out? Power Of Practice - 12:39 We discuss our own and other PingSkiller's progress as we near the end of the challenge. Make sure to film your practice and send us a video with the hashtag  #PowerOfPractice   Sidespin Serves - 15:09 Harveer: How can i nail a side spin serve? Followup Position - 17:34 Ilia: I noticed that many top men players play the first topspin after a serve close to the table and immediately jump back to play the followup. Is that something aspiring offensive players also should do? Control Ratings of Bats - 20:06 Bavesh: I had a bat with good control, however I bought a new bat and it's control was 60 whereas the previous bats control was about 90, but I didn't really feel any difference in the control of both the bats. What does the control of the bat indicate? Good Cheap Bats - 22:10 Harveer: What is a good bat thats under $50? Thanks for answering my question before :D Table Tennis Tables - 24:21 Harveer: Whats the real difference between $100 tables and $550+ tables? Engaging the Legs - 26:59 Eugene: During a match the ball isn't always changing position. The opponent will sometimes place the ball in the same spot, the legs do almost no movement. Suddenly, they change direction and you will be off balance. How do I engage my legs? Better Backhand Than Forehand - 29:04 Bryan: My backhand is better than my forehand and I want to develop my forehand. When I'm far from the table my forehand loop usually is out or net including the forehand counter hit. Can you suggest me a way to improve? First Ping Pong Table - 31:35 Harveer: How much were your guy's first ping pong tables?and lol same i just started going to clubs and they have donic Championship TC's while i have a $100 Links in this Episode Ready Set Move Master Class Footwork Basics Choosing a Table Tennis Bat Learning to Spin from our Serving Secrets Course Power of Practice Competition Forehand Topspin Alois' first table from 1974

Last #PQOTD - 1:35 After the results in Kuwait who are your picks for the 2 Men and 2 Women to represent China at the Rio Olympics? #PQOTD - 6:42 What is your favourite venue to play? On This Day - 7:04 1903 Monopoly Power Of Practice - 8:18 Xu Xin and Ma Long try the Spin Catcher Drill of the Week - 14:26 Serving Practice Ping Pong Zone - 18:02 Karel: I play against an opponent who does not practice but just plays on Sundays. He does not have a proper technique to play but somehow always manages to get the ball on the table.  I am a much more experienced player and I know my techniques are better but I am just not used to playing this kind of style. , he usually does not do any forehand topspin strokes but just waits for me to push the ball back too high and then somehow manages to shoot it the way that either I don't get it back or I get it back too high so he can continue the attacking. Faster Backhand - 21:44 Josef: whenever i do a backhand drive or loop i am never quite satisfied with the trajectory of the ball, it always seems to have too much topspin on it with less speed and the ball seem to move like the upper part of a circle..so can you give me some advice on how to make a perfect backhand loop or drive? Slow Third Ball - 23:28 Sasha: i am worried that my opponent will just counterattack my third ball attack if I just spin it up first.  Is it ok to just spin the first ball and then go for it on the 5th? Links in this Episode 2016 ITTF Qatar Open Oceania Olympic Qualification Ma Long and Xu Xin trying the Spin Catcher How To Practice Serving How Can I Escape the Ping Pong Zone? Backhand Topspin Slow Spinny Topspin Advanced Forehand Topspin

Last #PQOTD - 0:48 Can you play a musical instrument? If so, is it relevant to your Table Tennis. #PQOTD - 4:10 After the results in Kuwait who are your picks for the 2 Men and 2 Women to represent China at the Rio Olympics? This Day in History - 4:39 Marcel Marceau was born Power Of Practice and Topspin the Movie - 6:18 Rate how Alois is doing with the spin catcher compared to Marcos Freitas Technique Tuesday - 8:22 Forehand Follow Up Medium Pips - 12:02 Mike: Hi guys! Last weekend I was playing a player at the club who was using medium pips on his forehand. I never played against someone who used medium pips. What are some tactics that I could use that is effective against this type of rubber? Cleaning Chinese Rubber - 15:35 Stan: Chinese Rubbers are well-known for their tacky topsheet. I have a DHS Neo Hurricane 3 (Black) for my Forehand. Any tips on how to maintain its tackiness, cause it seems to wear off easily after being bought. Samsonov's Serve - 17:19 Johnny: I've always been wondering what type of serve is Samsonov's serve? Who is this Karakasevic? - 19:49 Johan: Aleksandar Karakasevic. Please explain who this guy is! Why does ZJK have such problems with him? He must be doing some things right to keep his opponents so out of balance. His variation of return is superb. Links in this Episode Marcel Marceau Alois and the Spin Catcher Day 21 Topspin the Movie Forehand Followup Master Class Samsonov's Serve 2016 Kuwait Open Highlights: Zhang Jike vs Aleksandar Karakasevic (R32)

Monday Tournament Wrap - 3:14 Kuwait Open where Zhang Jike proves Ma Long can be beaten Last #PQOTD - 7:08 What is more important, talent or hard work? #PQOTD - 10:46 Can you play a musical instrument? If so, is it relevant to your Table Tennis. Power of Practice Competition - 11:08 Alois is improving gradually and Jeff is still aiming for a 5 minute table tapper rally. On This Day - 14:52 A futuristic birthday is revealed Playing Long Pips - 16:22 Hatem: Nothing frustrates me more than long pips, especially blockers . If I attack with with spins I find the ball landing either in the net or going outside. If I do not attack they attack with "snap" shots and the ball comes back in a weird way. Sidespin or Topspin? - 19:37 Marcin: If a ball comes to me in a quite almost straight path but then after impact kicks off strongly to the side, do you call it sidespin or topspin? How do you call it? The ball coming circles sideways but the path of the spin is north south. Backhand Topspin Grip - 22:35 Fayad: I can do the forehand topspin quite smoothly, but on the other hand when I try to do the Backhand topspin I can't get a strong grip on the racket. My bat seems to fly off my hand in the direction of my swing. If I hold the bat too stiffly. Links in this Episode Playing Against Long Pimples How to Hold a Table Tennis Bat Jeff's Cubing Results Arnold Classic 2016

Last #PQOTD - 0:56 Have you ever won a tournament? #PQOTD - 2:57 What is more important? Talent or hard work? Power of Practice Competition - 3:20 Choose the table tapper of the spin catcher and practice for 5 minutes a day for your chance to win a premium membership. Friday Funnies - 5:47 A fun game to play inspired by my kids This Day in History - 7:20 Some fun facts about Australia today Spin and Chopping - 9:04 Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff...How do you get the best spin on a chop during a rally at various lengths on the table? Do you keep the tension more relax on shorter chops and what is the best spot to hit the chop on your paddle like towards the end or middle? Short Soft Serves - 12:19 Stan H: What do you have to say about very very short soft serve that only just gets over the net on the centre line? Serving Swing Spin - 14:51 Stan J: In serving, does it affect the spin and speed of the ball if you stop your arm during the swing on contact to the ball as oppose to completing the swing of your arm? Sidespin Serve Smashes - 16:52 Stuart: I am having a problem with my third ball. I do a deceptive side spin top spin serve and they push the ball so it comes back very high with backspin and when I attack it I am only hitting the table about 60% most of the time going long when I miss. Links in this Episode The Push in Detail Serve Placement Learning to Spin Smash or Topspin a High Ball with Backspin Harry Houdini's Flight