When I get short balls, I like to flick them, and when balls are long I topspin them; however, mid-length balls are difficult. They are too long to flick, but just enough over the table so that I can't lower my bat. I generally automatically prepare for a long stroke, but then at the last second recognise that it will not be long, and awkwardly lunge forward with a weak return. Passive or defensive players generally have more half-length balls than aggressive players, so I tend to struggle against their returns, especially if it is backspin. The main questions are, what stroke should I use for those type of balls, and how should I prepare to avoid weak returns and getting off balance?

Knowing When To Commit To A Playstyle Change

Due to a shoulder injury, I played mostly defensively with my backhand (pushing, chopping, blocking) the past couple of months, instead of being more active. I just slapped a random thin (1.3) inverted control rubber on the backhand and started defending, and to my surprise, did quite well with it. Now that my shoulder has mostly recovered, I'm wondering, should I stick with it or should I switch back to my old style? My backhand was never my strong suit, however I was decent at opening up the game with it but I was never able to keep the pressure up because I think my movements were too large and inefficient. Also, if I keep playing defensively, should I adjust my setup? I tried long pips but that was catastrophic and broke my brain a bit. Maybe short pips or a 1.5 rubber to block more aggressively?

Plastic Ball Debut

Hi coaches! sam here, im just really curious... what year was the celluloid ball last used, and when did the plastic ball make its official ittf debut?

Muscle Memory

The latest research into muscle memory seems to indicate it takes about 10 hours of practicing one skill to train your brain to have good muscle memory. Doing two activities during the 10 hours reduces the learning of the first training. The other thing that was suggested was to push the boundaries in learning the one skill you are training for. I was told the Chinese when training young kids focus on one stroke for 3 months. How would you do this in training without becoming boring? Do you think there is any validity of this approach in Table Tennis?

Links In This Episode

Singapore Smash

Who Am I Episode 10

Serve Selection 

How to select the serve to use in different situations ? When do we use long serve? When do we use backhand serve? Which serve should should be use at 9-10 ?

Rubber Thickness

I noticed that when I was playing with (two different) 2 mm thick rubbers on FH side, almost all my topspins was landing to the table. And with maximum thick rubbers, I have some troubles. When I do FH topspins, several FH topspins in a set flies off the table.  Is it coincidence? With thinner rubbers is it easier to do FH topspins? Or depends on many other things: blade, opponents' strokes, position during the stroke (technique), etc ?

Sleeping Well The Night Before A Contest

Hi Alois, I have this problem where I struggle to sleep well the night before a league or tournament because I am too excited and tend to overthink about the matches. I always end up not playing at my usual level during the contest. This has happened to me 2 times already and I hope that it doesn't happen again in the future. How do you calm down in the night before a tournament or league?

Video Analysis 

I recorded two matches of my local RR matches (approx 20 mins each) uplinked to youTube channels. I am looking for feedback to what I am already doing well & areas for improvements, tendencies, serves & returns. What are your thoughts & fees?

Links In This Episode:

Choosing A Table Tennis Bat

Who Am I Episode 10

Pendulum Topspin Serve

I can do under spin, side spin pendulum serve, but unable to figure out how to do top spin serve. Saw a few videos but not sure what am i missing. Please share some tips and/or videos to help learn it. 

Ball Dents In New Rubber

Hello guys, I just replaced my Rakza 7 rubber on my/your bat.I did everything right from your ytube video. Is it normal to see ball indentations on the new rubber? Thanks, Bernie

Low Balls 

I have just been watching basic strokes showing the position and movement of the bat, but the demonstration shows the ball bouncing to a convenient height to return the ball. What do you do when the ball bounces low and short, in other words, it could bounce twice in the middle of the table unless you get to it quickly?

Training Composition

I would like to ask though: the training with the second club looks only like "10mins of warm up and then 90 mins of matches. No drills no combinations no practise. Only matches."  Does such a system make sense to you? I mean...matches surely have their importance but playing ONLY matches without a chance to recognize mistakes or working at them? What do you think about the training system difference?

Links in this Episode:

Guess the latest 'Who Am I'

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 17:56:55 +1000 37:40 PingSkills Show #365 - Happy Valentines Day clean Today we discuss how Alois used short pimples on his backhand for a year. We answer questions about receiving, the service rule, and the playing styles of Mima Ito and Vladimir Samsonov. We hope you enjoy the show.

Perfect Pushes

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 21:27:41 +1000 40:31 PingSkills Show #364 - Best Match You've Seen clean In today’s episode Alois tells us about the best match he has ever seen. Jeff tells 3 funny jokes that he heard on the radio and we give you our tip of the week. Of course we also answer your table tennis questions as the name of the show suggests!

Backhand Sidespin Loop 

How do you do a backhand sidespin loop?

Head Heavy Rackets 

Are head-heavy, handle-heavy, or balanced bats better for any specific playing styles, or is it just purely a matter of preference?

Serving Low

How do I serve low and close to the net?

What About A Dry Run

Because of Corona there's no training possible in my area for the time being. So I wonder if a dry run at home could be helpful just to maintain the feeling for the ball and the stroke movement. So anything one could do with a ball and a bat. Thanks.

Best Match

Hi pingskills, what is the best match at the top level you have watched? My favourite match to watch is Ma Long vs Joo Sae Hyuk in the 2014 asian games. I love watching attacker vs defender kind of matches in general because of the intense long rallies that won't break down too quickly unlike attack vs attack rallies. 

Links in this Episode:

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 16:26:55 +1000 31:29 PingSkills Show #363 - Year of the Tiger clean The Chinese New Year was on the 1st of February. Jeff was born in the year of the tiger and Alois in the year of the dragon. We discuss lots of topics including what you can learn from the recent Australian Open tennis tournament. We of course answer your table tennis questions just as the name of the show suggests. Make sure to visit our website if you have a table tennis question of your own to ask.

Running Training 

When training table tennis, do we need to do some running for stamina as a complementary training? For the case when we can only play table tennis twice a week, what kind of running would be suitable? How about for competitive players, do they usually do running as training also?

What To Do In An Injury Situation

What should you do if you suffer an injury Mid-match? Or what should you do if your opponent is the one getting injured?

Table Friction Standard

Is there any measurable standard for friction/grip of the table surface? At club level I see a fair bit of difference from table to table (venue to venue) that impacts spin effect off the table (degree of kick). I just wonder if there is any "rule" for standardisation or not.

FH Loop

Is it OK or sound technique to engage a bit of shoulder moving forward (letting elbow & wrist relax & hang, going for a ride like a door off of hinge) as I switch weight from right foot to left?

Links:

Who Am I Episode 8

Advanced Forehand Topspin

Practicing BH Topspin vs. Backspin

Before learning FH topspin vs backspin I learnt topspin vs block. I did many FH practices vs block. I have never did practices FH topspin vs backspin. I automatically started to feel how to do FH topspin vs backspin. I tried to learn BH topspin vs backspin analogically but it didn't work. I practiced BH topspin vs block many times, practiced BH topspin vs backspin several times. Almost no result. I will continue practice BH topspin vs backspin, but I want to know how to practice it correctly? Should I try hard and try to lift the ball with fast and agressive? Or should I do relaxed movements? But If I use relaxed movements I can't lift the backspin. If I try hard, I feel that I am doing wrong practice. Because I get tired after several strokes, my muscles get tired and feel pain. How should I practice?

Table Tennis Robot

Hi guys, could you please recommend a good table tennis robot for an intermediate player please.

Training After A Break

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 20:30:41 +1000 35:28 PingSkills Show #361 - Dealing With Heavy Topspin clean As usual, we discuss your table tennis questions.

Hitting The Top Of The Net

I find myself hitting the top of the net a lot and usually the result is the ball goes off the table and I lose the point. Very frustrating. I see a lot of players hit the net and it usually falls on the table. I think mine go out because I hit harder than they do. What do you recommend to rectify this? 

Heavy Topspin

Hi, I'm having a problem blocking heavy topspin. It never used be problem but now I seem to be blocking too early or too late, the ball flying off the table or straight into net. When I practice against loopers I try to watch the angle of my bat but I don't seem able to watch the ball all the way to my bat, getting really frustrated. Any advice?

Pros Jumping While Performing Forehand Flick

I noticed that some of the pros do a mini jump whenever they are flicking with the forehand. It's like they contact the ball in mid-jump. Why do they need to jump before they flick? And it looks very risky because they could lose their balance after the flick.

Service After/Before Motion

I would like to add after/before motion to them to make them much more confusing, but when I try to, my service breaks down and loses consistency and spin.I am wondering if I should practice adding after/before motion to my serves during practice or focus more on improving my serves and add confusing motion later. My question is: is after/before something you add on to a serve later as you improve, or is the motion built into the muscle memory of the serve itself?

Links in this Episode:

Forehand Topspin

Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin

Deception with Serves

Serving and Receiving Videos

Let Serve

Erwin - What happens if the opponent serves and hits the net and for some obscure reason the receiver hit the ball before it bounces on the table? It seems the ball was going to be ON the table.

Serves with Short and Long Pimples

Rodrigo - What are the forehand serves with short pips ox and backhand serves with long pips ox?

Touch Block

Dan - I would like to ask, how to deal the "touch" block? I played against a player who, when I used offensive stroke, just gently touched the ball, even slightly retracting the bat during the impact. That causes the block to be quite short ball with no spin or little spin depending on the angle of retraction, falling just behind the edge. I can use this stroke as well,but I havent found a way how to counter it. When I perform a spin-focused loop,it tends to be high and the opponent smashes it, as there is no strong backspin on the incoming ball. But when I go only slightly forward with my stroke or when I attempt a flip-like stroke, it is usually net-out ball, as it is too short for power-oriented loop, but too long for a flip. I hit the edge of table several times in an attempt to attack that block. What should I do with this stroke?

The adjustment from 21 point games to 11 points

Larry - I am 60 years old and played a lot 35 or so years ago. When they changed from 21 point games to 11 how did most players adapt? What was done to change the mental part of knowing the games are over quicker?  I was not playing table tennis when the rule changed.

Links in this Episode

Planning Your Year

Tournament Entry

Kajal - I don't go in any of the tt academy and classes I just learn tt at home. Now, I want to starts with  tournaments from district level. May I know how to participate for it?

Grip Changes Between Sides

Andy - is it possible to use SAME grip for fh and bh and continue to grow my game?

Keeping a Rubber After Purchase

Kenneth - After we purchase a rubber in a package, is it ok to keep it for a few months to a year before gluing to the blade? Will the quality of the rubber decrease after keeping it for so long? Thanks.

Pros Using Penhold

Dayton - Do you think there will be anymore Penhold in the pro table tennis after ( xu xin and qiu dang) retire?

Podcast Brings Sunshine

Paul - Just finished listening to your recent podcast and I am still laughing.  Hearing you and Jeff again after such a long hiatus is proof that GOD is in HIS heaven and all is well in the world.  Thank you for bringing your brand of sunshine to we Yanks here in the U.S.  Can’t wait ‘til your next podcast!

Links in this Episode

PingPod #43 Grip Changes Between Backhand and Forehand

From Garage to Club

Stiga Octagon Blade

Jasper - I heard stiga created a new blade which the hitting surface looks like an octagon. What do you think of this? Any advantages or disadvantages of using this blade?

Long Pimples for Defensive Players

Kenneth - Why do defensive players use long pimples rubber for their backhand? Is it easier to control the ball when doing a backhand chop? I tried using short pimples rubber to do a backhand chop but find it also quite difficult to control the placement of the ball. Normally  I use inverted rubbers on both sides.

Forehand Counterhit

Spinny - I have a fairly consistent, fast counterhit; but I finish past my left eyebrow. If I stop near my left eyebrow, the ball rarely goes over the net; it just makes the stroke vertical, without much forward motion. I don't finish much past my left eyebrow, but it might become a problem at higher levels. I try to stop by my left eyebrow but the stroke doesn't work as well as it does when I stop past my eyebrow. How might I fix this, and what might be wrong?

Playing Against Odd Rubber

Mehul - How to play against medium pips, particularly Dr. Neubauer killer and super anti butterfly. My daughter is state level player. We are from Baroda, Gujarat, India. She doesn't have much practice against odd rubber. She repeatedly lost against players with odd rubber. So i want to give pratice with odd rubber. I will play with her with odd rubber. So please guide her how to play against both rubber.

Links in this Episode

Forehand Counterhit

WTT Camera Angle

Eugene - Hi alois,  it's been a super long time since I last ask a question. How have you been doing? I hope your doing well especially in this pandemic. My question for today is, what are your thoughts on the new side angle introduced by WTT? I personally love it very much as I can see the players' strokes and techniques so much clearer right now. However a lot of people hate it and are complaining about it. Do you think that this a bad or good for the sport in general?

Samsonov Factors of Longevity

Bob - Hi there, I am impressed by the longevity and playing style of Vladamir Samsonov. I am an older guy and appreciate his relaxed approach and maintaining his body (few injuries) and do you think his playing style contibutes to that? I will never be as good as he is of course, but if I wanted to model my game on his, how would I go about that? Any suggestions?

What to do with a high backspin ball

Manfred - I have a recurring problem with my forehand. My opponents often misread my service and in return I get a high ball with more or less backspin at the middle of the table. When I attack I often topspin or smash it straight into the net. I still haven´t found a solution so I´d be grateful for an advice.

Movement of Hand vs Feet

Sonia - I have a habit of staying at one place and whenever the ball is far my natural reflex is that my hand stretches and my legs do not move. I want to get rid of this habit. I practice some movement at home but my practice doesn't seem to work in front of the table. When the ball comes to my backhand counter hit movement does not come naturally. I just stretch my hand towards the ball and the ball goes straight into the net or outside the table. How can I get rid of this habit.

Links in this Episode

Building Blocks of Table Tennis

World Table Tennis Championships Results

Tournament Preparation

Jasper - I have a school tournament that's coming up in 3 weeks time. Any suggestions on how to prepare for it or with any other tournament?

My Backhand Always Goes Into the Net

Mufasa - Hello PingSkills team. It's a pleasure to be talking with you. I always watch your videos. In social media (mostly on YouTube) and I'm getting difficulties making the backhand. My backhand is nowhere controllable. It's mostly under the net! When I try to aim at the end of the table. It sometimes jumps and flies. And also I can't do backhand in a normal match because I need it on a very specific high. And even I might get it and sometimes not. Which is very disappointing!

Topspinning Long Pushes

Kenneth - When I watch Youtube videos of top players, whenever there is a long but low ball with slight underspin, usually a push or serve, the player will try to execute a topspin attacking stroke on the ball. However, when I try this, it usually ends in the net. Should I continue to attempt this stroke, or just push the ball back, which is a safer stroke, but not really initiating any attacking rallies for me. Is there a progression to practice getting to how the top players get into the rallies by attacking the long pushes consistently? Is it just practice? Thanks.

About the Premium Membership

Ardak - I want to try premium membership for a month (maybe next month). I have some questions. 

1) Do you analyze only strokes? I mean will you also watch a part of a game and give advices how to win a certain opponent? and say which mistakes am I doing vs a certain opponent?

2) Will you send analysis only in a PDF format? Won't you send videos? For example to say "you are doing THIS wrong movement, you are not doing THIS important movement"

3) How many videos can I send for analyze in a month?

Thank you.

Links in this Episode

Ovtcharov's New Backhand Serve in Final

Ovtcharov Serve Tutorial - for premium members

52 Week Training Plan - some free videos but mostly for premium members

Backhand Counterhit Tutorial

Forehand Topspin off Backspin Tutorial

2 Sided Penhold

Andy - Hi coach, at the professional level, why aren't there many 2-sided penhold players winning major tournaments i.e. world cup, olympics? Are there any inherent deficiencies to playing with a 2-sided penhold style?

Non Hitting Arm

I play right handed. Would the swinging/use of my left arm up help with greater rotational torque? I see some players (video) swing/move their non-hitting arm along with hitting the ball.

Does Cold Weather Destroy My Rubbers?

Kevin - I usually play at room temperature. I currently don’t have a table tennis table available (due to the pandemic) so I built one (why not?). I currently have no room inside the garage, so the only option for me is to play in a fairly large shed with lots of space. I live in northern Sweden, where the winters are cold, latley it has been -10 degrees c (14 degrees f), so I'm wondering if it is safe to play in cold weather without destroying my rubbers.

Find Tutorial Sessions on PingSkills

Harold - When you tell us to watch something from previous tutorials, such as session 6, how can we find it?

Links in this Episode

Pendulum Serve - for premium members

The First Step to a Great Pendulum Serve

Advanced Forehand Topspin Tutorial

Penhold and Shakehand

Vibeeshan - I'm a modern penholder but everyone says it is an old style. Is it still a viable grip to reach a high level? Do you think I can switch between penhold and shakehand?

Service Rule Regarding Showing Your Bat

Andy - When preparing for a serve, does the server have to show the blade in view (above table) of the opponent?

Backhand in a Match

Ardak - Last 2 weeks I am training with a club-mate who is in the same level as me. I mean in mini tournaments sometimes he wins, sometimes I win. In this 2 weeks my BH topspin is improved very much. I started to win some players which I was losing before. But my sparring partner doesn't see any improvement in his game. He used to play only with FH side of the blade. He always chops. If the ball is higher then he smashes very consistently. Recently he beat a pro girl who is ranked 31 in our country.  But he never plays with BH side. Instead he uses footwork. He practiced BH topspin with me, but he says he still can't use it in the game. He started to think that the training (with me) is meaningless, not useful. What do you suggest?

Stance for Tall Players

Kenneth - I have heard advice that for tall players, we should open our feet wider apart to stay lower to the table. Would this compromise the ability to do shuffle steps quickly? Also, will this make crossover steps more difficult to retrieve wide balls? Thanks.

Links in this Episode

Playing as a Tall Player

Training 4-5 Year Old Kids

Vinod - Firstly thank you for bringing an excellent training portal for table tennis. It is useful to train my 9 year old daughter and for myself to enhance my skills. Can I request you to provide few basic videos how to start training my 4 year old son. Just to get feeling of ball.

Staying Down

Andy - Are there any exercises or contraption that help me staying down until the point is over?

Sweat on Ball During Rally

A player mishits the ball because of sweat present on the ball and claims a Let. Should the Umpire call a Let or award a point to the opponent because it was noticed after the rally?

J-Pen Limitations

Why is j-pen never used anymore in this modern era of table tennis?

Links in this Episode

Training 101 Video Tutorials

Who Am I - Episode 3

Having Table Tennis After School

Jasper - I was wondering does long hours of school sort of affect how you play table tennis? On Tuesday, school timing is around 8am to 3pm and then I have table tennis sessions in school from 3pm to 6:30pm. I noticed I normally miss a lot, I tend to rush my shots, I lose more points, I get frustrated very easily and I tried a lot of things to fix it but nothing works. On Friday, school timing is around 8 to 12:30am. And my training starts from 1pm to 3pm and I noticed that I would always do better on Fridays compared with Tuesdays. Most of my shots go in, I win much more points than usual, I am very calm, I get the timing of my shots right. On Sundays, I don't have school so I start training at 10:30 to 1:30. And this is where my shots are most consistent. Very clear mind, very relaxed and my highest quality table tennis.

Topspin Serves

Ryan - What is the best way to return a top-spin serve against your opponent?

Playing When the Ball is on Elbow

Ryan - How to play against a fast backspin, similar to Chop Smash, comes at your elbow? I have been a lot of point as it cannot be pushed neither can be looped. Any solution?

Is blocking a Bad Shot

Ryan - Recently at our club, our coach was criticizing that Block in a Rally is really bad because it gives a no spin ball which the opponent can accelerate. But, when the ball is fast, blocking with precision had won points for me. As you said, keeping a track of the ball and changing your wrist can be lethal to give an upper hand in the rally if the opponent hits hard. So, I guess it is good but with precision.

Links in this Episode

Attacking Plain Topspin Serves Tutorial

About Defensive Mode

Ardak - If only some of my topspins fails then I continue to play in an offensive mode. I noticed that if my 3-4 topspins in a row fail (go off the table, to the net)  then I start to play in a defensive mode. Although I choose only good moments to do topspin. Especially vs players with pimples. I start to play only with chops like old days (10 years ago) when I didn't know what is topspin. Against some players this strategy worked good. But sometimes I lose badly even to those I usually win.  Is it a bad habit? What do you suggest?

Proper Progression To Get Better With Serving

John - Thanks for answering my previous question about bats.  I wound up getting a Yinhe Earth 3 with Palio Hadou rubber and its working out nicely so far.   I have a question regarding how to get better at serves from a progression standpoint.  I have been working on my pendulum serve and have started to feel pretty good with the basic sidespin with a bit of underspin.  I can do an underspin only - but I whiff more than I should and I think Im starting to hit the topspin sidespin occasionally but since Im basically a basement player Im not 100% sure what Im doing wrong and haven't had any lessons - so Im trying to teach myself from YouTube videos (I do aspire to someday join the local club when Im better and won't be embarrassed).  I have a decent backhand serve and am working on topspin sidespin and backspin sidespin.  I have goofed around with the tomahawk and reverse pendulum for fun - but Im not ready yet.  Anyways - my question is, is there a proper progression to get better on serving.  I practice fairly often since I can do this by myself.  Should I master one thing first - say pendulum sidespin working on spin then placement? or is it good to spend a bit on all the variations of pendulum service.  Just looking for some guidance.  Thanks!

Hitting the Ball With Racket Not Held

Yuva - In a situation where I'm in the left corner my opponent hit a smash on to the right of the table where I clearly cannot reach it, so I tossed the racket onto right of the table so that it hit the ball and ball returned to the opponents table and he left it!!! So finally is it my point or my opponent's point?

Can the Ball Hit the Net Twice?

Hare - Can you hit the net with the ball twice e.g the ball hits the net clamp and hits the net and goes to the opponent's side what happens after?

Links in this Episode

The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis

Rolling the Ball from One Side to the Other

Pre-Point Routine: Tournament Preparation Training Plans - for premium members

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Alois vs Italy - watch for the fist bump

Rules Videos

How to Receive Short Low Spinny Topspin Serves

Ardak - How to receive short, very low and spinny serve which bounces to my forehand side and very close to the net?

Encouraging People to Join Table Tennis

Jasper - In 2 days time there will be a CCA Open House where the secondary 1 students can check out any CCA. How can I get more people to join table tennis?

Choice of Backhand or Forehand on Short Game

Musaab - I watch a lot of videos and I know for sure after applying that to my own game, there is a preferred blade side to serve return depending on the incoming serve. A popular example is the forehand short push return to the regular pendulum serve. Even when it is side/topspin that return will make the ball go a little high but there is still vicious underspin on it that some opponents put it directly into the net. No coach ever told me that and I can't find anything about it on the web either, just pattern recognition while watching pros videos. I wonder whats your input on this , I even feel there is more layers to it, I'm talking about the third,fourth and fifth ball on the short-to-short game that there is a preferred side (forehand or backhand) return. N.B. In all this I'm assuming two right-handed players and balls are on the middle of the table

Smooth Players

Bob - I would like your recommendations (if you would) of table tennis players (even old school) who play smooth and relaxed. I am trying to go the long distance in this game and am developing a game with less stress on the body. Oh Sang Eun is one that I have been watching lately. Samsanov has been around.  Any others for me to emulate? Also any drills or recommendations on playing more smooth and relaxed? Thanks. 

Links in this Episode

Returning Short Topspin Serves - for premium members

Investigating the Relative Age Effect

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

You can find out more about Tom by visiting his website and here is a link to more information about his exciting new book.

For your chance to win a free copy of Tom's new book you can enter our competition.

It's been an incredibly tough year for many people around the World and we hope 2021 will be the year the pandemic is brought under control. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Shoulder Pain

Loren - I am 46 years old and having a hard time keeping up with the younger guys. My biggest problem is my shoulder pain. Is there any exercises I can do to strengthen my muscles? Am I using bad form? I don’t want to quit. I love the game so much. Thanks for the videos.

Chop Block Against Topspin

Garth - Is it worth pursuing a chop block? I seem to have invented a new shot that appears to me to be effective, but my robot can't tell me if it is!

Links in this Episode

Long Pimple Chop Block

Backhand Block

Pedro - I have trouble in blocking a strong top spin loop into my backhand corner. I find it more difficult against spinny slow and high loop than with fast, less spinny strokes. In fact, what I find is more challenging is all the body to ball coordination, and the timings, but also finding the right moment when to meet the the ball after the bounce. Sometimes I try to turn and counter with a FH topspin, which is effective when it works but risky. I feel that I prefer this risk though, than to try the BH block, which I feel is just a passive stroke from my side, and often the ball goes over the table.

Forehand Counterhit

Atharva - Sir I cant really get better in Forehand Counterhit. Either the ball stuck in net or get off table. Sir please suggest some drill or practise to master it.

Blade Question

John - Im a recreational player (although I think Id like to join a club).  Anyway I recently bought a Palio Legend 3.0 and I love it.  I know its technically a premade racquet but I figured it was part way to getting my first custom racquet.  Anyways as I said I really like the speed and control I have with it and Im getting much more spin etc.  Eventually I think id like to move up to a better custom racquet but there's almost no information on specs for the blade that is used in the Palio Legend 3.0 other than its a 5 ply wooden blade so its hard to compare.  Ive looked at Yinhe Earth 3 which is supposed to be much like the Stiga Offensive Classic. Both are All + to Off - 5 ply blades with some flex.  Do you think they would be a nice upgrade with similar specs?

The Best

Robert - I'm sure you've been asked this before, however in a serious match (best of 7) with Jeff, who comes out on top?

Links in this Episode

Who Am I Competition

Forehand Counterhit Tutorial

PingSkills Touch with Mark V

Little Bat vs Big Bat

Dropshot off High Chop

DK - How can I play a dropshot off a high chop?

Correcting Technique Flaws

Gruia - I have already identified several flaws in my FH counterhit technique:

1) Not holding the paddle loose between hits

2) Not tracking the ball enough with my eyes

3) After salute, too slow to retract/lower the arm to the Ready Position

Right now I am practicing with a robot, but soon can have a partner. My first question is: do I correct these flaws one at a time or should I try all? And how soon, in hours trained with robot, before I can try to see if my technique improved vs a practice partner? Thank you

Bat Falls on the Table During Rally

Ujjal - While playing (right handed player), the bat slips and falls on the table. Can he pick up the bat with his left hand and continue playing?

Returning a Low No Spin Serve

Rohan - Hi guys.  I haven't needed to ask a question for a while but now have a new experience to explore. A guy I play regularly at work is introducing a new serve.  He is attempting to be deceptive with his bat angle to switch between topspin and backspin serves but hasn't quite got it yet.  They are difficult to read despite me watching the contact closely, because his intention is clear but the execution doesn't deliver the intent. As a result he is very inconsistent and ends up delivering a lot of low/no spin serves that look like they are spinny. They are usually quite low and mainly mid-long but sometimes very short. When I do get it right, a simple fast BH counter hit down the line or a FH cross court flick beats him every time, but I inevitably end up pushing when I should flick or topspin and visa versa so consequently net the ball or put it over the table.  I think the main issue is I'm treating a no spin ball as if it had spin. So, what return should I try next to deal with a no-spin or low BS/TS, mid-long low ball? Cheers, Rohan.

Links in this Episode

Dropshot off Chop Tutorial

Rules Tutorials

How to Hit the Ball with Power

Vic -  I am a penholder. How can I hit the ball with power? It seems when I play with friends I found that my strokes are not powerful enough.

Attacking a Low Backspin Serve

Ryan - Is it possible to attack a low backspin serve which is on the table? I can Flick the ball backhand when it bounces a little bit over the net. But, I tend to lift it or push it when I get a low backspin serve.

Winning the Toss

Jasper - Normally when winning the toss, I heard the player normally would choose to receive first but why?

Backhand Smash

Jasper - My friend says that he think he can do backhand smashes but he missed pretty much every backhand smash then i told him that it isn't reliable but he still wants to try backhand smashes. What should I say to him?

Links in this Episode

Basic Strokes Tutorials

Advanced Forehand Topspin

Advanced Backhand Topspin

Banana Flick

Backhand Sidespin Flick

Backhand Smash Tutorial

Playing Leftie's Pendulum Sidespin

Ryan - How should I return a Left-Hander's Pendulum side Spin or Side-Top Spin Long Serve. I have been struggling to return it during Doubles. Any idea? Kindly suggest any idea. I have been returning them using a weird backhand flick which is not so consistent. This make me concede cheap points.

Lobbing Playing Style

Jason - I’ve watched Adam Bobrow play table tennis, his style is quite more different. His style is more defensive,  a lobbing playing style. Is this an really style you could play, or a risky one? You almost never see his style anywhere.

Thick or Thin

Phil - Can you say when purchasing new rubbers which way do you go as a moderate newbie i look at the different thicknesses & a" MIST " arises, is the choices too much or do they all have a purpose?

Clipping the Net

Kwokching - I was left frustrated since if I had win that point I might have won but their argument was that it clipped the net and it shouldn't be my point  and I know that as long as it's cross the net it's fine with two bouncesand lucky a qualified sport teacher came across later to point out to students that if it clips the net it a point or that they just got lucky but as long as it cross the net it's fine. So what's your view on that should the rules be changed or kept the way they should as the rule book says. Frustrated when I lose playing by the rules... It's also very frustrating that most of my friends don't throw the ball high enough and with a close palm and I lose when they do that. 

Links in this Episode

The Relative Age Effect

Investigating the Relative Age Effect

Table Tennis Rules Videos

My Most Recent 10 - 10 Experience

Jasper - I played a best of 5 game in school just now with a friend. I won the first set and then my opponent won the next set. However since the time was almost up, the coach told us to play at 10 - 10 and the loser would have to do 15 push ups and 15 burpees. I took your advice to focus in the present, managed to save a match point and then won 14 - 12.  Pretty happy that I was able to control the pressure.

Liu Shiwen

Peter - I often watch Liu Shiwen's playing style on youtube and I often ask myself what is the secret of her success. Is it her quick reaction, her short swing or taking the ball always on the rise.  Probably all of that. It seems to me it looks like she is punching the ball forward with no loop and topspin, she is just hitting the ball but very fast. As far as blocking is concerned she is sometimes using a Tomahawk block a term I never heard before.

Color Choices for Ping Pong Room

Robert - I’m repainting our ping pong room. What color(s) do you recommend for seeing the ball best?

Racket Which Way Round

Phil - Hi, can you tell me i always assumed that the offensive strike from the rubber is the RED side but a friend of mine says it is the backhand side which is BLACK who is right?

Links in this Episode

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Becoming Roger Federer

Attack with Antispin Rubber

Abdul - Can you attack with antispin rubber especially when the opponent gives a backspin on ur backhand or forehand?

Block Topspin Serve

Steven - My brother serves his topspin serve, and it is getting on my nerves. How do I return a topspin serve properly without losing the point?

Steps to Strokes

Rudraansh - I and my friends are beginners at table tennis. I told them about your coaching tips and how can we increase our consistency using different practices but they don't agree, they think that we can play better only by practicing fast and spinny shots. What should I do?

Forehand Counterhit

Rudraansh - How can I practice forehand counterhit against the wall as my friends are not very supportive?

Links in this Episode

52 Week Training Plan

Building Blocks of Table Tennis

PingSkills Consistency Chart

Backhand Loop Against Backspin

Ryan - I have been hitting them with spin and power but a lot of them end up in the Net. If they pass, they are very hard to return as most of the players expect that the ball will rise.  How should I improve the technique. Note: I drop a lot when I have to hit any backhand shot. Also, I am a Backhand Dominant Player. I prefer to move the ball on the left side of the table.

Who is the GOAT for Choppers?

Jasper - Joo sae hyuk seems pretty impressive, people call him the god of chopping, hou yingchao managed to beat the Chinese nationals though(probably the hardest tournament of all time). So who do you think is the better chopper? Hou Yingchao or Joo Sae Hyuk. Personally I think perhaps Joo Sae Hyuk is better because he still uses his forehand chop successfully in the modern world while other choppers just block or topspin with forehands in response to the modernisation.

Playing Close to the Table

Ramesh - I have a stupid and major issue which i am facing each day at my practice place. The moment i serve and start the game i tend to go back and back and try my shots which obviously goes out (i hit hard as i am far) and some times goes to the net as i hit weak. I am sure it should be a conscious effort from my side to stick to table (one arm distance) for my consistent strokes. I would like to take your tips on my issue I am facing. All the observers tend to tell me that I am moving far and I am also well aware of it and i want to overcome it. Appreciate any help from your end please.

Backspin Smash

Jared - I recently played an opponent who would smash high balls with backspin/sidespin by pulling is racket down on the ball while smashing. As i have never played against this before it was extremely difficult to adjust to. What do you recommend to return this stroke and is it a good changeup option to confuse my opponent every once in a while?

Links in this Episode

Is It Too Late with Brian Berry

Backhand Topspin Off Backspin

Multiball Tutorials

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Returning a Deep Chop

Peter - My regular opponent fears my backhand so continually sends a deep heavy chop to my forehand. Eventually I get frustrated and either hit the net with my return chop or over hit a forehand loop return. What to do in this situation?

Warm Up in Competitions

Jasper - I remember you saying that in the warm up, you can do anything. But when watching competitions, it seems like they only do drives, blocks and topspins. Why don't people do chops and smashes and pushing and sidespinning and other possible techniques?

Smash

Jason - Why do some penholders switch their grip to shakehand when they smash? Like Wang Zengyi and Ma Lin? Is it powerful?

Rubber on Rubber

Phil - Thanks for question answered 18 hrs ago so from what you say you can buy a new rubber & put it on the existing bat is that right?

Links in this Episode

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Ma Long

Ghost Serve

Abe - What is the ghost serve?

Effect of Support

Jasper - Does your team supporting make you play better or make you play worse? Sometimes I feel like supporting puts quite a lot of pressure on me.

Getting More Sidespin on Your Pendulum Serve

Toby - How can I get more sidespin on my pendulum serve?

Hitting Your Chest When Serving

Yazid - Hi Alois, when i do a pendulum serve my paddle always get hit at my chest . What i can do to not hit my chest again?

Links in this Episode

Ma Lin Ghost Serve

Bat Angle for the Ghost Serve

Pendulum Serve Tutorial (for premium members)

Cleaning Funny Rubbers

Jasper - I'm thinking of experimenting with short pimple rubber soon, how do you clean short pimple rubber? It's quite pointy so I'm not sure. And is cleaning short pimple rubber the same for the other pimple rubbers?

How Do Timeouts Work

Michael - When I play at home, I sometimes get a little tired. Is there such thing as time outs? If there is, how does it work?

Beginner Coaching

Jason - My friend is coming over tomorrow to learn how to play table tennis. I have no clue on how to teach a complete beginner on table tennis. Do you have any advice for how to teach a beginner?

Improve My Forehand Topspin

Z - Please can you teach me how to improve my forehand topspin? I'm really tired of missing my shots.

Improving On Spinny Topspin

Thomas - So, I just found out a major reason for my lousy play-I was crowding the table during a rally. No wonder I couldn't hit topspin. Moving back, my game improved some, but the top is  still too rudimentary. My forehand topspin is mostly spinny and slow, and backhand is worse. I like to hold the bat loosely with the index not parallel with the base of the bat but at a slight angle and I tighten the grip at contact. Do you think it's necessary to change to a traditional grip that isn't comfortable but probably will lead to more consistency, and what mental or physical changes do you think I need to go for my topspin  more so it becomes a weapon? I am trying to incorporate more body weight but it's clear I'm playing it safe and mostly arming it. Thanks.

Links in this Episode

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Waldner or Ma Long?

Erfan - Who is better jan ove waldner or ma long ?

Reacting to Short and Long Serves Incorrectly

Jasper - I  played table tennis yesterday with my friend but I have problems moving to short balls and slow long serves because I'm not sure whether  it's short or long. So I end up pushing long serves or attempting to topspin short balls. Any solutions that you have?

Counterspin Against a Slow Low Topspin

Hugo - How to counter loop a low spinny loop in the backhand?

Can't Attack in a Match

Reza - Hi Thanks for your good videos. They help me so much. Please help me. Why I can't attack during the game?

Links in this Episode

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin

Ma Long's Dominance

Push With Less Backspin

Ardak - Sometimes my opponents return pushes with less backspin to confuse me. I feel there are still some backspins in such returns. So I return them by push or do topspin against backspin. If I push such ball it will be easy to answer by loop. If I do topspin then ball often goes off the table. What do you suggest?

Drills

Dai - Can you give me some irrregular drills and regular & freeplay drills.

Deuce

Jason - I struggle winning when it’s 10-10 or a deuce. It pressures me too much and I don’t know how to win a deuce. Is there any idea to help me?

Paddle Maintenance

Nancy - Maybe you’ve already covered this somewhere, but I’m wondering about paddle maintenance— do you use any special cleaner, and is it true you should replace the rubbers twice a year? Any other tips?

Grunt

Jason - When I watch table tennis, I see a lot of table tennis tennis players grunting during the contact point like Dimitrij, grunt like OO AHH. I heard it make your stroke more lifestyle with the inhale and it gives a certain breathing pattern. Is this true?

Links in the Episode

Free Downloads Page

PingSkills Drills PDF

How Often To Clean Your Rubber

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Push Variation

Topspin Against Various Spins and Lengths

Fishing

Jason - What is table tennis fishing exactly? To me it’s like a weaker topspin against topspin.

Ranking in a Group Tournament

Ardak - Hi coach! In our mini club we organize mini amateur tournaments every week. There are 10 players. We all play each other. There is no problem in ranking players who have different number of wins. But how to rank players with same number of wins?

Long Pimples to Play Backspin

Peter - In the last few years I have always been playing with inverted rubber on both sides. Now I want to try long pimples on the backhand side because I have so much trouble receiving heavy backspin with inverted rubber.  In my club there are so many people who play very strong backspins. Do you think it is worthwhile to change to long pimples to play against these kind of players? What are the advantages and disadvantages of long pimples?

Moving in Seniors Doubles

Ann - I love my seniors morning of Table tennis. I've come from tennis where doubles movement is much more defined and we do not usually get in each others way. I tripped over my partner's feet and fell backward hitting my head. It occasioned discussion with some players - sadly not her - about how to move and not get in each other's way and not be a hazard. We have a few who just do not move out of the way and take up a lot of space "right in the middle". One person said it is like trying to go round a concrete pole. Can you give us some guidance please? Better still can you do a 5 minute video showing some doubles (not at rocket speed) where players are shown moving around each other safely and effectively. Some tips and pointers would be much appreciated by me as I am quite nervous playing alongside some of my seniors colleagues.

Links in this Episode

Doubles Strategy - for premium members

Table Tennis at the Olympic Games

Using Long Pimples

Playing Table Tennis After a Long Break

Jasper - It has been 3 months since I played table tennis, if my table tennis quality drops, what should I do to get to my original level?

Table Tennis 7 Sets Championships

Gianfranco - Hi, what are all the championships that play 7 sets matches?

Counter Hit

Jason - Is a counter hit basically a drive. I heard that drive and counter hit are the same.

Weight Transfer

Shaurya - Hi Alois and Jeff, I was wondering if you have any tutorials on weight transfer, I find it quite hard for me to shift my weight from my back leg to my front to get the power in my stroke.

Links in this Episode

Alois vs Italy

Forehand Counterhit

September Challenge

How to return the Windshield Wiper Serve

Pablo - How do you return the wind shield wiper serve?

15 yo Changing to Short Pips on Backhand

TY - Would you recommend an average 15 yo to change from normal rubber he has been playing with to short pips with rubber to improve his table tennis?

Kicker Serve from the Backhand Side

Eduardo - For some reason backhand serves have almost vanished, at least, from the professional players repertoire of serves. Can any of you, Alois or Jeff, make a demonstration of the same serve but from the backhand?

Rubber Thickness for Fast Spin Serve

Deepak - What is the recommended thickness of rubber in mm for fast spin service game?

Links in this Episode

Windshield Wiper Serve

Kicker Serve

Backhand Serve Preview

Understanding Spin - for premium members

Serving and Receiving Tutorials

I Cannot See Contact with the Ball

Gary - I was playing in a round-robin tournament at my local club and one of my opponents was blocking the view of the point of contact with his free hand (during his serve).  He is a more advanced player than I am and would likely have beaten me anyway, but I had no chance of being able to return service effectively with him blocking my view this way.  I'm not sure if it was intentional or not. I understand that a lot will have to do with my club's specific environment and culture but was wondering if there is some sort of generally accepted table tennis etiquette for this type of situation, so that I might find a tactful and appropriate way to address it.  Any thoughts?

Inconsistent Serving

Toby - Whenever I try to execute the Ma Lin ghost serve when no one is around it is very spinny. When I play in front of my opponent, the serve is 50% less spinny and sometimes doesn't make it over the net because I'm very nervous. Is there a way to fix this problem?

More Sidespin on Pendulum Serve

Toby - For some time I have been trying to do sidespin(pendulum) serve. I noticed that when try to contact the ball on the side, contact the lower area of the bat, use a lot of wrist, and have arm acceleration, I get little sidespin and sometimes good heavy backspin. I'm only looking for a good sidespin serve that bounces off my opponents racket when their racket is flat with no angle. Is there a way to fix this spin issue?

How to Execute the Ma Lin Serve

Gaurav - In a video, Ma Lin is shown practicing a serve in which the ball rolls back towards the net after delivering a pendulum serve. I've been trying to execute this serve for a very long time, but it never rolls back. So can somebody please help me ? I really wanna learn this.

Links in this Episode

How To Execute the Ma Lin Serve

Bat Angle for the Ma Lin Serve

Pendulum Serve - for premium members

Activation Level - for premium members 

How To Relax

Hans - Nice video about relaxation and efficient strokes. But how to take it from there? Is there a systematic way to develop a more "relaxed" and efficient way of playing, once you realize that your playing style is too tense? I suppose this question goes for both the physical side and the mental side of the game.

Traditional Penhold

Jason - Why do most people in this table tennis generation stop using traditional Penhold? I still use traditional Penhold, and rarely see the top players using this grip?

Weaker Hand

Bright - Alois, please how do you develop your weaker hand properly?

Pendulum Service Elbow

Vijay - I have discovered of late that while doing the pendulum sidespin and top spin serves lifting the elbow helps a great deal. In fact, it is crucial. As I started doing it consciously and making my stance more side on a great deal fluency seems to have flowed into my serve. Same with backspin serves. On right track?

Links in this Episode

The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis

Activation Level - for premium members

Learning To Spin

Grip Revisited

Thomas - Hi Coach. My favorite tip from you is  holding the bat in the last two fingers, freeing up the wrist. I found this easy to learn on the forehand and basically didn't on the backhand. I unconsciously got away from this, though, and I had a swing emphasizing the index or the thumb. I'm going back to your way now and realize to do this on both shots you basically change the grip slightly each time by pivoting the bat so the ring finger and pinky are firmed up for each shot. This is what you meant, right? I don't see a way to do it without the slight change. I can do it quickly, as quickly it seems to me as the slight change almost everyone uses when going from forehand to backhand.As you move toward the ball, you pivot the bat. Of course I'm not facing 100 mph returns. I don't remember you mentioning this pivot in the grip video. Thanks.

The Volley. Is it Useful?

Darren - Hi Alois, I have started using a shot I call the volley recently. Just like a volley in Tennis. You play it early after the ball bounces and it’s basically a block. The benefit I see is it returns the ball quickly and may catch an opponent off guard. I play it with a loose grip. Do you have any thoughts on this one, I haven’t seen any videos on it.

Ball Rollers

Shaurya - Hi Alois and Jeff! I have been wondering how do I get a ball to roll on the table to help me win points. Thanks!

Tactics for Blockers

Jasper - Hi alois, what advice do you have for blockers against different types of styles?

Bouncing the Ball Before Serving

Josep - Is it allowed to bounce the ball on the table several times while serving? Some players do so in order to disturb the receiver.

Links in this Episode

How To Hold a Table Tennis Bat

PingPod #43 - Grip Changes Between Backhand and Forehand

Around the Net Forehand Topspin Tutorial

Music

Whistling Down the Road by Silent Partner

Top Level Long Pips/Anti Blocker

Tim - Do you think it's possible that there will be a high level chop blocker with long pips or anti spin rubber and short pips on the other side? If so, what should his main game plan be?

Side Change

Shaurya - I was wondering what to do if my opponent forces me onto his side in the middle of a rally, I have seen it been done before. Is it a fault if someone goes on the other side? Or do we keep playing, and if so what should I do if we keep playing?

Attacking Chopping

Jason - What exactly is an attacking chopper? There’s a defensive chopper and I know what that is, but I do not know what a attacking chopper is. My cousin is constantly back hand chopping but also attacking what is he?

Adding sidespin to short pushes

Jasper - Hey Alois is it good if I add sidespin on the short push? I heard it's easier to control the ball to be short and a bit harder for the opponent to control the sidespin and then more likely that the opponents push will come long.

Links in this Episode

Basic Stance Tutorial

Receiving Position Tutorial

Practicing Alone Tutorial

Mima Ito Notebook

Dai - When I was watching Match for Mima Ito I saw her reviewing notes in a notebook and I felt that I needed this very much in championships and matches. When I play Match, I don't have focus. What do you advise me to do a notebook and how do I do it and how do I make plans for Match and write it. Is this notebook useful or not?

WTTC: Next Non-Chinese Winner

Jasper - Which non-Chinese player do you think will win the WTTC next?

Block Timing

Toti - Dear Alois, I am wondering about the timing of the block stroke? Should I take the ball early or at the top of the bounce and how does this affect other strokes like the counter-topspin?

Around the Net

Jason - How exactly do you return an around a net. Most players find it difficult. I just don’t know how Waldner did it from Liu Guliaing. How to return it?

Links in this Episode

The PingSkills Vault

Alois vs Italy - Scroll to the bottom of the page!

Ask the Coach Podcast

Jasper - Hey Alois what happened to the drill of the week, tip of the week and on this day sections?

Spin on the Tomahawk Serve

Shaurya - Hi Alois and Jeff, I have seen your video on the Tomahawk Serve and I have been doing the stroke correctly, hitting the ball low and brushing it, but I still find I don't generate that much spin with it. I have done the exercises to help develop spin, any other tips?

How to Spin the Ball

GB - How can i train my self with out trainer to spin the ball.

Table Tennis Table

Dan - Hi, I want to get a table tennis table but don't know which one I want one under £350 pounds do you have any recommendations. I would like one that is one table not two halves.

Links in this Episode

Learning To Spin

Tomahawk Serve

Choosing a Table Tennis Table

Jasper - Is it okay if I play my stroke while my weight is on my toes? I find it very easy to move when I'm putting my weight on my toes because when I stick my hand out, my feet always moves to that position.

One Table Tennis Rubber or Two in Pack

Phil - Can you tell me when buying new table tennis rubbers, do they come in a pair or not?

Topspin Against Chop

Erfan - I have question about what to do against a low ball with backspin. Can i play a topspin or smash against chop ball in table tennis? My opponent always uses backspin and I often hit the ball into the net.

Can't Attack in a Match

Reza - Please help me. Why can't I attack during the game?

Links in this Episode

Forehand Topspin off Backspin

Basic Stance

Footwork Module

Sports Psychology Module

Favouring Forehand Serves

Hin - From my understanding, a standard backhand serve allow us to face straight after the service so we don't have to reposition ourselves. I also found it is easier to aim towards the opponent's forehand side (right-handed to right-handed player) as we do the standard backhand serve at the centre of the table. In other words, I found that a regular forehand serve has more restrictions with needs to reposition after the service and it isn't as easy to aim towards the opponent's forehand side. There are exceptions like Dimitrij Ovtcharov, but how come we don't often see high-level players use their backhand serve as their main service?

The Roll

Jason - Does a roller count in table tennis. I’ve seen people do it and the ball does an airing the net but rolls with no bounce? Does it count as a point?

Short Push Location on the Bat

Richard - I saw a video by an old Irish coach who was very sharp.  He made a point that I have only heard him make.  He said that on a short push, you should try to have the ball hit your bat pretty close to your hand so soften the stroke and make it easier to keep it low and close to the net.  I have never heard you and Jeff make reference to that type of advice.  How do you feel about it?  Thanks

Backhand Consistency

Dhanvith - I am a left-handed player. My backhand strokes are very unreliable. Almost every stroke puts the ball into the net or sends it outside the table. It has become very frustrating and has become the reason of my many defeats I am facing right now. Please teach me some tips and drills to improve my backhand moves.

Links in this Episode

Around the Net Forehand Topspin

Building Blocks of Table Tennis

Drop Shot off a Lob

Joke of the Day

PingSkills Competition

Win a yearly subscription by hitting the ball on the edge of your bat as many times in a row as you can.

World Table Tennis Restructured

The sport will now have 4 grand smashes each year and there will not be an individual world championships. We discuss these interesting developments.

Custom Bat and Rubber Thickness

Mike: Does it matter what thickness of sponge on the bat? When making a custom bat do you have to glue the rubber to the wood or does it come with sticky surface?

Outdoor Table Tennis Table

Tommy: Hi, I'm looking at purchasing a table tennis table for garage and backyard play would like your thoughts on the Cornilleau outdoor tables?

Reducing Switch Time

Jishnu: It takes a lot of time to switch between forehand to backhand. Any tips how to improve this area of my game?

Links in this Episode

Message from Steve Dainton - ITTF CEO

World Table Tennis Website

Replacing Your Rubber

Improving Your Reflexes

The PingSkills Online Store

Liam Pitchford's unexpected victory against Xu Xin

Jasper: How did Liam Pitchford defeat the mighty cloud Walker Xu Xin?

Free Hand on Racket

Mike: Are you allowed to touch the racket with your free hand during a rally?  My son uses his free hand to get extra spin on the ball when hitting it.

Rubber for Developing Youth Player

Andrew: My 10 year old son is starting to get more interested in Table Tennis.  He has an ok forehand drive and is working on his backhand.  What is the best rubber to use to help further develop his game?

Doubles Serve Rule

Jasper: I always wondered why we have to serve from the right hand box diagonally. Do you have any ideas why there is this rule?

Is this Rubber ITTF Approved?

Ashprit: Hi again, i bought another bat which actually says and has the logo for ittf approval but its not on the larc list so I'm not sure.

Singles Service Rules

Aaron: Hi PingSkills, I have question about services in the singles play. The other day I was playing a friend from UK and one serve landed near the top left of his side of the table (near the net) and he couldn't reach it. He then said according to English rules that would be an illegal serve. So My question is, am I allowed to serve the ball from anywhere (provided it's on my side of the table) and it doesn't matter where it lands on the opponents table? Is this correct? This assumes my serve meets all other requirements like a legal toss, bounces on my side first, doesn't hit net and so on.

Links in this Episode

Service Rules

ITTF Equipment Page

LARC2020A (List of Authorized Racket Coverings)

Liam Pitchford vs Xu Xin Highlights

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Joke of the Day

Don't use "beef stew" as your password!

What do sprinters eat before a race?

Build a Table Tennis Table

Germán: In these days I would like to make a table tennis table but I don't know which wood is the best. The other problem is the paint as I don't know which is the best.

Older Videos on Sports Performances

Marco: Hi, first of all I would like to say that I find your videos very good and the idea that you had of creating a site where you can learn everything and more about pingpong is really fantastic! said that, my question is the following. I have seen that many of your videos are from 10-12 years ago. In 10-12 years, has the technique, tactics and everything related to the world of ping pong changed or has it somehow evolved? If I learn one of your techniques explained 10-12 years ago, do I learn an older technique? My question is not only about the technique but in general to all the contents of the site. If there are videos from 6-7-10-12 years ago, do I learn something that has evolved over the years? And if all the contents of the site have evolved, how much can this evolution affect performances?

What is Fluid Motion?

Oscar: Let me know what is fluid motion in table tennis as I don't understand its meaning.

Flicking at Me!

Jason: Whenever I do a push, and I return back to my normal position, the ball gets flicked at me with good power. How do I counter a flick after pushing the ball short and using a short serve with spin?

Links in this Episode

Quarantine Ping Pong Challenge

Build Your Own Table Tennis Table - scroll down for pictures!

Joke of the Day (in fact 2 of them)

What is a foot's favourite chips?

If spaghetti starred in an action movie, what would it be called?

Returning High Speed Serves

Oswald: When my opponent give me a speed serve i can't survive under that serve and sometimes when i try to return the serve then it goes out of the board i really want to know how to receive that speed serve and also practice new serving as well.

Doubles Service Tactics

Jasper: What are some tactics when serving in doubles other than keeping it short with backspin?

Fixing Broken Balls

Matthew: How can you fix a dented ball and how that does affect the bounce of the ball?

Swapping Rackets with your Doubles Partner

Matthew: Are there official table tennis rules that prohibit me from swapping rackets with my doubles partner randomly between points? My partner and I use the same bat and rubber models and each have inverted rubber on one side and long pips on the other side. I have inverted rubber on my red side and long pips on my black side but my partner has the opposite — inverted rubber on the black side and long pips on the red side. Typically, we are less confused than our opponents when we randomly swap rackets between points and have a slight advantage when we do so. ITTF Handbook 3.4.2.4 is worded to address restrictions on rackets replacement during a match. In the case above, we did not replace our rackets but merely swapped between ourselves.

Shadow Play

Yogesh: My son and daughter are just beginner and started learning the game but they lack movements and I need your guidance for them to do shadow practice with movement. Regards and thanks.

Links in this Episode

Shadow Drills

Joke of the Week - 2:10

Last night I put my car into reverse....

Should I Change the Way I Hold the Racket - 2:55

Mason: I grew up play by holding my racket kind of like the shakehand grip but with my thumb on the same side of the paddle as my index finger. Will this limit me and should I switch to the normal shake hand grip.

Getting More Spin on Serves - 7:03

David: Hi guys, when doing a forehand backspin serve I have been told to contact the ball at the front edge of the bat. Why would you not contact the ball at back edge of the bat? Can you please explain? Love the videos keep the going!

Junior Development - 11:02

Fabian: Can you please give me tips on how to improve the level of a junior squad? The squad consists of 8 juniors at different levels and ages. I am looking to achieve significant improvement within a span of 6 to 12 months. If you can advise a list of tips to follow, that will be great.

Finding a Club - 16:18

Steven:  Hello Pingskills, I have been into ping pong, and I want to play other people besides my family. Could you please tell me a good club to join? Thanks!

Links in this Episode

Contact Point for Maximum Spin

How To Hold a Table Tennis Bat

Links to check out:

Learning to Spin - in introduction to serving tutorials.

Learning to Spin - in Training 101 series.

Enjoy!

Joke of the Week - 2:45

Dogs can't operate an MRI Scanner!

Why was the footy player scared of going on a plane?

What is the best thing about Switzerland?

On This Week - 4:30

Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Jang Woojin, and Stefan Fergerl have birthdays in September

Tournament Wrap - 8:05

European Championships

Nigerian Open

Tip and Drill of the Week - 11:38

Last time we talked about the importance of the grip and variations of advanced grip.

This time we recommend you work on making your serve legal so you don't have any issues in a match.

Excitement - 16:36

Julian: Hello,What I have noticed about myself is that during matches, I tend to get a little (too) over excited after I make an amazing or "lucky" point. Perhaps it is great defense by me or great offense. Whatever the matter is, I always have a hard time staying in focus during and even after the point which then leads me playing much poorly and the opponent gaining the point. Do you have any tips for me to stay in the zone while playing and good ways to recover from good points?

Returning Long Serves to the Backhand - 19:40

Martin: I struggle a lot with long underspin serves placed into my backhand corner, or into my crossover point. They usually have left sidespin too. I try a small backhand loop, but then the ball usually goes into the net. If I try a straight return, it goes wide on my left side. I struggle to lift the ball. The feeling is that the ball approaches very quickly, there is not enough time. I might stand too close too, but I think it is the reaction time. Just putting the ball on the table usually gives a too high return and puts me immediately under pressure. I think my best chance is to attack. How can I better prepare for those returns? 

Natural Backhand - 23:02

Justin: Hi, I have noticed that when a fast ball is hit to my forehand side, but close to my crossover point, instead of side stepping or adjusting my body, my natural reaction is to lift my elbow and block with my backhand. This has always worked for me, but in order to advance my game in the future, should I force myself to try to block close to my body with my forehand if it doesn't feel natural to me? I have been working on improving on my forehand, specifically counterhit and loops, but I am always most confident playing backhand, even if it is on the forehand side of my body. Do you have any suggestions on what I should do? 

Serves to Pushers - 26:56

Thomas: Hi guys. Love your "Receiving options" Vid. If my main opponents push almost everything, should I concentrate on serving pendulum sidespin, backspin/sidespin, topspin (not very good at it, yet) or backspin serves, to get some sweet free points or sitters off my serve?

Links in this Episode

European Championships

ITTF Nigerian Open

Joke of the Week - 0:35

What did the left eye say to the right eye?

On This Week - 1:40

Birthdays of Quadri Aruna, Li Jiawei, Kristian Karlsson, and Sarida Rosario.

PingSkills Scoring App Competition Winners - 6:06

We announce the 10 people who have won the PingSkills scoring app for their iOS device.

Tournament Wrap - 9:18

This week we talk about the upcoming Nigerian Open with Quadri Aruna being the number 1 seed.

Tip and Drill of the Week - 12:12

We discuss the importance of the grip and in particular how tightly you should hold the bat for different strokes. We also discuss how the grip of the top players is evolving.

Good Footwork Without Thinking - 19:00

Chandrachur: Hi Alois, When I do footwork drills, I know that I have to focus on the footwork, so I do and I play well. But during matches, there are a lot of other things that I have to think (type of serve, placement, speed, opponents return etc.) and I often find myself not moving well and resorting to stretching to reach the ball. When I see this, I again put my attention towards my footwork and then I am playing excellent again. But as soon as I start thinking other strategies, I lose my movement.

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin - 22:09

Youjia: Hi coach, I have practiced forehand topspin against backspin for a few weeks but my strokes always hit the net. I have tried to use my leg and turn my hip when I hit the ball but it does not seem to work. Sometimes I whip my arm and turn my hip at the same time but it does not make much difference. I am a 6'2 (188 cm) guy and I wonder if I cannot use any strength in my arms or if I need to lower my body further down when I hit the ball.

Forehand Chop Block - 26:22

Jack: Hey guys, any tips on the forehand chop block? Currently I'm trying to execute it like how I would do a backhand chop block, but I find it rather difficult to get the correct angle. The ball doesn't jump too high, but there's significantly less spin compared to my backhand. I know it's not a very practical stroke, but I was thinking that it would add an element of surprise to my play style.

Focus of Attention on Serve - 28:52

Robert:  Where do you focus your attention on the serve?  Do you focus on where you want the ball to bounce first, or do you focus on where you want the ball to land?  When I focus on where I want the ball to land, I often miss my first bounce spot and drive the ball to close to or into the net.

Links in this Episode

Forehand Topspin Off Backspin Tutorial              

Advanced Forehand Topspin Tutorial               

Backhand Slow Spinny Topspin (for premium members)

How To Serve a Fast Serve Down the Line

Good luck and happy scoring!

Joke of the Week - 0:39

What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

On This Week - 1:29

Maharu Yoshimura is having a birthday.

Winner of the Harimoto Competition - 3:05

Andrew has won the competition and will receive 4 PingSkills t-shirts for his creative video of Harimoto style celebrations in the office and out about in down town Sydney.

Tournament Wrap - 5:49

We discuss the results of the brilliantly run Australian Open and our involvement in the fun days.

Tip and Drill of the Week - 14:52

Work on a unique feature of your game.

Big Serve Rule Change - 20:48

Peter: Hi guys, I have devised an alternative set of service rules as a fun game for entertainment value. But I was also wondering if it could be used as a serious contest in an exhibition-type setting to promote the sport of table tennis generally. Of course that would presuppose that the rallies would be worth watching. But I am not sure. Could you give it a road test to help me find out?

Here are the basic rules:

1.      Firstly you will need about 6 inches (15cm) of gaffer tape (or similar) to use as your ‘service-mark’. Fix it to the floor 2.5m (8ft+) behind the table, and line it up lengthways as if it were an extension of the table centreline.

2.      The server then places his front foot on the ‘service-mark’ so that the front part of the mark is still visible. Until the ball is struck, the front foot maintains contact with the ‘service-mark’ and the rear foot remains farther from the table. 

3.      The ball must be tossed lower than the server’s chin, and contact is made to the right side of the right front foot or to the left side of the left front foot. This means you are hitting the ball off the ‘wrong’ foot. (Ahem! Perhaps not a good coaching tool, but an acquired skill nevertheless)

4.      The ball is struck so that it travels directly onto the receivers half of the table. There is no restriction of where the receiver may stand to receive. All returns are then as per conventional table tennis rules. 

These are a few of my own observations so far:

A common service tactic can be to loop the ball (off the ‘wrong’ foot), but chops and any other spins are also achievable. See if you can ‘ace’ your opponent by swinging the ball out wide, or maybe try to ‘jam’ it into his body. But watch out! If he manages to get it back, you may be in for some long protracted loop-to-loop rallies.

I would love to get some feedback

What is a Set? - 25:20

Pieter: Would you please clarify what constitutes a GAME, SET and MATCH. My understanding is that a game is 1 game first to 11 points. A set is the 3 or 5 games of 11 points. The match is the winner of all the sets.

Golden Point - 27:39

Dimple: I observed one thing in UTT series that at 10-10 score despite having a two point lead they concluded the match winner at 10-11 or 11-10. I searched about it it's called a Golden point. I didn't get this concept could you elaborate and make me understand the difference between these two?

Loose Grip - 34:44

Michael: Hi Alois and Jeff,  I’ve  seen lots of your impressive videos that mention the need to have a loose grip of the racke]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2018 15:20:47 +1000 38:47 PingSkills Show #314 - Improve Your Reaction Time clean Do you want to know how to improve your reaction time? We answer that question and more in this week's podcast. Enjoy!

Joke of the Week - 0:55

What is red and bad for your teeth?

On This Week - 1:47

Lots of birthdays and the passing of Dragutin Surbek

Tournament Wrap - 7:58

We discuss the Korean and Australian Opens

Are Harimoto's Celebrations Excessive? - 10:10

After releasing our "How to celebrate like Harimoto" video we've had lots of comments on both sides of the fence as to whether this is good for the game. It certainly is an interesting debate.

Tip and Drill of the Week - 14:00

Watch the top players and focus on a particular aspect of their game.

Improve Reaction Time - 19:00

Rayan: When I play against my father, he sometimes hits way to fast for me to react and he gets many points because of that when I play with him. How can I improve my reaction time so that I can tell where he is going to hit so I can counter back?

How To Play a Weaker Ball - 22:33

Radim: Hi guys, first off awesome website and Youtube channel, I love it :-) I'd like to ask, I have been playing for 4 years now every week 2v2's, but these guys never bothered to learn any techniques. So I often end up in a bit awkward situations I have not seen played by pros and I would like to know how to play them. Typically they often don't hit the ball fast when they have the chance. Lets say my partner plays a chop 4-5 steps behind a table. The chop lands high on opponent side, I expect a smash, so I step back about as far as he did. But they don't smash, they do a normal sort of counterhit and it is a slow ball. Kind of like a lob situation, but it doesn't bounce twice on the table. It bounces once and then goes below table level quickly (because slow ball). Also the ball doesn't have a lot of spin. If I run up to it to play a topspin, it usually ends up in the net and is not consistent (I miss 3-4 / 5 shots). I haven't played enough training shots to be comfortable with fast unexpected movement + correct shot. Which strokes can be played in this situation (unexpected move forward toward slow low-spin ball) and which one would have highest consistency? On top level would such a ball be always attacked? I can always just hit the ball somehow, but I tend to send it too high on opponent side or to the net if I attempt for lower ball.

Shadow Play - 25:14

Yogesh: My son (8yrs) and daughter(5 yrs)  are just beginner and started learning the game but what I see that they lack movements and need your guidance for them to do shadows with  movements.

Changing Rubber - 28:47

Kabeer: Hi Alois, I am currently using a Donic Acuda S2 and want to know how often to change my rubbers. Do you have any advice?

Links in this Episode

Purchase Australian Open Tickets

Improving Your Reflexes

I Can't Return That Smash!

Shadow Drills

Increase Rubber Grip

Joke of the Week - 0:35

How do you get Pikachu onto a bus?

On This Week - 1:22

Birthdays of Ding Ning, Hugo Calderano, and Tomokazu Harimoto.

Tournament Wrap - 4:50

Australian Open

Trill of the Week - 8:20

Think about the transition from serving to the rally.  Find a serve that will  get you into position quickly and think about how quickly you can move into position after serving.  Also think about the best position to be in for the rally.

Strawberry Flick - 12:18

Waliid: I think u should make a video about the banana and strawberry flick

Par Gerrell Serve - 15:25

Aaron: In your video tutorial from 7 years ago showing the par Gerell serve, is that serve the same as the one popular in present day especially among the younger Japanese female players and some Chinese female players too (like Miu Hirano and Mima Ito)? I hear They call it the shovel serve or punch serve. Is the shovel/punch serve the same as the one you demonstrate in video? Also second question is, these serves looks like mostly sidespin, but is it still possible to impart heavy backspin or heavy topspin on this serve (like you can with the pendulum serve)??

Tensor Rubbers - 19:17

Chandra: Why most of tensor rubber are not too durable?

Receiving Middle Serves - 20:58

Kareem: I would like to thank you for the effort that ye do also for your reading the messages and answer what we are looking for .. I play the left hand and I have a problem with how to return the short centre server where I retrieved sometimes backhand and sometimes forehand my question is when i returned in backhand and when i returned in forehand?

Links in this Episode

Purchase Australian Open Tickets

Strawberry Flick

Backhand Sidespin Flick

Punch Serve

Joke of the Week - 0:55

I Googled "how to start a wildfire"

On This Week - 1:30

Patrick Franzisca, the man who serves into a shoe, turns 26 years old

Tournament Wrap - 4:10

Japan Open and Australian Open

Tip and Drill of the Week - 16:42

Watch Tomokazu Harimoto and Ma Long playing in a match and isolate their leg movement. Then think about how you can move in a match.

Beating Blockers - 20:25

Mukesh: Please tell me how to beat blocking players.

Awkward Long Ball - 21:56

Chandrachur:  I know about the 3rd ball attacking in table tennis, and have been recently working on developing it further so that I can surely start the attacks whenever I have the chance to serve. So for a short ball I have been practicing the backhand side-spin flick and for the long balls developing my forehand and backhand topspin attacks. But yet there is another type of ball, which always throws me off-guard. The balls where the ball drops near the center and are long, but by the time they reach the end of the table they are not even close to the peak of their bounce. Also they have a slight-medium amount of backspin to them.

Beginner Serves - 25:55

Deniz : Which serves should i learn first as a beginner?

Choosing Sides - 29:18

Dimple: Hello, My question is that we have to choose a service or side during the toss. There is a benefit of choosing a service but what is the benefit of choosing a side?

Links in this Episode

Australian Open Purchase Tickets

Playing A Blocker

Hitting Topspins From Below Table Level

How to Serve

Must Learn Serves

Patrick Franziska Serve Into a Shoe

Harimoto vs Zhang Jike in Japan Open Final

Joke of the Week - 0:54

A patient bursts into a doctor’s office, "Doctor, I believe I'm a deck of cards!" 

On This Week - 2:05

Jun Mizutani turns 29

Tournament Wrap - 5:41

China Open

Japan Open

Australian Open

Tip and Drill of the Week - 16:00

Learn a new serve and use it in a game

Spin Reversal - 19:29

Alex: Hello, I would like to ask: it's said a lot that long pips do a lot of spin reversal, but even with inverted blade when you chop a topspin you also reverse the spin! Same you do with pips: you chop, you change the incoming topspin into backspin. I would like to know, what is the difference between two types of spin reversal: with long pips and inverted rubber.

Advanced Backhand - 22:26

Adam: It has been a while since my last question and i have improved a lot ever since i found this website. I have noticed that i'm a more passive attacker. i only attack with forehand topspins and drives with my backhand. Also, i will push back most backspin balls that falls short on my backhand side.I'm starting to think that i'm getting quite vulnerable against attacks. Especially now that the younger generations are catching up with me. I have developed a very powerful forehand topspin which now everybody is afraid of. But i'm now trying to develop a powerful backhand topspin as well as the modern banana flick receive. I'm already starting this development and i'm not sure whether to continue on. What do you think?

Position for Optimal Power - 25:39

Scotch:  I just wanna ask about getting into the right position to achieve the optimal stroke power and timing. With the introduction of polyball, I think a key change in table tennis is the increased dependence of players on power. Because of this, I was advised by many of my teammates to hit the ball earlier (around peak bounce) and hit the ball harder. The problem is I'm used to hitting the ball late and tend to do brushing motion, which was very effective with celluloid. Should I follow this advice? Because another problem is I don't think I have enough physical strength to do it. What I think of doing instead is to focus on my footwork to get into the right position for the ball and be able to perform the optimal stroke I wanted. Is this a better path to take?

Asking Questions - 30:10

Bruce: Do you have to be a premium member to ask a question?

Links in this Episode

Purchase your Australian Open Tickets

China Open Results

If you're Russian going into the restroom and Finnish coming out, what are you whilst you're in the restroom?

Competition Winners - 2:22

We announce the 5 winners of a PingSkills T-Shirt

On This Week - 4:36

Chen Xingtong, Cho Seungmin, Nicholas Lum, and Darren Webb have birthdays.

Tournament Wrap - 8:44

World Teams Championships Results

Tip and Drill of the Week - 16:06

Watching the best players and thinking about the future.

Backhand From Outside Body - 21:05

Chandrachur: The start position and the finish position of the backhand topspin you have mentioned in the tutorials seem to work great only when the ball is in front of the body. But if the ball is just a little bit left of the body (I am a right hander.) then I find it very awkward to do the backhand topspin shot with these start and finish position.

I know that this will be solved if I move and position myself so that the ball is in front of my body and then hit the shot. But I just want to verify if we can hit a ball that is only a little bit to the left of the body by making any modifications to the stroke if somehow I find myself in that situation. Or is it that in such a situation I in no way can make a strong effective backhand shot?

Backhand against Slower Balls - 24:45

Josh: Hi there with my backhand I can easily hit back a fastball and guide it back but say it was a slower maybe higher ball I'm not very good at attacking that. Any shot that would help me attack those slower balls.

Fitness for Tournaments - 27:16

Dib: I've got some tournaments coming up which I really need to do well in. one thing I notice with tournaments however is that I always burn out too early and end up losing my momentum. what can I do to increase my performance and fitness so that I can play full day tournaments without burning out at the beginning.

Backing up from the Table - 29:48

Donald: I'm confused as to when players back up from the table and how quickly.  Obviously you back up when expecting hard shots from your opponent, but exactly how and at what point to move backwards is not is unclear to me.

Links in this Episode

2018 World Teams Championships

What to Expect at a Tournament

ITTF Statistics Page

How to Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin

1. Masoud Parkho

2. Gunnar Östberg

3. Rex Bradburn

4. Andreas Simon

5. Mats Sundin

You have all won a PingSkills T-shirt which we'll be sending out shortly.

Even if you didn't win I hope you enjoyed watching some of the brilliant table tennis at the championships, and maybe you'll be luckier next time :)

Joke of the Week - 1:32

A teacher is speaking with their students and an interesting conversation emerges.

On This Week - 3:00

This week we tell you about 3 great birthdays, 2 of which are famous table tennis players.

Tournament Wrap - 8:50

An update on the Women's event from the World Championships.

Links in this Episode

Klampar featured in the "Remember When" section of our PingSkills Show

Joke of the Week - 0:32

Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food but...

Competition - 1:35

Win a PingSkills T-Shirt

On This Day - 4:23

Jorgen Persson celebrates his birthday

Tournament Wrap - 6:52

2018 World Team Championships

Trill of the Week - 16:20

Variation of speed with topspin

Do a drill where you are topspinning to your partner while they are only blocking. Change the amount of table each player uses depending on the relative strengths of the two players. Try one game where you only play fast topspins and then play a second game where you use your variation and see if that is a better approach.

Practicing Backhand Chops - 20:00

Ayush: How I can practice my backhand chop?

Difference Between Counterhit and Topspin - 21:55

Ali: I've noticed that during the game, if I receive a fast ball on backhand, due to having less time to do the topspin, my backhand stroke is shorter, and essentially looks like a drive. How is it possible to impart top-spin even when there's no time to do the full stroke?

Rare Serve - 24:00

Waliid: What is the rarest serve that you do not often see?

Switching Sides - 26:23

Tian: I was looking all over for the answer to this, but I just can't find one. When do you switch playing sides of the table with your opponent? 

Video Translations - 28:40

Shalibu: I am from indonesia .. very happy with pingskills but i do not understand english whether it can be translated to indonesian thank you

Links in this Episode

Enter the World Teams Competition

2018 World Team Table Tennis Championships

Windshield Wiper Serve

Help with subtitles for our YouTube videos

Joke of the Week - 0:58

What did the Alien say to the garden?

On This Week - 1:45

Vladimir Samsonov turns 42!

Tournament Wrap - 4:53

2018 Commonwealth Games

2018 Asian Cup

Tip and Drill of the Week - 26:30

Preparation is the key. Think about your next important matches and work out what you need to do between now and then to prepare yourself for it (training, mental preparation, nutrition, research)

Basic No Spin Serve - 30:28

Owen: I need some tips for a basic no spin serve. I'm just learning it and it always seems to have topspin.

Dealing with Long Fast Serve - 33:07

Krishnagopal: Today, I played with one of my play buddies. He served a long fastball to the corner. How to deal with those. As it was a serve, I didn't know where he would serve long, short, left, right. Hence I stood in the neutral stand around a foot back from the edge of the table. I tried to loop the ball with topspin or counter hit the ball. The ball either went into the net or outside the table. I am very much frustrated. I want to know how can I return the ball in the best possible way.

Moving Faster - 35:33

Ashish: Hey Alois,

I have a problem with moving around the table. I believe I am slow and not able to cover the table quickly. Can you share few tips to have the faster movements and improved coverage? 

Serving off the Side - 38:00

Oslo: Alois, Am I allowed to hit the ball off the sides when serving the ball?

Links in this Episode

Basic Stance

Basic Footwork

Backspin and No Spin Variations

Returning Long Fast Serves

What if there were no hypothetical situations? Why do you always find things in the last place you look? Why are pirates so mean?

On This Week - 4:22

Ma Wenge turns 50.

Tournament Wrap - 6:32

German Open - Ma Long is back.

Tip and Drill (Trill) of the Week - 10:37

Flick when the time is right (not all the time). Practice by getting a training partner to serve short.

Advanced Forehand Footwork - 14:09

Gerard: Lately, I've been trying to practice my forehand topspin. I feel like I'm not getting very good power from doing the move. I think it has to do with the footwork. Could you please explain to me what I need to focus more on?

Chopping Against a Pusher - 16:40

Tam: I am a chopper.  This week I played some players who push against me all the time when it goes long to their forehand. its actually thrown me off a bit as I'm not quite sure what to do because I'm used to going out then coming back in, but this style of play I am forced to stay close to the table, and because they push all the time when they push to my backhand 24/7 it actually starts to go quite high because I have no room to chop and they push with float. what should I do?

Playing a Backhand Dominant Player - 20:11

Tri: Hi, How do I deal with backhand dominant player?

Links in this Episode

2018 German Open

Forehand Flick

Advanced Forehand Topspin

On This Week - 0:45

Jiang Jialing's Birthday (and more) and the first day of Autumn in Australia.

Joke of the Day - 6:18

I asked my son if he'd seen my newspaper. He told me that newspapers are old school. He said that people use tablets nowadays and handed me his iPad.

Tournament Wrap - 7:02

Team World Cup

Tip and Drill (Trill) of the Week - 15:39

Add an extra training session per week and add a serving session to your training.

Using the Consistency Chart - 18:53

Greg: How would I score this, if two people are doing a consistency drill. Who would score more or would both score the same?

Training Before a Tournament - 21:35

Greg: Can we still do regular practice 1 week before the actual tournament? Regular practice like for example your session 52?

Defenders Strategy Against Strong Forehands - 23:15

Tam: Could you tell me how a defender could beat the style of Wei Shihao (Panagiotis v Shihao) league 17/18 someone who just blasts through with their forehand regardless of chop.

Serving Secrets Revealed - 26:38

David: You have mentioned on several occasions that it would be watching the Serving Secrets revealed, not sure why I can’t find this where do I look. 

Table Tennis Shoes - 28:33

Alexandros: I want to buy a pair of table tennis shoes but due to my large size (48.5 Europe) I can't seem to find any that fits.Could you recommend an alternative shoe? My table tennis coach says volleyball shoes have the same principle. 

Playing Against Spin - 30:34

Zach: I have a friend that I play a lot and he uses a lot of spin, side and back. Every time one of his balls hit my paddle they either hit the net or go off to the side.  I play fine against people who hit flat. How do I fix this problem?

Links in this Episode

PingSkills Consistency Chart

Choosing Table Tennis Shoes

Serving and Receiving Tutorials

Training 101 Series

Team World Cup

Playing as a Chopper

Tournament Preparation Training Plans

Joke of the Week - 0:42

Did I tell you the joke about the pizza? They laughed at me when I said I was going to be a stand up comedian.

On This Week - 1:15

Chloe and Ma Lin's Birthdays

Tournament Wrap - 04:50

Team World Cup

Tip and Drill (Trill) of the Week - 10:35

The forgotten art of the short push

Forehand Placement - 14:31

Aaron: When doing the forehand topspin what is the best way to control where the ball goes? I've heard of 3 ways to do this: 

 1) is changing the angle of the wrist to change this, but i've also heard some say that changing wrist is actually not good, and it affects the technique.

 2) I've heard is the direction your torso is facing, is the direction the ball will go, assuming proper technique. So change the direction you face

 3) is that if i contact the ball earlier on it will go cross court, and if contacted a bit later, will go down the line.

Now are these correct and what is the best way in regards to placement of the ball?

Training Relaxed Focus - 19:48

Andy: How important is it to practise training a state of relaxed focus in Table Tennis and what do you consider are the critical areas to pay attention to? For example, in tennis we train tracking the ball, balance, solid contact, etc. What do you consider are the critical variables to train in TT?

Training Tools - 23:55

Warwick: In your teaching video you used plastic discs to place on the table so that you can practice serving to different parts of the table. Where can I get those plastic discs from. They are not included in your 'store' list.

Topspin Against Backspin - 26:43

Sa : I've been playing table tennis for a total of 4-5 years now. I also watch olympic matches and club videos to watch how strokes are played. I position myself correctly.  I've seen all your videos.... and YET the backspin or chop troubles me. I cannot confidently return a backspin ball. Maybe it is because lifting a ball is counter-intuitive. I bring my arm straight up and I keep returning the ball into the net or lifting it so much that it goes over the table. Is there a specific point on the ball that i should hit? or is there a specific area on the table that I should try to aim at? or any specific area in the air that the ball must go through so that it returns safely on the table on the other side of the net? what should i concentrate on when returning backspin?

Links in this Episode

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Ma Lin Ghost Serve Tutorial

Bat Angle for Ghost Serve

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin Tutorial

Changing Direction with the Forehand Tutorial

Backhand Slow Spinny Topspin with High Arc

Charlie and Chloe Instagram Account

Joke of the Week - 0:35

A husband brings their child home from daycare and ....

On This Week - 1:55

Zhang Jike, Ruwen Filus, Jimmy Butler, and Adam Bobrow all have birthdays.

Tournament Wrap - 5:51

World Junior Circuit Finals

Tip and Drill of the Week - 9:32

Improving your return of the short ball

52 Week Training Plan - 15:35

Matthew: I have been training for about a month now and I have learnt the forehand counterhit, the backhand counterhit, the backhand push, the forehand push and the forehand topspin against block. I can do around 100 of these usually. I am thinking about becoming a premium member and using the 52 week training plan. Do you think I am ready to start using the plan? How many times should I try to practice a week? If I do become a premium member, after the 52 weeks should I repeat the plan or do something else?

Serve to the Body - 22:17

Felix: Sometimes my opponent serves fast and long towards me. The ball always goes into the net. What can I do to deal with this kind of serves?

Practising Pendulum Serve - 24:37

Owen: How do you recommend practicing the pendulum serve and what spin is generally the most effective for it?

Practising on Small Table - 27:45

Ili: I'd love to know, will be any problems if we play table tennis on one table (2-3 feet long) as we are short of space.

Links in this Episode

Training 101 Tutorials

52 Week Training Plan

Serving and Receiving Tutorials

Pendulum Serve Tutorial

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 10:42:06 +1000 30:36 PingSkills Show #302 - Changing Bats During a Match clean We're back after a short break from the podcast. I hope you had a good break too and are now back into the swing of things for 2018. We've got our usual segments including a great joke of the week, and as always we answer your table tennis questions. You can ask us a question on the PingSkills website.

Joke of the Week - 1:26

Did I tell you the joke about the roof?

On This Week - 2:24

Deng Yaping's Birthday

Tournament Wrap - 4:17

World Junior Circuits Final

European Top 16

Trill of the Week - 10:12

Focus on your serving and practice your "go to" serves thinking about variation of spin and placement.

Mental Preparation for Tournaments - 13:40

Shubham: Before going for tournament match there is always a nervousness in me. Are there any tips to calm down and focus so that i play my natural game?

Smashing Effectively - 16:26

Rajguru: How to smash such that it shouldn't rise up in opponents table so that there won't be any time for him to block it?

Changing Bats During a Match - 19:10

Hin: If I have 2 bats, one for offensive play and one for defensive play, suppose I was using the offensive bat during the first set and then wanted to use the defensive bat for the second set, is it legal to do so? I know it is better to only focus on one style of play, and I am not planning to do the above, but just curious if that's allowed in terms of the rule.

Time To Throw Out Old Bat - 21:48

Nigel: About 30 years ago I purchased a Stiga Offensive Kjell Johansson blade and used it for several years. I currently use a Tibhar blade and have a Stiga all round evolution blade as a backup. Recently I wondered how my old blade would compare to a modern one. It seems horribly slow and makes a distinctive high pitched sound when hitting the ball (it has fairly new Friendship 729 fx rubbers on it). I have noticed on earlier posts you have said that blades can go soft with age. Is it time to throw this blade out, or can it be improved by sealing it, or should I get a job directing planes at an airport?

Links in this Episode

Kanak Jha's Story

Sports Psychology Section

Forehand Smash Tutorial

ITTF World Junior Circuit

2017 European Top 16

On This Week - 1:42

Wang Tao and Wang Hao both have birthdays in December. Does this mean the relative age effect is a hoax?

Jokes of the Week - 6:50

What did the cow say on Christmas morning?

What was the librarians favorite Christmas song?

Why did Santa's little helper feel depressed?

Competition Winners - 8:38

Live on the podcast we select the winners of our t-shirt competition

Tournament Wrap - 11:50

The ITTF World Tour Grand Finals

Trill of the Week - 21:12

5th Ball Drills to get used to converting between a topspin against backspin and then a topspin against block.

Forehand Follow Through - 26:05

Bryan: I've seen in some of your past videos that when you complete a forehand, your follow through should not go past your center line of your body. But then i have seen videos of top players bringing their follow through over their head and back a little (Ma Long) after a really powerful shot. Is this fine for us to do after a strong shot? or should try and stay with the normal follow through.

Long Serving - 28:33

Arjun: Why do players like Lin Gaoyuan serve long with side spin without a surprise and players often find it difficult to handle.

Making Noises - 30:56

Dib: Lately I've been watching a lot of top player play. One aspect that made me rather curious and excited was the way they gasp or make certain noises when they train their loop off block and backhand loop. it was rather funny and made me think if this could be used by amateur players such as myself.

Links in this Episode

Competition Winners

Forehand Topspin Tutorial

Joke of the Week - 0:56

What's red and bad for your teeth?

On This Week - 3:38

Karl Jindrak's Birthday

Tournament Wrap - 6:18

ITTF World Tour Grand Finals

Trill of the Week - 10:52

Generate more spin on your serves.

How Do I Continue To Get Better - 13:51

Sam: I’m a 14 year old boy and I have just started playing table tennis at the start of October this year. I have learnt the basic strokes and spins but I don’t know what I should practice next. Should I just continue on the basics or start to learn some of the more complex stuff? I also am getting the Carlton kx k9 bat which has 100 control and 95 spin and 90 speed. Is that a good bat to get for a beginner?

Switching RPB and Traditional Backhand - 16:16

Hurricane_ boss: Hi there coach! I am having this problem right now, and that is I am a penholder, and I was used to using the traditional backhand for 2 year and now I am using Reverse Penhold backhand and I can RPB very well but in a real match where everything is very fast I just automatically switch to the traditional backhand instead of RPB. This has been going on for a long time. Please help! Thanks

Links in this Episode

The Building Blocks of Table Tennis

Win a PingSkills T-Shirt by Entering the Code Word

Joke of the Week - 2:05

A teacher asks who will give me the chemical formula for water?

On This Week - 2:58

Ariel Hsing's Birthday

Tournament Wrap - 6:51

The World Junior Table Tennis Championships

Tip of the Week - 11:27

Keep your head still.

Drill of the Week - 12:56

Practice your partner hitting the ball anywhere on the table to you, but focus on keeping your head still and move as little as possible.

Backhand or Pivot Forehand - 16:16

Chandrachur: When should I use my backhand to attack and when else should I pivot and attack with my forehand instead. Although with my forehand I can generate more speed I can at many times not pivot fast enough. I am equally good at my backhand and my forehand.

Setting Goals - 19:54

David: I was wondering how you would suggest setting measurable goals in table tennis? If you had a goal to improve your forehand loop, or short push, how would you measure improvement?  Can you please suggest some examples of good goals to have in table tennis?  Thanks for all you do.  Its greatly appreciated.

Flick vs Counterhit - 24:18

Aaron: I was watching how to do the forehand flick and i noticed they bring their arm backwards a little and tilt their wrist also backwards when preparing, then the stroke is to brush forward and up on the ball (similar to drawing a 'V'), with some wrist. But what is the importance of those action? Because could I maybe attack the ball by simply doing a SHORT forehand counterhit/drive stroke (while also stepping under the table). It seems to produce similar results. So why is the forehand flick stroke the way it is and could I use short forehand drive stroke to attack the incoming short ball?

Sponge Thickness - 27:36

Hin: My friend is in the level between beginner and intermediate, he has good enough feel for spin and spin, but he wants to develop the feel more. His rubber has been totally worn off and would like to replace with a new rubber, would a 2.1mm sponge be suitable?

Links in this Episode

The PingSkills Consistency Chart

2017 World Junior Table Tennis Championships

Learn the Forehand Flick

Joke of the Week - 0:43

An eskimo brings his friend to his home for a visit. When they arrive, his friend asks, puzzled – “So where’s your igloo?”

On This Week - 1:32

Some interesting birthdays of players who were born later in the year.

Tournament Wrap - 4:14

The Spanish Open and World Junior Championships

Tip of the Week - 9:22

A goal without a plan is just a wish. - Antoine de Saint Exupéry

Drill of the Week - 10:50

Plan your next session in full and then utilise the plan.

Stop Flat Hitting - 16:06

Benzene: Whenever I teach people how to Topspin on the forehand, I realised that many are already very used to flat hitting, and will still go ahead and flat contact before pretending to end very high such that it looks like Topspin. I recorded and realised that's the problem. What is the optimal way of kicking that habit? 

Learning to Play after Learning Strokes - 21:19

Jeevesh: How should i play? I know basic strokes and serving. On what should I focus more to win matches. Playing fast or slow?

Backhand Push in a Game - 24:05

Saayan: Coach, I practice table tennis everyday with my friends and played a friendly tournament.  My friends know my backhand is weak and they take advantage of it especially my chop.  I have searched your videos on youtube and on this website and seen and practice them but I'm still not able to beat them or tie them on backhand.

The Thing That Most Players Neglect - 26:55

David Mckenzie: Recently I came across these words by Albert E.N. Gray; The common denominator of success --- the secret of success of every man who has ever been successful --- lies in the fact that he formed the habit of doing things that failures don't like to do. What would you say that in table tennis most players neglect to do, or don't like to practice that would most positively affect their success?

Links in this Episode

2017 Spanish Open

2017 World Junior Championships

PingSkills Training Plan Template

Learning to Brush the Ball By Using a Stick Above the Net

Building Blocks of Table Tennis

Joke of the Week - 1:06

An old guy in his Volvo is driving home from work when his wife rings him on his cell phone...

On this Week - 3:42

Jean-Michel Saive's Birthday

Tournament Wrap - 7:02

We discuss results from the German Open and Swedish Open, and how this will affect the World Rankings when the new system comes into effect. We also talk about the upcoming Spanish Open.

Tip of the Week - 16:40

Join a table tennis club.

Drill of the Week - 18:58

Practice your serve. Focus on getting as much spin as you can and don’t worry about where the ball lands.

Position When Serving - 21:35

Scott: I've been working on both my pendulum serve and reverse pendulum serve. Your videos always show these serves being done from the corner of the table. Is it a good idea to adjust this starting position to the middle or far corner to get some more variety in the trajectory of the serve? Is there a weakness to this that I should be looking to exploit if my opponent serves from another position?

Same Serve Different Spins - 26:42

Chandrachur: Can you show me a serve which can create all types of spins depending on the point of contact and is also used by good players.

Handling Pressure - 30:06

Harkaran: I am not very good at handling pressure in a knockout situation in a tournament with the fear that I will end up losing the tournament. And that’s what always happens with me. The fear increases with every tournament. Pls help me handle the situation.

Links in this Episode

Must Learn Serves

Sports Psychology Tutorials

2017 German Open

2017 Swedish Open

2017 Spanish Open

Enjoy!

Jokes of the Week - 2:00

What kind of horses go out after dusk?

Why do ghosts like to ride in elevators?

What do mummies like listening to on Halloween?

Why didn’t the skeleton like the Halloween candy?

On This Week - 3:30

Ai Fukuhara and Matthew Syed's Birthdays.

Tip of the Week - 8:20

Serving your best serve often

Drill of the Week - 10:11

Practice your best serve and watch the returns that your opponent makes.  Try to predict the type of returns.

Tournament Wrap - 11:40

Womens World Cup

Is this a Let - 18:57

Joshua: So I have an odd question about a special case for a serve. I understand that for a serve to be a let, the serve hits the net but must otherwise be a legal serve. Normally this is when you serve, the ball hits your table, the net, then the opponent's table. However, what if the order is changed? I got a really lucky (or unlucky) serve where the ball hit the net, my table, then the opponent's table. In short, a normal let serve has the order table-net-table, but what if the order is net-table-table? Thanks!

Changing to Long Pimples - 22:01

Filippo: Hi Alois, I have not asked you a question for quite a while so I thought I would show that I am still keen and thankful for all the hard work that you and Jeff do for us. A few months ago I took the decision to use long pimples (no sponge) on my backhand. I am 71, have always played at the table, and the game was becoming too fast for me. I needed something to slow it down and, so far, the pimples have worked for me. I do not have the problem of receiving fast service on my backhand and I have more opportunities to use my trusted forehand. The control is also exceptional. To give myself a chance I decided not to play any league matches or tournament this year so, in terms of results, I am not certain if I am doing better than before. Judging by some friendly matches at practice sessions I should be getting better results but it is really too early. I come now to my question and sorry about my lengthy preamble but I needed to explain the motivation behind such a drastic change. Is there any hints that you can give me about the strategy to follow and anything else that will help me to make the most out of this rubber?

Using Sidespin Flick - 25:45

Jim: What's the scenario where this is most useful. I've gathered that it's to replace a forehand push on a short backspin serve. I'm trying to kinda figure out how to practice it with my robot, but is the point of the sidespin to help "lift" the backspin on the short return? I feel like I can use this move when the ball has no spin or short top spin, but it's still difficult to lift it on the short backspin. Is it just a case of more practice, or should I not be trying to really use this on short backspin serve return. 

Shifting Grip from Forehand to Backhand - 28:57

Jack: I noticed that whenever I switch from forehand to backhand or vice versa, I tend to shift my grip a little and this hinders my reaction speed, however if I do not shift my grip, the racket feels like it's in the wrong position and it also limits the flexibility of my strokes. My question is: Is it normal to shift my grip or am I holding the bat incorrectly?

Links in this Episode

2017 Women's World Cup

Backhand Sidespin ]]> Tue, 31 Oct 2017 13:21:29 +1000 33:22 PingSkills Show #294 - Ma Long's Birthday clean In the hugely popular "On This Week" segment we talk about Ma Long as it was his birthday on the 20th of October. We encourage you to watch the top players in the World and even try to copy one of their serves. And in the questions we talk about timing, improving your topspin, and footwork.

Improving Timing - 15:45

Anish: It has been 6 years i am playing table tennis almost everyday. I am always facing a problem with backhand counter hit timing. There is everything fine with block and backhand topspin but often it happens in between the rally that the ball goes suddenly inside the net or out of the table while playing a backhand counter. Please suggest me something to hit all the counter balls on the maximum height with a slightly closed angle and adjust to all types of balls received on my side(improving overall timing).

Improving Topspin Against Backspin - 18:14

Otfried:In my league and amongst the players I often play against, it often comes to push-push games and it is hard for me to break through that before I make some mistake (and they are more experienced and will less often make one). So I think my next logical step in my development is to improve my topspin against backspin. While in multiball drills I usually get it quite well after some time, in games I find it extremely difficult to get the ball on the table that way, let alone play a strong topspin. Would it be a good way to start with slower spinny topspins (which I find much easier to play) and build it up from there? Or do you have a better recommendation?

Spin on Fast Shots - 22:43

Marv: I know that it is possible to overwhelm incoming spin by hitting the ball really hard, as in a powerful loop, which pretty much cancels the effect of the spin. I am wondering if this works in reverse. What I mean is:  If I put the same amount of spin on a fast shot as I do on a slow shot, will my opponent experience less spin on the fast one than he would on the slow one?

Slow and Fast Footwork - 26:05

Jesper: What would be the difference in a practice routine if I would move faster over a shorter distance, like Jeff is doing, compared to move little slower over a greater distance, like the Swedish routine Falkenberg? Are they equally important in the daily training routine? Moving over a greater distance is of course harder so maybe I could just focus on this? Furthermore, if I want more stamina in a TT match do I need to practice table tennis stuff or can I just go out and run or hop on the cross trainer?

Links in this Episode

Ma Long

2017 Men's World Cup

itTV

On This Week - 2:15

Koki Niwa's and Gao Ning's Birthdays

Joke of the Week - 5:40

What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?

Tip of the Week - 6:10

Review your matches

Drill of the Week - 9:26

Write down something in the PingSkills Vault

Tournament Wrap - 10:40

Polish Open

Men's World Cup

Women's World Cup

Starting a Match - 16:34

Amer: Before the start of the game in a tournament, one player bows down and lowers his hands below the table waiting the reply from his opponent to start up. What is the purpose of this?

Leaning Sideways When Playing Topspin - 18:26

Martin: Hi. I am right handed and my forehand topspin works kind of ok, but I feel that I have this issue of dropping my left shoulder when playing the stroke instead of rotating more horizontally. This happens especially when lifting a backspin. To some extent getting the footwork more right and being in position helps a bit, but this still happens and sometimes I even move sideways. The result might be quite a weak shot without proper acceleration, and the stroke can become more "muscled through". With more backspin, the ball ends into the net :( I really do not know how to break this habit and what to focus on to get the stroke more forward and with better and effortless acceleration.

Returning to Ready Position - 22:24

Rufuss: During a game (and therefore during practice) should I be trying to return to the ready position after one stroke to prepare to move to next - like a half-way station?  Do you really have time for that in a game, or do you simply move from one stroke/position (wherever that places you) straight to the next stroke/position?  It would seem sensible to move to the ready position as you then have less distance to cover to the next position, but is it really possible at game speed, even for top-level player?

Does Online Coaching Help? - 26:10

Ravi: I have a nagging doubt in my head to sign up for premium membership -  Does online coaching really helps for TT? If so, how do I make the most of your premium membership and is it possible to learn playing TT without having a physical coach and just following your 52 week plan? The reason I'm asking is because the place that I currently live in (Bengaluru, India) has no proper TT facilities and I'm trying to learn on my own. I'm a total newbie like the one presented on your blog. So kindly help me with this question and I'll definitely opt for the premium content if it really helps me.

Links in this Episode

Improving Your Reflexes by Watching the Ball

The PingSkills Vault for Recording Tactics

2017 Polish Open

2017 ITTF Men's World Cup

2017 ITTF Women's World Cup

From This Week - 2:01

Jang Woojin Birthday

Joke of the Week - 4:20

What happens to a frog's car when it breaks down?

Tip of the Week - 5:05

Psychology - Pre Match routine

Drill of the Week - 11:46

Develop your Pre match routine.

Tournament Wrap - 16:28

European Teams Championships

Training to Tournament - 20:53

Tam: Hi Alois, I've recently come back from a camp playing some of the best stuff in my career then just last week i went to the UK school games to play a competition. I felt confident I was going to win it because of the stuff i played at camp, but i was really tense and nervous during every game, technique went out the window, and lost to players a lot lower ranked. It was quite embarrassing for my team to see me go through such an ordeal. Could you explain why this happens and how i can change this?

Match Strategy - 25:22

Shrihari: I cannot beat my neighbour who is 21 years old, can you tell me how to find that man's weakness, At least I wanna beat him once.

Balance After 3rd Ball - 28:26

Arpith: The problem that I'm facing is that i end up doing everything right till the third ball attack but after that i end up out of position to play the next shot and respond late with an easy return for the opponent. What can i do to play that extra ball in the rallies?

Faster Equipment - 30:29

Chandrachur: I have always wanted the maximum spin and control from my bat. But there is one more parameter i.e. speed. I don't know why it is useful. If I want more speed I can always make the stroke faster. If I get a good advantageous ball (which is easy to hit hard) in the rally, the speed that I can generate with a slow blade and rubber is so fast that the ball will be in the other side in an instant. It is even difficult to see the ball. Why do we want to make it any faster? It already is almost impossible to return at that speed (unless you have luckily placed your bat where the ball is going to land unknowingly). If you love faster blades/rubbers, please share me the advantages you had while playing a match with it.

Links in this Episode

European Teams Championships

How to avoid the choke Livestream

Sports Psychology Tutorials

Bounce - Matthew Syed

Basic Tactics Video

Match Analysis - Maggie v Michael

On This Day - 0:58

Dimitrij Ovtcharov's Birthday

Joke of the Week - 3:37

What do you call a snake that is approximately 3.14 metres long?

Tip of the Week - 5:28

The pre-point routine

Drill of the Week - 9:13

Develop your pre-point routine during training

Tournament Wrap - 10:20

The Austrian Open is coming up soon, and the Worlds Teams Championships will be held in England in 2018.

Professional Training Relevance to Game Play - 13:33

Mary: I am a senior in my 60s and have been taking table tennis lessons for almost 4 years now. I am finally getting the hang of the loop and most of my strokes are good. But when it comes to real games, playing against untrained players, I just cannot get my shots out e.g. odd position so unable to stroke or cannot read spin on their strange service. So how can I direct my training to help me get more points ? So embarrassing to be beaten by untrained people. But again I am a senior lady against senior men. Sometimes I can get strokes in, but at times, I play too light before I can position myself for a smash and too often the smashes failed when they are most needed. Quite discouraging to me. Of course my eyes are not as good as they used to be so it is harder to follow the ball with a large floater in the eye. Is it time to quit training?

Lets Not Ignore the Table - 17:55

Roy: You both speak quite a lot about bats and spin, but what contribution is there from a table, especially ones in athletic stadium that don’t even get dusted let alone serviced? How also can i overcome resulting problems? Go elsewhere to play?

Corns on the Hand - 21:30

Azhar: Have you faced this problem too? Over the course of regular practice and training i seem to have developed corns and hardened skin at 3 places- where the skin of my thumb meet the base of the forehand rubber on its edge; just below my little finger and ring finger on my palm due to holding the handle of the blade tightly. Is this a common occurrence ? Are there ways around it ? Or is it merely an occupational tell tale one has to learn to live with ?

Long Handle Racket - 23:08

Aaron: Was watching Chinese amateur gameplay and came across this match. I noticed one of the player is using a very long handle on his blade. Is that legal within the rules of the game? If legal, why does he choose to use this longer handle? Isn't it just extra unnecessary weight?  I noticed he is very defensive player doesn't attack at all really and mostly serves a tomahawk/punch serve similar style of serve. I feel his style only works because their level is not high, if against a decent level would he easily be beaten? I'm not sure but it seems like that.

Links in this Episode

Long Handled Racket

Austrian Open

2018 Team World Cup Heading Home

On This Day - 1:20

Tibor Klampar's Birthday? Joao Monteiro, Jens Lundqvist, and Gavin Rumgay also have birthdays this week.

Joke of the Week - 8:00

Why did the skeleton go to the party alone?

Tip of the Week - 8:56

The biggest change you can make is your short game. It is fun to hit long balls but for results practice short game.

Drill of the Week - 11:08

Short Play Game

Tournament Wrap - 13:40

The Czech Open

Dimitrij's Service Technique - 20:50

Dipayan: Why does Dimitrij go down to do his backhand serve?

Humidity and Rubber - 23:07

Chandrachur: Where I go to play, that club is a very humid place. While I enter that place, I test out my rubbers by rubbing the ball against the rubber to check the grip, and I can feel that my rubbers are in tip-top condition. However, after playing 30-45 mins, I check my rubbers again, and literally they feel like they can become the best anti-spin rubbers in the world :P. No grip at all. I think my rubbers are dead, but once I return home and check the rubbers again, they again seem to have gained their grip back. This problem is haunting me for months now. I have tried changing my rubbers but every rubber seems to become dead as after playing 30-45 mins in that room.

Losing to Weaker Unorthodox Player - 25:42

Vishal: I lost the game 3-2 despite having the lead 2-0. the player I had faced did not have any technique but just used to yell when he got a point. I need to know how to overcome this problem of mine coz I had just defeated 3 players with a very good technique and also I do not want to repeat this mistake once again.

Sweatbands Yay or Nay - 30:30

Jim:  So one of the things I've noticed about my table tennis sessions is that I am sweaty. I get drenched. I know there are sweat breaks for a towel off, but I don't really think i've noticed a general trend of professionals being decked out in 80's Andre Agassi style sweatbands. Is this something I will more likely see at a club. I feel like having at least 3 different on-body sweat receptacles will really help keep me above water, but I also don't want to get bullied on top of losing to the 12 year olds at the club this fall. Sweat bands..yay or nay?

Links in this Episode

Czech Open

Dimitrij Ovtcharov's Serve

Can You Escape the Ping Pong Zone?

]]> Wed, 30 Aug 2017 22:41:18 +1000 34:06 PingSkills Show #289 - Match Play clean In this show we continue our look at the building blocks of table tennis and focus on match play. Plus we answer your questions.

Reflexes - 14:35

Pranava: I am practicing forehand/backhand counterhit shots to get my shots right. I do okay in practice. In a match situation my backhand reflex is not that great and to return i am trying to move my body too much to hit that ball with my forehand. Obviously my next return to my opponent’s next stroke is impossible as i am too far from the left side of table.  Is there a technique I could get proper reflexes?

What is Lacking in Table Tennis? - 17:47

Jim: I know Americans are mostly caught up in the big 3? main sports being NFL, NBA, MLB, with NHL probably coming in 4th. What I don't understand about popularity here is that TONS of people have tables in their homes/garages/work etc. Why is there such a disconnect between people playing it almost like a social gathering party game, and between people taking the next step and learning the sport. If you already have a table, you don't need to invest much more time. We have the internet for researching basic starting technique. You can play it during the winter months, and you don't have to worry about rain or traveling to a court somewhere. Is it because there is no money in attempting to get really good at it here? Are there too many other diversion sports? I was hoping the topic would be discussed a little more in depth with the Topspin documentary but i feel like they only brushed the surface. Ping pong puns.

Practicing on a Bad Table - 23:11

Shivam: I have a TT table , it is not ITTF approved and is quite old and dead . I practice on it regularly and am preparing for my state tournament . Should I keep on practicing on that table or should I purchase a new one? Do I have any disadvantages in my performance while playing on that table ? The table is around 10 years old , but the length and breadth of the playing surface is completely fine.

Performance Variation - 25:14

Mohsin: Hi sir, my question is sometimes I play very well and I am satisfied with my game but sometimes I can't play at the standard which I expect from myself.

Links in this Episode

Bulgarian Open

Czech Open

Improving Your Reflexes

itTV

On This Day - 1:13

Birthday's of Quarter finalists in the Worlds - Kim Song I and Yu Mengyu

Joke of the Week - 2:15

What did the fish say when he ran into the wall?

Tip of the Week - 2:50

Make your training drills match like sooner rather than later.

Drill of the Week - 4:42

3rd ball attack as a match drill

Tournament Wrap - 6:30

Bulgarian Open

Match Warm Up With Long Pimples - 11:05

Azhar: Hi Alois, I have a match today and since I use backhand long pimples and am an attacking chopper I would like to know the approach I should take during pre match backhand warm up. For example, what do competitive long pimple players do in tournaments ? I don't want to counter with my lp as I am not good at it. Another option is to turn and return counters inside out with my forehand. A third option is to twiddle my rubber n hit backhand counters with my forehand rubber. What would be most appropriate, considering that the third option will not reveal my lp rubber (incase he doesn't notice the colour and doesn't ask to see my rubbers).

How Long to be a Pro - 13:18

Omar: I'm omar from the Netherlands. I played since 2015. I joined a table tennis club in 2016 and I played a competition the result was 90%. How much time do i need to become pro or international player?

Following Up After Topspin - 17:38

Hi guys, Now I have a new problem. Finally I can do topspin from backspin but when i make that and opponent blocks it back Im not able to make next topspin properly because I'm too late. This is specially happening when i use forehand to opponent's forehand.

Toss in Doubles - 19:57

Rajeev: In a doubles match after the toss who will choose the combination, who will choose the side and who will serve. What are the rules?

How Many Balls Can You Hold? - 25:40

Eugene: This is  quite a silly question. I see other players that are able to hold up to 8 balls in one hand comfortably. But my maximum amount is 5 and can squeeze in 1 more very uncomfortably. So is there any secrets to holding more than 5 balls in one hand?

Links in this Episode

2017 Bulgarian Open

The 7 Building Blocks of Table Tennis

On This Day - 1:00

Alois' niece turns 30, Kristian Karlsson turns 26, and Quadri Aruna turns 29

Joke of the Week - 3:40

A very funny joke about eyebrows.

Tip of the Week - 4:20

Focus on your return serve!

Drill of the Week - 6:40

Return of serve practice.  Start with your partner serving the same serve 100% of the time and then change and have them broaden the types of serves.

Tournament Wrap - 8:40

We discuss the Pyongyang Open and the Korean Para Open

New Style In Table Tennis - Tomokazu Harimoto - 13:25

Mike: I noticed something about the way Harimoto plays, it is geared more for speed and placement rather than spin. Allowing his opponents to open up first more, and then placing the ball wide for a winner or very difficult angle to return. Being more aggressive with hitting the ball sooner. Is this the beginning of table tennis going in a different direction in terms of playing style? What do you think of this particular style compared to others?   

First Private Coaching Lesson - 18:10

Jim: I'm 35 and haven't had any formal training. I scheduled my first private coaching session in a few weeks and I'm basically wondering what I should expect. This is a Chinese coach so I'm having visions of not even using a paddle but instead painting and waxing cars aka karate kid for the entire hour. Every coach is most likely different, but what do you do on first session? Practice a bit? Critique form? Do some basic drill work?

Style of Waldner - 21:24

Azhar: Many years ago you had said, that numerous players have tried and failed at copying Waldners style of play, including yourself. My question is, what exactly defines his style of play? Is it predominantly blocking and countering or is there more to it? And since it is so unconventional, how did it work at the very highest level?

Ruling on Hitting the Roof - 25:22

Paul: Alois we have a table in our works canteen which has a low roof.  My question is this, if a shot is played that hits the ceiling and then lands on the opposing side is it considered a point or a foul stroke.

Links in this Episode

Ask a Pro Anything Tomokazu Harimoto

Slovenia to Host Para World Championships

Serving and Return of Serve Tutorials

On This Day - 0:35

12th of July Liam Pitchford's Birthday

7th of July Hina Hayata's Birthday

Joke of the Week - 2:35

Why didn't the dinosaur cross the road?

Tip of the Week - 3:29

Focus on your serve!

Drill of the Week - 4:20

Serving practice. How to practice and then moving after your service action.

Tournament Wrap - 8:22

We discuss the recent results from the Australian Open

How To See Through Fake Service Movements - 16:00

Ken: Yesterday, I encountered a person who served a ball with a lot of fake movements. How do you see through their fake movements?

How to Adjust to Different Venues - 18:03

Pasquale: I've noticed that when i play in tournaments that are in other places, the speed of the bounce of the ball changes due to the density of the air and the atmospheric pressure. For example: when i play where i live which is hot, the ball bounces fast and the brushing contact feels very normal. Probably due because i'm used to it, however whenever i travel to San Jose and play there which is cold, the bounce of the ball is slower and the brushing contact feels different.. Many people tell me this is normal and it is a matter to just get used to it. What is your advice to keep the same level of consistency for the same performance of game?

What are the Disadvantages of Playing Close to the Table? - 21:30

Marcin: What are the disadvantages of playing close to the Table? When I think of one, it might be that the elbow region is getting quite vulnerable and the ball is rarely hit in the optimal highest point of the arc (mostly while rising). Is that the main reason why attacking players go back? Also it's easier to go really low a step back from the Table. But the argument of having more time, is more of the defensive nature. Please give some more explanation why attacking players frequently step back.

Calling a Fault - 24:20

Roy: In a table tennis game with no umpire, if your opponent serves an illegal ball, say out of the hand, should you call a fault before giving the love one score?

Links in this Episode

itTV

Table Tennis Rules Overview

Service Rules Video

On This Day - 1:05

18th June - Father’s Day in U.S.

20th June - Ding Ning's Birthday

Joke of the Week - 3:10

Why can't you trust an atom?

Tip of the Week - 3:52

Linking strokes in set patterns

Drill of the Week -  6:45

The PingSkills Drill

Tournament Wrap - 9:07

Japan Open results and upcoming tournaments

Do We Need to Practice Strong Shots? - 17:55

Chandrachur: Hello Aloi. My partner is asking me to not hit the ball very hard in training. He says that if we can hit the ball slowly with the basic movement correct then we will face no trouble in tournaments attacking the ball fast. All we need to do is make the stroke bigger and faster. Do you feel he is correct, or we must practice attacking separately too. I think that we should practice attacking or else it may create problems in serious matches.

Backhand Flick Against Heavy Chop - 20:03

Umesh: I am thankful to your advice to keep practicing only SERVE with full focus and I have been doing it religiously for the last five months & owing to it my game as well as confidence level is improved. Now I request you to guide me for the backhand flick against heavy chop.

Hitting the Table When Serving - 22:58

What happens when the person serving hits the table with his bat making a loud noise? I find this happens quite a bit and it is off putting.

Rakza 7 vs Tenergy - 24:26

I have use Rakza7 1,8mm FH and Yasaka x soft 1,8 BH. Now I'm thinking to try something else. How are Tenergy rubbers for not pro player? I mean what is the best choice? Is Tenergy 05 faster than Rakza 7?

Links in this Episode

Japan Open

Backhand Sidespin Flick

On This Day - 0:50

Patrick Franziska and Danny Seemiller have birthdays this week!

Joke of the Week - 3:40

Q: Why did the angry Jedi cross the road?

Tip of the Week - 4:36

Make sure you cover off on the basic strokes.

Drill of the Week - 7:30

Consistency - use a consistency chart

Tournament Wrap - 9:52

Para Table Tennis Open Championships

Competition Winner - 12:20

Dean Gochev from Bulgaria was our winner and chose the PingSkills Touch with Rakza 7 as his prize!

Playing Against Aggressive Players - 13:43

Krystian: Hi, Thanks for the great site with so much valuable knowledge you share. I am intermediate player with all around offensive style. I use Korbel with Donic Baracuda on FH and Donic M3 max on BH. I like this set up as it give me a reasonable control. What I am struggling with is playing aggressive, fast players that tend to smash or loop very fast. I have problem blocking their attack. I feel like I need to back off the table significantly to have more control returning their attack. But when I do that I feel more vulnerable, and I cannot cover the sides of the table properly.  Do you recommend to stay mid distance to the table and just practice blocking?

High Toss Serve Impacts - 17:32

DK: Hello PingSkills Team. Recently I trained high toss serves and found out that although my serves are spinny, they are often high and spinny,or low and dead. When I practised further, I found that I do not know a)how far from the body should my bat contact the ball? b)where the initial bounce should be (if it is the same for all types of serves)? c)how to disguise my serves without actually hiding them? d) is because many players keep telling me that they can predict what serve I am going to use before I perform the serve, which was proven correct in 70% of cases.

Can You Over Clean Rubbers? - 21:28

Ryan: I play in my basement and my rubbers become really dirty after about fifteen minutes. I clean my rubbers probably 3-5 times a day (with water and sponge), will this shorten the life of the rubbers? If so, how often should I replace them?

Forehand Topspin to the Opponent's Backhand - 24:10

Zohair: Assume that the opponent uses the same hand as me and I try to hit the ball with a topspin stroke/loop, it always lands across the table to the opponent's forehand to which he can loop back with a stronger strike. No matter how I try to angle the racquet, the ball always seems to cross the table from right side (my side) to the left side of the table (from my view). How do you loop the ball to the opponent's backhand, which would be harder for the opponent to counter unless he is really good with a backhand topspin which is tougher than the forehand loop?  For example, the ball is arriving at my side in the right, I want to loop the ball such that it lands on the opponent's backhand...What changes do we have to incorporate to my stroke in order to change the trajectory of the ball to make it go right instead of left?

Links in this Episode

Patrick Franziska Serve

Danny Seemiller in Action

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 10:56:50 +1000 28:34 PingSkills Show #283 - World Championships 2017 clean In today's show we'll talk about the amazing World Championships, we'll have our regular segments, On This Day, Tip of the Week, Drill of the Week, and of course answer your table tennis questions. And, back by popular demand is the joke of the week.

Defense - 30:53

Ryan: Hi Alois. I am new to table tennis. I have just started playing at October, last year. One thing I have noticed is that I fail at making kill shots like smashes nearly 50% of the time, but have an innate skill at blocking by reflex the forehand topspins and smashes. The problem I am facing is that at smashes with very high speed, the ball flies over the other side at times, and it is sometimes a really hard thing to predict the success rate of my block. what should I do to maximise the success rate? I am trying to improve this skill to build an absolute defensive play style. Your expert tips are required.

Doubles Serve - 33:14

Euguene: I've recently been training doubles in preparation for the national private school table tennis championship. I can get there thanks to your guidance :) My doubles partner is not as good as me. He makes a lot of mistakes. Even on high balls. And he isn't very good in topspinning backspin balls. However, both good forehand and backhand topspin is very powerful. Only lacking of consistency. So my question is, what serve should I use to incorporate him? I've tried backspin serves and he can't topspin backspin balls well. I've tried topspin balls and it went high. But he kept using his backhand and miss the ball.

Doubles Position - 35:56

Kelvin: In a doubles match, should the non-serving partner stand beside or behind the server to maximize the chance for an effective return? At what distance?

Awkward Grip - 38:15

Ali: I want to ask a question about holding/gripping a bat. I Holds a table tennis bat in very awkward way. Seriously, i keep my thumb on face of bat and rest of four fingers on the back of racket (by this I couldn't play shot from back of bat). The thing I want to ask that is this type of holding/gripping allowed In Table Tennis? 

Links in this Episode

Doubles Strategy

How to Hold the Bat

I Can't Return That Smash

World Championships 2017

Our Competition

On This Day - 1:39

Alois has absolutely nothing for us!

Joke of the Week - 2:23

A man walks into a bookshop...

Tip of the Week - 3:41

How you plan your week of training

Drill of the Week - 5:50

We discuss the previous drill of the week where you were to try not moving during a rally, and what this was meant to teach you. This week the drill of the week revolves around your service practice.

Tournament Wrap - 9:37

The 2017 World Table Tennis Championships

Win a PingSkills Table Tennis Bat - 12:20

Learn how you can win a table tennis bat by picking the winners of the 2017 World Table Tennis Championships

Backhand Dominant Player - 17:35

Purvez: I have a backhand dominant game with a decent push and a devastating backhand wristy flick/smash. Although I have a fairly good forehand I don't have confidence in using it often in competition or even training. Consequently, I tend to stand more on the forehand side and try to play most shots with my backhand. This worked when I was in a lower division. However, now in a higher division the opponents are smart so they give me deep backspin serves on my forehand which most times I return with my backhand and its easy for them to loop deep into my open backhand and win the point.

Can you suggest what all I should do to play a more all round game and use my forehand more often?

Shakehand Grip Weakness - 20:29

Tim: What’s the weakness with shakehand grip is it FH or BH?

Staying Low - 22:35

Heejoon: Hello, I've been playing table tennis for about two years. I'm having this problem when doing forehand loop drive that my body becomes upright after impact with the ball. Others have advised me to try to stay low and keep my upper body bent forward throughout my swing, but I can't seem to fix this bad habit.

Tue, 30 May 2017 14:31:05 +1000 27:35 PingSkills Show #281 - Don't Move During a Rally clean In today's show we'll talk about whether you should change your bat depending on your opponent, discuss how many faults are acceptable during a match, playing against a sibling, space needed for a table, and how to prepare for a tournament. We'll also have the tip of the week and drill of the week, tournament wrap and everyone's favourite segment, on this day.

On This Day - 1:05

International Women's Day

Jian Fang Lay, Kalinikos Kreanga, Timo Boll, and Steve Dainton's Birthdays

Tip of the Week - 8:30

Andrew Clark - Fitness Coach Sydney FC

"The best thing we can do is listen, listen to what they feel helps them best and then as the relationship grows we begin to see ways we can improve a player. For a player like Filip [Holosko], in some areas we may need to back-off a bit and then increase other training he does. Then it's just a case of making small adjustments," 

Drill of the Week - 11:30

Play a game where you aren’t allowed to move your feet during a rally.  See what lessons you can learn...

Tournament Wrap - 13:16

ITTF World Tour

Changing Racket Depending on Opponent - 18:18

Phil:  Does anyone change their bat depending on the opponent, or is it a bad idea because you have to learn different styles of play?

Are Faults Acceptable - 20:56

Steve:  In tennis, a small number of double faults is acceptable and a player who rarely double faults is probably not being aggressive enough with power or placement.  I am wondering if there is any parallel thinking in table tennis?  If so, should I push my serve to the point where I miss occasionally, or should the server be more conservative since to miss is loss a point?

Playing a Sibling - 23:01

Michael: This coming weekend is the NYC individuals championships, and I'm coming in as the no.7 seed, and my brother is coming in at the no.4 seed.  This means that we are slated to play each other in the quarterfinals, but I can't find it in myself to play him, since either way, it hurts one of us, are there any methods to getting over this mindset.

Space for a Table - 26:28

Daniele: In the place where I work, we are talking about freeing a room for use in our spare time, and we are discussing the possibility of installing a table tennis table. how much room is really needed

1) What do the official rules say? How much space is needed to play an official tournament match?

2) Forgetting about the official rules, how much space do you think it is needed for two good players to play a serious match?

3) If I am willing to sacrifice the lobbing game, but I still wish to play decently at a short and mid-distance from the table, how much space do I need?

Preparing for a Tournament - 29:45

Dima: Tomorrow I have a tournament and I wonder what and how table tennis players do to keep their good work. When should you come and what to eat for breakfast. How should I warm up? These questions and what to prepare for.

Links in this Episode

ITTF World Tour

Desmond Douglas

 

]]> Wed, 08 Mar 2017 20:42:42 +1000 36:42 PingSkills Show #280 - Don't Give Up Too Early clean In today's show we'll talk about practicing without a partner, learning how to topspin, changing fortunes in matches, and the incredible Tomokazu Harimoto. We'll also have the tip of the week and drill of the week.

On This Day - 1:39

Cedrik Cabestany's Birthday - 18 February

Tip of the Week - 3:48

Don't give up too early

Drill of the Week - 8:15

Varying placement with forehand topspin

Tournament Wrap - 12:18

The Indian Open and Tomokazu Harimoto

Practicing Strokes Without a Partner - 18:12

Subhan: Coach, what is the best way to perfect basic strokes as nowadays I'm often without a partner so any way i could practice basic strokes alone?

Difficulty Doing Topspin - 21:34

Baseer: I am a beginner player in table tennis using Butterfly Wakaba 3000, when i play with one my friend having a style of chopper, I can't return his chop by doing topspin stroke. Every time i do topspin the ball hit directly on the net. I can't understand what is the problem, even how hard i try I can't do that. Please give some suggestion.

Topspin Strength - 24:32

Lukas: Every coach says to me that i do not need to play every topspin that strong because that means a lot of easy mistakes. I always try to avoid these easy balls but i think the quality in my slower loops is not that good even when i try to play the ball long and with spin. I got many counter attacks when i have good opponents. What can i do?

Changing Fortunes in Matches - 28:14

Frank: My friends and I play fairly casually and our sessions consist mostly of best of 3 games.

One of us has a strange habit where he plays well while we warm up, stumbles in the first game but is completely in the zone in the second. But by the time the third game comes around, he's shaky again.

Links in this Episode

Recognise Your Feelings

itTV

Is It Too Late? - We interview the legendary Brian Berry

Key Quotes from my Richard Lee Interview

Topspin Against Backspin

Practicing Alone

]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2017 12:04:33 +1000 32:04 PingSkills Show #279 - Where are all the Defenders? clean On This Day - 2:20

Fan Zhendong 22/1

Zhang Jike 16/2

Tip of the Week - 4:34

Find one more training session per week.

Drill of the Week - 6:46

Rather than bouncing and then hitting the ball when feeding multiball, try serving each ball to simulate a serve so the person doing the drill can practice returning more match like balls.

Tournament Wrap - 8:40

The Indian Open and the European Top 16

When to take a Timeout - 15:00

Andrew: Is it best to save your time out for later in a match or take it earlier if you are losing?  For example if I am down 0-2 games and say it is tied 8-8 would a time out help me or maybe if I win the game and then the next game so it is 2-2 I would have a time out for the last game of the match.  Of course you cannot predict the future but it sure would be nice to have a timeout for your last game.

Choppers and Penholders - 18:23

Viet: Hi PingSkills, Nowaday, I saw that defenders and penholders are getting fewer and fewer. Most of top players now play shakehand style and attack. So do you think that one day, penholders and defenders will completely disappear in top 100?

Playing weaker players - 22:11

David: I have been introducing family members and friends to the game just casually asking them to join me and go play outside for fun. Maybe it’s a bit odd to ask but how do you guys play games against new players do you let them have the point and fake missing. I just want them to experience how fun table tennis is and playing against someone who is much better might.

Using More Than 1 Ball in a Match - 24:55

Arnab: I was wondering

1. Since when did the rule start that for every serve, a ball will be provided from the umpire's chair so that the players don't have to fetch the old one. 

2. What tournaments have enforced this rule?

Links in this Episode

PingSkills Multiball Course

itTV - Watch live streams of ITTF matches

European Top 16 Tournament

Lots of interesting birthdays.

Tip of the Week - 4:42

Plan for the year ahead!

Drill of the Week - 9:17

Introducing placing the ball to more than one position when you are doing a drill.

Tournament Wrap - 13:03

ITTF Star Awards

Playing Unfit - 19:36

Ernst: Yesterday, I played table tennis in not a perfect shape. I got a fever but I was still insist to play. Usually, I can land the ball perfectly on the table, but yesterday almost all of my ball went straight to the net or went out of the table. Does it mean I'm still lacking consistency in playing table tennis?

Mind Games - 22:08

Nigel: Do you have advice about mind games. I recently played in a match in my local league. I was just about to start serving in the 3rd game of a match. The score was 1 - 1in games. An opponent who i had just lost to in a close match was sat watching but called me over and said i needed to throw the ball higher on my serve. This has never been said to me before and as far as i can tell i am usually very close to the required 6 inches height if not higher. It being a local league most people don't complain as long as you are obviously not gaining an advantage. The umpire who was also one of the visiting team said nothing. Nor had my opponent who i was actually playing said anything. My own team afterwards have told me that my serves are on par with most players who play in our league .i.e not always perfect but not played in a way that gains an advantage...e.g serving out of a hand or spinning the ball or throw the ball away from vertical. I asked the opponent who was sat down to leave the decisions to the umpire. But i was put off by his comments and lost that game 2 - 11 and ended up losing that match. The opponent who had made the comment went on to play another match and served using a throw of about 2 inches. In fact the rest of my team said that is how he had served in every match that evening. In hindsight i think the comments were mind games to put me off. I do tend to be a bit of obviously nervous player. So how to keep concentration and how to deal with mind games from the opposition.

Timeouts - 29:06

Temitope: When are the very best moments, period and time to call for time out in a Tournaments?

Re-Tossing - 35:08

Bryan: My question for you is am I allowed to catch the ball and toss it again during service? I've played tennis for 6 years and I know I'm allowed to do it. I was wondering if that was the same for table tennis.

Warming Up - 36:13

Mehmet: I wanna ask How many minutes we have to work on the table?

Links in this Episode

The Goonies

PingSkills YouTube Channel

The Relative Age Effect

ITTF Star Awards

The Star Table Tennis Points of 2016

PingSkills Show on the Paralympic Games

Patrick Chila (born 27 November 1969 in Ris-Orangis, Essonne) is a French table tennis player who has competed at five Olympics from 1992 to 2008.

Ariel Yenhua Hsing (born November 29, 1995)[2] is an American table tennis player who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Hsing became the youngest U.S. table tennis national champion in history in 2010 at age 15.

Tip of the Week - 6:50

Using your wrist

Drill of the Week - 11:11

Practicing the Flick - Use short serves or multiball

Tournament Wrap - 14:45

Swedish Open

The Katana Grip - 19:07

We discuss a grade 2 player using a new style of grip called the Katana Grip. Will this become popular?

Long Pimples for RPB - 22:08

Icon: Is it okay to use long pips when playing rpb the back side specifically.

Anger Under Pressure - 24:02

Nathan: I have never been able to beat my Dad at table tennis, he is nothing special but whenever i am doing really well, he always makes me choke and i mess up. Also no whenever i play, if i mess up simple shots, i start getting very angry which makes me miss even more. My Dad ends up quitting on me whenever we are playing because i get so mad. How do i keep myself from missing those easy shots, and keeping my temper cool. Please help, i really need to beat him. So please help.

Strategy Against a Fast Server - 28:01

Ardak: I played with a guy who plays really fast. When he does his very fast topspin serves, I can't react to loop or to use topspin it. Because I can’t topspin against very fast balls, also,  he serves sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right side. Tried to topspin it or loop, but without success. I can always block it, or counter by flat bat contact. But he continues to topspin, I continue to block. Tried to counter by flat contact to different sides of the table, but after 3-4 blocks I fail. What must I do?

Ma Lin's Fake Serve Action - 31:05

Jason: Hi. I already know about how to do the Ghost serve, and I don't wanna ask about that. I just amazed when I see he hiding his serve (a little) with his left hand and if I watch his serve in his matches I just can see that he brush the ball to the other side (It looks like he is doing a reverse pendulum serve, but actually he is doing a normal pendulum serve). My question is, how to do that? (I really want to learn it)

Links in this Episode

Patrick Chila

Ariel Hsing

Topspin Documentary

2016 Swedish Open Results

Advanced Forehand Topspin

Introduction to Multiball

Forehand Flick

Sports Psychology Course

How To Execute the Ma Lin Serve

The Katana Grip Video

Teddy Bears and Jean Michel Saive

Tip of the Week - 5:02

Using your thumb for the forehand push

Drill of the Week - 7:05

Short pushing with the first person to make a topspin winning the point

Tournament Wrap - 9:19

We discuss the results from the 2016 Austrian Open

Bad in Tournaments - 15:45

Carl: I've been playing table tennis fairly consistently for about a year and I'm in love with the sport. I seem to play fairly well against friends however when I get in a tournament setting I seem to fall to pieces. Is there something I can do to conquer this problem?

Weak Players Winning - 21:16

Eugene:  I want to ask you about a player who is seemingly weak but able to beat or even challenge a state level player. A player who has no real strokes, slow and clumsy can beat a state level player with fast footwork, good attacks and good serves. How can you explain this?

Flooring - 23:48

Joseph: My question is what type of floor is suited for table tennis?

Preparing for Matches - 26:30

Filippo: On analysing the results of the past years, except for the ones that I have won or lost in 3 straight games, I have noticed that I have on average always lost the first game. It is only when I lose the first game that I wake up and start playing to my best. I seem to need the first game to study my opponent and devise an appropriate tactic or it may be due to my age (I am 70) and need a game to warm up properly. I cannot improve on the latter as there is unfortunately, at local League level,  no possibility of a proper warm up. Can you give me some advice please?

Bubble in Rubber - 29:49

Patrick: How can you fix a rubber with bubbles on the middle of the rubber, I mean like the top sheet and the sponge is like separated but only one portion of the rubber, and that's the middle, is it still fixable or its just dead gone?

Links in this Episode

2016 Austrian Open

The Ping Pong Zone

Jean Michel Saive

European Teams Championships Qualification

On This Day - 06:10

Ai Fukuhara and the Melbourne Cup

Tip of the Week - 11:30

Working on your short game by making your practice more like a match

Drill of the Week - 13:42

Practicing your backhand opener

Playing Someone Weaker - 18:20

David: recently I have been introducing family members and friends to the game just casually asking them to join me and go play outside for fun. Maybe its a bit odd to ask but how do you guys play games against new players do you let them have the point and fake missing. I just want them to experience how fun table tennis is and playing against someone who is much better might.

Chopping Fast Topspin With Smooth Rubber - 21:14

Brandon: I felt it quite impossible to chop back (hard to catch the ball and if I manage to chop, it will fly high or out of the table) when the opponent give a super topspin returning my backspin.(not normal topspin, it is kinda like super super fast with a lot of topspin in it). I can chop back if the opponent gives a normal or slightly a bit more topspin than normal low and safe on both side. Both of my rubber are smooth. Any suggestion on handling that super topspin type of ball with chops?

Carrying the Ball - 24:18

Phillip: Hello coaches, Phillip again with another question.  I can't find any rule that covers a "carry" during a return or stroke. The "carry" I am asking about is similar to the "carry" in tennis where the ball is carried on the racket for a moment rather than a rebound off the racket.  I saw one today for the first time.  So is it legal?

Backhand Serve for Defenders - 26:59

Daniel: Seems like choppers and modern defenders use the backhand serve disproportionately more than attackers. Do you agree and if so, why do you think that is? Also, why are there almost zero left handed defenders? Obviously there are generally fewer lefties and fewer defenders in general, so it makes sense that there would be very few cases where a player is both.

Are Pro Veterans Still Improving - 29:27

Leopoldo: Are pro veterans like Samsonov still improving? Or are their skills diminishing faster than they can improve?

Links in this Episode

European Teams Championships Qualification

Ai Fukuhara

Prologue - 0:00

Alois talks about how pressure can affect everyone

The Greatest Comeback - 2:30

We take a look at the Quarter Final match of the 2005 World Championship in China between Michael Maze and Hao Shuai.

Jeff Talks About Pressure - 13:08

Jeff gives a quick recall about how pressure affected him differently when he was an Adult compared to when he was a Junior.

Tip of the Week - 15:30

We discuss what a pre-point routine is and how you can develop one.

Drill of the Week - 20:43

Third Ball Under Pressure

Remember When - 23:19

We're going all the way back to the start of August. :) This is when the ITTF released a new form of Table Tennis called TTX.

Tournament Wrap - 32:57

With the Olympics well under way we discuss the format of the Singles events in Rio.

Thoughts as You Approach a Victory - 37:39

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 should be when they are approaching the win.

Keeping The Feeling Alive - 41:32

Marcin: After a long rally I lost the good feeling I had been having till that point and from being up in the match I ended up losing. How can I keep the good feeling alive?

Showing Excitement - 43:11

Tushar: Do you think that showing our excitement after every point increases our chances of winning?

Attacking a Long Pimple Push - 44:45

Yap: I have a problem when attacking a long pimple push because it is very low. Should I play a topspin against backspin stroke to attack the ball?

Playing Against a Chopper With Long Pimples - 45:53

Sumit: How can I lift a heavy backspin ball that a defender with long pimples has hit to me? The ball comes back with so much backspin that it is very difficult to return.

Recovering From Backhand Loop - 48:51

Daniel: When I do a backhand loop, I find it hard to recover from the finish position. If I try to automatically transition from it my stroke doesn't turn out as efficient. How do I effectively transition?

PingSkiller Mail - 50:22

We discuss some of the mail we received regarding Show #273 - Table Tennis at the Olympic Games.

Links in this Episode

Michael Maze vs Hao Shuai - Best Table Tennis Comeback EVER

The ITTF YouTube Channel

TTX World

PingSkills Sports Psychology Course

Live Results from Rio 2016

Men's Singles Draw at the Rio Olympics 2016

Women's Singles Draw at the Rio Olympics 2016

Jeff talks about his experiences from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. He shows us some of the original team uniform and other memorabilia.

Tip of the Week - 13:16

How to get off to a good start in matches.

Drill of the Week - 17:50

Forehand anywhere in honour of Ryu Seung Min and his incredible footwork.

Remember When - 19:43

We go back to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens where Ryu Seung Min shocked the World and won the Olympic Gold Medal in the Men's Singles.

Tournament Wrap - 25:18

Forehand in a Match - 34:17

Praanesh: I am able to play the forehand rally separately when practicing but I cannot play it in a match. How can I rectify this?

Applying Backhand Success to the Forehand - 35:52

Linh: I have a really good backhand and can utilise my wrist effectively on that side. How can I apply this to my forehand stroke?

Using the Waist When Serving - 37:23

Eugene: Is it necessary to rotate the waist when serving or is it enough to just use the arm and wrist?

Competition Mindset - 38:54

Ryan: I have an amateur tournament tomorrow, and this is my first. I have done much practice but I am still nervous about tomorrow's results. May I know any tips to boost my mindset or maintain a sense of Zen and sanity before and during the competition. Thanks in advance!

Repositioning After Hitting the Ball - 41:04

Eugene: After hitting the ball where should I move so that I can position myself for the next ball?

Ma Long at the London Olympics - 42:14

Nasco: Is Ma Long participating in the London Olympics? I found that Xu Xin and Ma Lin are also not in those Olympic Games.

PingSkiller Mail - 43:06

We discuss some of the mail we received regarding our last show Table Tennis for All #272.

Links in this Episode

Jeff Plumb's Olympic Results

Table Tennis at the Summer Olympics

Ryu Seung Min Reminiscing Winning 2004 Olympic Gold

Alois tells the story of World Champion Dot DeLow. He also talks about his experiences working in remote Pacific islands and working with the Paralympic team.

Tip of the Week - 6:01

How to get the most out of your practice when training with players who are weaker than you.

Drill of the week - 9:16

The PingSkills drill with multiball

Remember When - 11:43

We take a look back a the first World Table Tennis Day where there were 158 registered events in 70 countries.

Tournament Wrap - 13:09

We discuss the Paralympics. We talk about the different events and classes, and how athletes are graded.

Wheelchair Doubles and Mixed Pair Doubles - 20:52

DK: What rules are applied to a mixed doubles pair when one player is in a wheelchair and the second one is a highly mobile player?

What To Do At 10-0 - 23:27

Tevia: I recently played a very easy match in the mixed doubles senior inter regionals. In the final game we were up 10-0 and 2-0 in games. I was receiving serve. The serves were quite high and had very little spin so if I wanted to I could kill the ball anywhere on the table, especially since they were serving to my forehand. My partner asked if we should give them 1 point just to be nice and not make them feel bad by losing 11-0 or not stuff about and take the match immediately. What would you guys do in this situation. In my family there are a lot of VERY competitive sportsmen and they would definitely not give them that point.

Embarrassing and Funny Moments - 26:55

Joshua: Hi Alois and Jeff, what is/are your most embarrassing moment(s) in Table Tennis?  And what is/are your funniest moment(s) in table tennis?

Getting Angry When Losing to a 'Bad' Player - 28:13

Johnny: Hello. I've had this problem for quite while now, where 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. For example, I played a player who only started playing a month ago, had no proper coaching, and lost to him because of this issue. I am a beginner, but have done about 6 months of coaching. I felt like my work and money was being wasted as I'm losing to players who's done much less training than me. Any tips on this mental issue?

Beating Better Players - 30:51

Magic: Is there like some easy move that can beat an experienced player? I'm 15, been playing for around a year and regularly play with players much better than myself. I get on the table, score a few points, but generally get beaten and then have to wait in line again -.-. Got any tips for me? I want to at least beat ONE of them now and again LOL. 

When To Play An Around The Net Shot - 32:43

How far exactly does the ball need to be from the table in order to perform an around the net shot and what kind of spin do you need to focus more on when doing it? Sidespin or topspin?

PingSkiller Mail - 34:10

We discuss some of the mail we received regarding our last show Spin in Table Tennis #271.

Links in this Episode

Dot DeLow playing at 101 years of age

Paralympic Games

ITTF Para Table Tennis Thu, 28 Jul 2016 07:25:31 +1000 38:16 PingSkills Spin in Table Tennis #271 clean Welcome to Ask the Coach Show #271 where talk about the magical effect of spin in table tennis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

Saint Patrick's Day 

Power Of Practice - 2:06

We discuss our progress and the competition

Yesterday's #PQOTD - 5:39

If you are really tired, is it better to still put in a training session or is it better to have a day off?

#PQOTD - 9:45

Have you ever won a tournament?

Doubles Strategy - 10:09

Spamm20: Whenever i play a double with my playmates i put a lot of backspin into my serves-but my opponents just pushes it back. My partner than has a hard time dealing with that spin (he's not as experienced). Should i put less/other spin into the serve? Thanks

Returning from a Break - 13:34

Lukas: Hey guys :) Not sure if you remember me, but I stopped playing active in my club around 6 months ago, but I really miss it. I'm considering starting again. Any tips on how to get back into it quickly :D?

How Much Is Too Much? - 14:46

Bhavesh: Yesterday I practiced serving for about 3-4 hrs. Then I played a match with my grandpa. I couldn't even complete the match I was so tired I had muscle cramps. After the match I couldn't walk properly. My parents said I was playing too much.

Lobbing Against Smashes - 16:07

Yap: Should I lob a very high smash with topspin or hit the ball flat? Will the topspin bring the ball higher and let the ball go out of the table?

Controlling Your Own Fast Topspin Shots - 17:59

Eugene: When doing the forehand topspin, I often hit the ball out. My coach says I need to control my arm strength and don't hit too hard all the time. But then he wants good amount of speed on the ball. How to achieve this without hitting hard?

Borgar Haug - 19:55

Lukas: Also a quick question, have you seen any of Borgar Haug's recent matches?, he is playing insane :> (if you know who he is)

Throwback Thursday - 20:21

Which Foot Forward?

Links in this Episode

Saint Patrick's Day

Which Foot Forward?

Which Foot Forward for Premium Members

Doubles Strategy

Lobbing Tutorial

Advanced Forehand Topspin

Alois discusses his 5 minute training session and how he felt tired and didn't think he made good progress.

#PQOTD - 4:05

If you are really tired, is it better to still put in a training session or is it better to have a day off?

Yesterday's #PQOTD - 4:38 

Who has a better backhand Liam Pitchford or Zhang Jike?

This Day in History - 6:35

Jerry Lewis was born, not to be confused with Jerry Lee Lewis :)

Drill of the Week - 8:46

Choosing Drills  how should you choose your drills? What type of drills should you choose in the off season.

Short Pimples at the Elite Level - 12:16

Jamie: Why don't elite players use short pimples as it allows them to negate the extreme amount of topspin and smash the ball. I have seen other very good semi pro players with great technique beaten by other players with short pimples or hardhats.

Counterhit Accuracy - 16:36

Sk Verma: Whenever I do practice counter hit, I am not able to place ball to corner every time. I am trying it with flat bat position but as the ball goes away from me or close to chest I can't control the ball to the corner although ball is on the table.

Accuracy in Drills - 19:47

Yap: My friends and I are very bad at blocking the ball accurately. Thus, it is very difficult for us to do the footwork drills. Can you help?

Links in this Episode

Jerry Lewis

Choosing Drills

Training Secrets Course

Playing Against Short Pimples

Multiball Course

Liam Pitchford's Amazing Backhand

Forehand Counterhit Accuracy

We discuss our progress with the Spin Catcher and Table Tapper

Last #PQOTD - 2:52

Should you let your kids beat you at Table Tennis?

#PQOTD - 7:05

Who has a better backhand Liam Pitchford or Zhang Jike?

This Day in History - 7:40

The first Internet Domain Name was registered in 1985

Technique Tuesday - 8:46

Backhand Topspin to Topspin

Contact Point for Topspin on the Tomahawk Serve - 11:42

Il: Where should I contact the ball for topspin serve (more up-spin) with tomahawk service? Bottom, middle or top of the ball? 

Age to Start - 14:03

Shiva: i started playing table tennis at the age of 19 and now i am 23 and by the time i learned the proper strokes its already too late.... is it impossible to follow the game if its too late or do you think if there are chances for me to excel.

Changing Bats - 17:09

Daniel: Can one change bats during a tournament? If so, how often? I would think not in the middle of a single game, but I have no idea. 

Links in this Episode

Backhand Topspin to Topspin

itTV

Tomahawk Serve

Power of Practice Video Playlist

What is the best animal to be in Winter?

Last #PQOTD - 1:56

What is the most difficult thing about Table Tennis?

#PQOTD - 4:35

Should you let your kids beat you at Table Tennis?

Power of Practice - 4:55

Alois and Jeff practiced together!

This Day in History - 6:29

Romeo and Juliet's Anniversary and Steve Dainton's Birthday

Injuries and the New Plastic Ball - 7:40

Mike: Hi guys! :) I'm beginning to hear more about injuries that may have been caused with the plastic ball, because rallies are longer and there is a higher demand on power rather then tactical finesse. What do you guys think, and should training be adjusted?

Body Imbalance - 9:36

Binder: Hi Alois, playing table tennis on a regular basis will surely result in a body imbalance because of using one side more than the other. Do you think this might cause injuries long term?

Long or Short Forehands - 11:33

Il: Why do some professional players play with longer movement for forehand topspin and other - shorter? Which are the advantages with longer movements?

One Bat or More - 14:22

Devanathan: I'm just-ahead-of-a-beginner level but don't use the same bat every time. Should I stick to one single bat? If so, what would be your "blade and rubbers" suggestion for me?

Links in this Episode

How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat

Forehand Topspin

Chuck Norris was born, the first modern marathon was run, and the first telephone call was made.

Last #PQOTD - 3:02

How old is too old to be a world class player?

#PQOTD - 4:42

What is the most difficult thing about Table Tennis?

Power Of Practice - 5:07

We discuss our progress on the table tapper and spin catcher.

Throwback Thursday - 8:46

Table Tennis Trick Serves Video

Wrist for Lifting Backspin - 9:55

Eugene: When doing the forehand topspin against backspin, does using the wrist help lift the backspin easier? Why?

Ma Lin Extra - 13:39

I've been planning to get a Yasaka Ma Lin Extra Offensive with Mark V rubber, but my question is, can it do chops? I like to occasionally do chops, but I don't quite know if Mark V rubber and this blade can do it that well?

Long Backspin Serves - 17:13

I see that people mostly mention short serves with diferent spin variations and fast and long serves with topspin or no spin. But what about long and fast backspin serve? Can it be effective? How to make the backspin serve really fast if it is possible?

Links in this Episode

Table Tennis Trick Serves

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

How To Choose a Table Tennis Bat

Fast Serve Down the Line

Serving Secrets Course

We give some more updates on the progress of ourselves and other PingSkillers. Get involved yourself by picking the spin catcher or the table tapper and practicing for 5 minutes a day throughout March.

Last #PQOTD - 4:38

What is the best rubber around at the moment?

#PQOTD - 6:47

How old is too old to be a world class player?

Drill of the Week - 7:17

How to Practice Receiving

This Day in History - 11:31

Searching for Bobby Fischer

Standing on the Table - 16:18

Jadon: Can people stand on the table after winning the match?

Unstable Forehand - 18:14

Christian: I realized that my forehand topspin is quite unstable.Sometimes i end up lifting the ball too much and off the table sometimes the contact is too flat sometimes the ball goes into the net. Can you provide me with some key factors to work on?

Dealing with No Spin - 22:28

Emmanuel: I struggle in not knowing if the ball has no spin, is there a way I can judge the ball. How do I practice hitting flat shots. Should my arm swing be restricted?

Links in this Episode

How To Practice Receiving

Searching for Bobby Fischer Wikipedia Entry

Searching for Bobby Fischer Trailer

Forehand Topspin Variations

We discuss the #PowerOfPractice  challenge

This Day in History - 3:50

Timo Boll and Kalinikos Kreanga were born

Last #PQOTD - 5:06

What was the outstanding permanence at the World Teams Championships?

#PQOTD - 9:32

What is the best rubber around at the moment?

Technique Tuesday - 9:55

Receiving Serve footwork

Wrist Strength - 14:07

Ilia: What is the best way to train my wrist muscles so I can increase the power of my sidespin-topspin flick?

Beating a Blocker - 15:42

Viktor: Do you know how to beat a talented player who blocks all the balls I do? His block are really annoying and I lose every time , I don't get many points at all. He also has a lot of speed, power and spin on his strokes, His sidespin flick is very good, help!

Ma Long is the King of Table Tennis - 17:34

Viktor: I've been watching some highlights from the World Championships, I am so shocked how fast the rallies are and the players impress me but who can actually stop Ma Long? He's too strong at the moment, all his matches ends with 3-0. He is the king of TT, agree?

Fast Rise of Young Superstars - 19:15

Jaydev: I was thinking about how could it be possible for Mima Ito or Fan Zhendong to achieve the maximum at the very small age? In our sport, it requires years of hard work and practice to reach the elite level. Where, these two have made history early.

Counterhit to Topspin - 22:18

Shovik: When I am practicing counterhit, I tend to make a finer contact like the topspin, instead of driving the ball. I am not sure as to how a counter hit stroke is different from a Topspin stroke.

Contact Points for Different Strokes - 23:53

Jahangir: There are various shots in the table tennis (there are topspin,backspin,chop,block & counter),I want to know what is the appropriate contact point of the ball that make consistent deliver in every execution.

How Much Do Pro Players Squat? - 26:22

Viktor: How much does pro tt players deadlift and squat? I know they aren't powerlifters but how much do you think they lift? I think about 400 pounds. how much do you lift guys? ;)

Links in this Episode

Position and Footwork for Receiving

Badminton Footwork Lesson

Match Strategy Against a Blocker

Forehand Counterhit

Forehand Topspin

The Sports Gene by David Epstein

We discuss the final results from the 2016 World Championships with China once again dominating.

Last #PQOTD - 6:17

Does progress happen in a straight line?

#PQOTD - 9:55

What was the outstanding performance of the World Team's Championships?

This Day in History - 10:21

Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone

Power of Practice - 11:26

We ask you to get involved and discuss lessons learnt from the 1st week.

Practice Matches Leading Into a Tournament - 17:17

Mike: Hi Guys, I'll be playing in a tournament next month. I play twice a week at the club, sometimes I use practice games to work on my strokes or try different shots. I tend to loose more when I do this. Should I continue to do this or focus more on winning?

Bouncing on Your Toes - 19:55

Ilia: I've just watched a match of Petr Korbel against Patrick Franziska. I noticed that Petr often intensively bounces on his toes while Franziska tosses the ball and serves. Why is he doing that?

Backhand Style - 22:37

Leonardo: Is an aggressive backhand style considered an effective style at high levels of play?

Links in this Episode

2016 World Team Championships

itTV

Marcos Freitas Skills That Inspired the Power of Practice Challenge

Feliks Zemdegs (World Speedcubing Champion) Thoughts on Improvement

Day 5 Power of Practice Alois - Spin Catcher

Day 5 Power of Practice Jeff - Table Tapper

Fear of public speaking

Power of Practice - 2:21

We discuss our progress with the table tapper and spin catcher challenges.

World Table Tennis Teams Championships - 5:30

We are up to the knockout rounds and discuss the latest results and upcoming matches.

Last #PQOTD - 10:05

Name the semifinalists in the Mens Teams at the World Championships.

#PQOTD - 11:24

Does progress happen in a straight line?

This Day in History - 11:50

4th of March was the birthday of the song Happy Birthday to You

The Future of Countries Like the US in International Table Tennis - 13:10

Sebastian via Snapchat: What do you think about countries like the US where Table Tennis isn't very popular? Do you think countries like that have future in the International Table Tennis scene?

Beginner Tips on Serving - 16:17

Max via Snapchat: Just wanting some simple beginner tips for serving or forehand returns. I played with a man 3rd in the state today and he devastated me. As a table tennis club captain and founder I must learn to up my game. I would love any simple tips.

Favourite Players to Watch - 19:33

Harvey via Snapchat: Who is your favourite player to watch?

Links in this Episode

ITTF World Championships

itTV

Serving Secrets Course

Dealing with Backspin

Last #PQOTD - 8:10

Can Timo Boll win another Open event?

World Championships - 9:24

Germany is out! We discuss the latest results.

#PQOTD - 15:20

Name the semifinalists in the Mens Teams at the World Championships.

This Day in History - 15:45

The inventor of the telephone was born - Alexander Graham Bell

Controlling a Topspin with the Backhand - 16:54

Yijan: Hi PingSkills I can't return a topspin with my backhand, I think it's because I have very uncontrollable rubber. Any tips?

Backhand Flick Against Backspin - 19:20

Spamm20: I dont know why, but i have big problems with the backhand flick.Im trying to do it right ,but i always hit wrong so it goes in the net when it has backspin.What should i watch out for the most when i do a flick?

Hitting My Fingers - 21:30

Leonardo: How can I stop the ball from hitting my fingers when I play? I doesn't happen often, but when it does it often loses me the point.

Returning Short Sidespin - 22:41

Hai: I have problem to return short spin serve especially on my forehand. Usually when I return, the ball goes everywhere out of the Ping-Pong table. How can I practice to return short spin serve for my forehand and backhand.

Returning Sidespin Topspin - 25:04

Rex: I play against a player who loves to do the side spin forehand slam and can't return them. Any help is appreciated.

Using Your Serve For Setting Up The Point - 28:00

Googler: Do you have any tips on how to use your serve to set up for kill shots? I have a hard time doing that.

Links in this Episode

Master Class on Dealing with Backspin

ITTF World Championships

itTV

How to Choose a Table Tennis Bat

Backhand Flick

Backhand Sidespin Flick

Forehand Push

Forehand Sidespin Topspin

Receiving Secrets Course

Third Ball Tips

An update on the progress of Alois, Jeff, and other PingSkillers

Last #PQOTD - 3:55

Which team are you supporting at the World Championships?

World Championships - 5:10

An update on recent results

#PQOTD - 10:44

Can Timo Boll win another Open event?

Drill of the Week - 11:22

On Table Warm Up

This Day in History - 14:10

Dr. Seuss

Trusting Your Stroke - 15:28

Ilia: In practice I play full swings that create good spin and safety, even in random and match-like drills. But in a tournament, when I make a few mistakes in a row, I tend to "play it safe" by shortening my strokes. It drops spin and safety. How to address it?

Medium High Backspin Ball - 18:10

Spamm20: What to do with a long and higher ball with backspin?I sometimes end up with my enemy pushing it very long and high when i dont expect it, and sometimes its so high that i cant use a forhand topspin or a push but also too low to smash.What to do?

Waldner's Serve - 20:44

Viktor: I am trying to learn the ''jan Ove Waldner's trademark serve'' so I am starting off to serve under my arm to get the swing correct but when I try to do the same without swing under my arm but I just miss or hit the table or even it bounce 1 time, help :(

Benefits of Playing Tournaments - 22:15

Hatem: Does the participation in tournaments help improving one's game?

Losing Motivation in Matches - 23:52

Timmy: How can I deal with losing my motivation while I'm playing table tennis? I'm not very competitive, but I want to try to help this problem go away if I start playing competitively. Do you have any tips on how I can keep myself motivated?

Low Slow Spinny Topspin - 26:06

Eugene: Why must we put the slow spinny topspin high over the net? Doesn't this just allow trouble that your opponents can attack you easier with the high ball.Why not put it low and spinny?

Waldner's Serve Part 2 - 28:58

Viktor: How did Waldner get all kind of spin with his serve? His serve is basically only backspin on it? Isn't?

Topspin Serves - 29:55

Spamm20: Is there any modern serve which uses topspin?

Links in this Episode

ITTF World Championships

itTV

Smash or Topspin High Backspin Ball

Serving Secrets Course

What to Expect at a Tournament

Slow Spinny Topspin

Wedding Anniversaries and Birthdays

Last #PQOTD - 5:44

Which 3 men out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of MA Long, FAN Zhendong, XU Xin, ZHANG Jike and FANG Bo.

#PQOTD - 8:07

Which team are you following at the World Championships?

Technique Tuesday - 8:29

Sidespin Forehand Topspin

World Championships - 12:31

France had a surprising win over Germany with Timo Boll losing 2 matches.

How To Win Matches - 15:18

Enoch: I have been playing for quite sometime now and my game has really improved. I train 6 days a week 4 hours each. I have every stroke in the book BUT there's one thing that I am very bad at when it comes to tournaments and that is winning games.

Forehand Stability - 19:56

Sachin: My forehand drive isn't as stable as my backhand. I feel like I can see the ball better on the backhand because I am behind it. The forehand feels like I am far away from it. Please tell me how to practice to make my forehand drive powerful.

Playing Weaker Players - 21:35

Matt: Jeff I am asking you this question because I have never had u answer a question of mine so I just want to get some advice from you for some reason. When playing against weaker players what do u do to stay in the game and still play your best?

Links in this Episode

Sidespin Forehand Topspin

Forehand Counterhit

Most Important Skill

Jeff's Practice of hitting the ball against the side of the table

itTV

ITTF World Teams Championships

Sports Psychology Course

World Teams Championships

Discussion - 3:19

Skill Learning challenges

This Day in History - 8:25

Happy Birthday Trevor Hirth and Barry Griffiths

Last #PQOTD - 10:20

Which 3 women out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of Li Xiaoxia, Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling.

#PQOTD - 11:46

Which 3 men out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of MA Long, FAN Zhendong, XU Xin, ZHANG Jike and FANG Bo.

Keeping New Members - 13:36

Ilia: I often notice that beginners come to our club a few times and never come back then. How to encourage them to stay? And how can we attract more players in the weekly league?

Being Good - 16:50

Tech N' More: How are you two so good at ping pong?

Best Bat for Beginners - 17:32

Tech N' More: I just started playing table tennis. What kind of paddle do you think I should get? I want to stick to the basic shots but some advanced ones.

Beginner Using the PingSkills Website - 18:58

Van: I am a beginner. I want to improve myself using this site. I do not know which training clip is best for starting and what is step by step. Thanks for your support.

Preparing for a Tournament - 20:22

Matt: Can you give me some tips on preparing for an upcoming tournament that will take place for several hours. Some of the things I am thinking about is nutrition before and during, as well as cardio preparation and on table drills for the week before?

Playing a Left Hander - 23:02

Alexander: I lose against a left-handed player who improved his forehand topspin and does fast side spin balls to my mid table and I can't block them because I am not used to it. What is a general recommendation against left-handed attackers?

Big Fan - 25:14

Hi, I'm a Brasilian fan.

Main Source of Income - 25:28

Tech N' More: What is your main source of Income? Your website or your Youtube Channel?(Both are Great!)

Editing Videos - 26:12

Tech N' More: What do you use to edit your videos?

Forehand Flick Footwork - 26:55

TheAtersidus: Big fan ping skills, I have noticed many videos of professional players making forehand flicks off of one leg. However during most tutorials I found (including yours) both feet are firmly planted on the ground. Why is there a difference?

Links in this Episode

Ben Larcombe & The Power of Practice

Marcos Freitas Table Tennis Skills - for the competition choose from hitting the ball against the side of the table and the spin catcher

itTV - Watch the World Championships

ITTF World Championships

What to Expect at a Tournament

Ask the Coach Show #85 - How to Run a Successful Club

Forehand Flick

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Strokes & Techniques Page - The perfect place to begin your journey on PingSkills.

Can Werner Schlager and Zoran Primorac match it with the big guns at the World Teams championships? This is Schlager's 17th World championships and Primorac's 18th.

#PQOTD - 3:19

Which 3 women out of their 5 players will China use for the final of the World Team's championships? Out of Li Xiaoxia, Ding Ning, Liu Shiwen, Chen Meng and Zhu Yuling.

Throwback Thursday - 4:24

Tournament Expectations

This Day in History - 8:21

Birthdays

Staying Calm - 9:32

Spamm20: I am currently getting very exited whenever i play against someone who's good.I dont know why, but i get very warm and start moving around, and i scream alot whenever i make a point.I am just happy, but it annoys people.Any tips on how to cool down?Thanks

What is Short and Long? - 11:45

Eugene: There is this type of placement I do not understand whether it's short or long. It only bounces once on the opponent side and then fall off the side of the table. But then, the ball is very close the net. Is this a short or a long ball?

3rd Ball Against Fast Push - 14:01

Francisco: I'm having trouble with doing topspin in the third ball attack, I have a good topspin in general, against block and against backspin. My problem is when they push fast to the middle or backhand I don't feel like I have time to get position.

Forearm Movement for Backhand Topspin - 18:27

Il: When you hit backhand topspin against block or light topspin in the ball contact, is there motion forward with forearm starting from elbow?

Chinese Penhold Grip - 20:46

MSMD: If you use a Chinese penhold grip it's always an awkward position how do I properly hold it?

Links in this Episode

Tournament Expectations Master Class

Sports Psychology Course

Backhand Topspin Against Block

Backhand Topspin Against Backspin

2016 ITTF World Championships

How to Hold a Table Tennis Bat

Last #PQOTD - 1:05

What is your favourite serve and why?

#PQOTD - 5:24

Can Werner Schlager and Zoran Primorac match it with the big guns at the World Teams championships? This is Schlager's 17th World championships and Primorac's 18th.

This Day in History - 6:48

Steve Jobs

Serving Short with the Pendulum Serve - 8:14

Spamm20: Which is the best place to put the pendulum serve at, when i want to serve it short?And any tips on how to do that (serving short and putting enough spin under it?) Thanks

Sidespin Backhand Flick - 11:21

Marcin: Is the Sidespin Backhand flick overrated?

Forehand Against Backspin - 15:10

Dirk: Is it necessary to start with forehand topspin under the table even when you answer to heavy backspin or is it possible to produce the speed to receive a heavy backpsin over the table when you speed up in a shorter range of motion and hit at peak?

Serve Challenges - 18:18

Filippo: I really enjoyed the new pendulum service video, especially the targets set which are very helpful. Would it be possible to indicate what targets to set for all other types of service? That would be very useful.

Drill of the Week - 20:57

Third Ball Attack

Links in this Episode

What is Third Ball Attack - for premium members

Third Ball Tips - for premium members

Backhand Sidespin Flick

Forehand Topspin off Backspin

Pendulum Serve - for premium members

Pendulum Serve Preview

Australian Olympic Qualification and African Olympic qualification

Last #PQOTD - 7:23

Who is the best Para Table Tennis player?

#PQOTD - 10:07

What is your favourite serve and why?

This Day in History - 10:41

George Washington and Steve Irwin

Placement in Training - 11:45

Ilia: Hi Alois & Jeff. When should I start to heavily focus my training on placing the ball to wide corners and elbow? How can I make sure that I am ready for that?

Shakehand v Penhold - 14:01

Zac: What benefits are there in the "shake hands grip" and the "pencil grip" and in your experience is it hard to get used to playing someone with the opposite grip.

Adding More Spin - 17:45

Hao Jun: Hi, I am having the problem of adding more sidespin or backspin to either my pendulum serve or reverse pendulum serve or the backhand serve or the reverse tomahawk serve, and the only serve where I can have the most sidespin is the tomahawk serve.

Warm Up Before Tournament Match - 19:44

Carl: With all the incoming tournament activity upcoming for me, a question that popped into my mind was: which of these two situations would be more optimized for a warm up before the tournament starts? Warm up and rest or warm up and play straight away?

Links in this Episode

2 Ball Trick Shot

Behind the Scenes

52 Week Training Plan

Shakehand and Penhold Grips

The Power of Practice by Ben Larcombe

Request for pilots to be brave

On This Day - 2:04

Some interesting birthdays!

Last #PQOTD - 3:59

Maths or English?

#PQOTD - 7:03

Who is the best Para Table Tennis player?

Backhand Too Much Sidespin - 8:27

Stuart: My backhand topspin is probably my best shot however when I am away from the table maybe one step behind my receive setup and I really try to rip through one, sometimes I get a lot of unwanted side spin . This normally means it goes long.

Serving Strategy - 11:13

Damon: I serve from my backhand side, but they like to stand in the middle, and even slightly on the forehand side. I feel like I should be able to exploit the gap they leave on their backhand side, but they seem to cover it well. Any suggestions?

Difficulty Blocking with Faster Rubber - 14:05

Hatem: I recently changed my rubber to a faster one so that I could play a more offensive game. However now I have a problem blocking my opponents fast top spin . I just can't find the right angle on my racket and the right distance from the table.

Developing My Backhand - 16:58

Yijan: I can spin very good with my forehand but when it gets to the backhand and I can't spin and miss.

Links in this Episode

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Backhand Topspin

Curving the Ball on the Backhand

Magic Trick by Leon with David Wetherill

Maths or English?

Last #PQOTD - 1:53

Should you apologise for a net or an edge?

On This Day - 6:32

Yoko Ono and Michelangelo

Throwback Thursday - 7:40

Ready position after the Pendulum serve. 

Long Pimples for Forehand - 11:18

Mustafa: I feel more comfortable on my backhand side, so with my forehand, I mostly try to block or try to send the ball to the opponents side with straight shots without thinking about spin or loop. Is it ok for me to use long pips on my forehand?

Cleaning a Table Tennis Table - 14:06

Doug: What is the best way to clean a table? My new table is a few weeks old and has many ball marks, marks from the bat, etc. I've tried vinegar and water with no luck. Any suggestions?

Backhand Counterloop - 16:36

Enoch: I have a problem with my backhand counter loop. It sometimes hits the edge of my bat other times it goes off the table. Do I have to contact the ball with my bat closed or do I have to contact the ball with an open bat and come in and flat hit?

Links in this Episode

Ready Position After a Pendulum Serve

Backhand Block

How To Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin

We've now got a search bar and follow us on Instagram @pingskills

This Day in History - 2:26

17th February - Some famous birthdays

Last #PQOTD - 4:45

Who is your nemesis?

#PQOTD - 6:45

Should you apologise for a net or an edge?

Drill of the Week - 7:05

Backhand Footwork

Table Tennis Balls and the Backhand Sidespin Flick - 9:54

Spamm20: Can a tt ball get worn out?And any tips how i can make a backhand flick with more side spin?

Plastic Balls and Long Pimples - 12:21

Uditi: With the introduction of the plastic ball, what difference would it make while playing against a phantom? Should the waiting time be more or less as compared to the old ball?

Sealing your Blade - 14:14

Anibal: Does sealing my blade with varnish enhance the performance in any way, or is it just to protect it? and is it really necessary or not?

Using Server's Spin - 17:00

Sai: Can i learn how to use the opponent's spin serve against him.

Links in this Episode

Backhand Sidespin Flick

Receiving Secrets Course

Table Tennis Daily Podcast

Training Drills PDF

Michael Jordan Top 10 Plays

Bjorn Borg 1980 Wimbledon Final

Match Strategy Against Long Pimples

What gets you frustrated on the table?

#PQOTD - 4:59

Who is your nemesis?

This Day in History - 5:17

Zhang Jike and John McEnroe

Technique Tuesday - 6:46

Physical Warm Up

Changing Your Rubber - 10:20

Spamm20: How often should i change my rubbers if i want good results from it?I dont need maximum power, but when should i change it to keep a good level.I am using normal inverted rubbers.

Waldner Retires - 12:25

Viktor: What's your thoughts about Jan Ove Waldner officially retired from Table Tennis, for me it's sad and he could play alot more matches if he could.

Hitting the Table - 13:13

Ilia: When you trained full time, how often did you hit a table with your racket? I'm currently having a streak: I hit the table three times in last two weeks.

Defenders Return of Serve - 14:13

Sasha: When an attacker serves short, should a defender return short or does he have to return long by default.

Receiving Position - 16:23

Haroon: Where should you stand when your opponent does his service? close to table or a bit far? help with the smash too.

Long Pimple Rubbers - 19:52

Yap: Does the long pimple rubber hate spin like the short pimple rubber and if the long pimple rubber does a topspin stroke off a topspin, will it still have backspin?

Returning a Low Backspin Serve - 21:59

Viktor: Do you have a tip?, I have problem against a strong attacker, he does a long and low backspin serve that goes just below the table but when can''t get any power in that position so he he either smash or forehand and backhand topspin, Help me here please

Links in this Episode

Excessive Ping Pong Celebration Without Music (Adam Bobrow)

Waldner's Last League Match

Receiving Position - for premium members

Hitting a Forehand from Below Table Level

Thomas Edison

Last #PQOTD - 2:10

What are your ideal playing conditions?

#PQOTD - 4:17

What gets you frustrated on the table?

Throwback Thursday - 4:43

Pre-Point Routine

Chinese New Year - 9:07

We missed it the last few shows but Happy Chinese New Year

Hitting a Forehand From Below Table Level - 10:39

Spamm20:What should i do when the ball gets almost under the table?For example if the ball gets really long and low and has some backspin on it, it might get almost under the table.But when i try to hit it up i end up hitting the table or nothing at all? Thanks.

Arm Strength and Power - 12:23

Viktor: My smashes always gives me points, Many players at school have alot of problem blocking my smashes because I have big arms and strong, fast and hard strokes, I am the only one with that type of muscle mass in the room Does arm strength affect smash power?

Training a Left Hander - 14:04

Il: I have one child with left hand .But I am right hand. How I to teach this child to play? Is there any methods with which to make it easier to teach a left handed child? How does the kid imitate me more easily? Only robot training?

Stopping a Killer Backhand - 16:23

Jeffrey: My friend has a really nice and consistent serve and tends to get most winning points off me with his backhand flick/smash on the 3rd or 5th ball. Is there any strategic or technical way I can prevent or counter this?

Flick or Loop - 20:07

Hatem: I like the backhand flick and I am much more comfortable with it than the backhand loop and though I am still practicing it (especially against short and even medium or long serves). can I use it for an all offensive game instead of the loop?

Playing Waldner - 22:13

Viktor: I have heard that Jeff met Waldner years ago, did you have a match against him? How many matches did you lost then Jeff ;)

Legends Tour - 22:41

Viktor: When is Legend Tours scheduled to take place this year? Do you think Waldner will sign up for it?

Links in this Episode

Pre-Point Routine

Hitting a Forehand From Below Table Level

Legends Tour 2016 Final between Waldner and Persson

Backhand Flick

Backhand Topspin Against Backspin

Match Strategy Course for improving tactics

PingSkills Vault for recording tactics

Would you switch doors?

This Day in History - 3:28

Greg Norman is born

Drill of the Week - 4:34

Serve... return... catch...

Last #PQOTD - 7:12

How do you block out distractions when you are playing?

#PQOTD - 14:54

What are your ideal playing conditions?

Playing Left Handers - 15:27

Spamm20: How should i play against an left handed player as an right handed player?

Your Equipment - 17:46

Spamm20: What rubbers and blades do you use yourself?

Topspin Against Spin - 18:13

Invincible: How to smash/ do a top spin when your opponent served with a spin on the ball? I usually hit the net when I try to.

Topspin Going Long - 19:34

Jimmy: My forehand topspin smash keeps missing the table a little too long. What is the best way to consistently shorten the distance on this shot? When a ball is hit with a good speed to you, how exactly can you deaden the ball so it doesn't go out?

Durability of Balls - 21:24

Hassan: What is the duration of an average table tennis ball? I noticed that there is some sort of powder covering most balls that can't be removed by rubbing it with the hands, however, this powder ensure great amount of spin.

Preparing for a Tournament - 23:29

Joshua: Hi guys I have a tournament and i dont think im going to play well because of my FH. It is not consistent in my opinion my BH is much better than my FH.Please help me when my FH works its a really good like my BH do you have any advice for me?

Tactics Against a Defensive Player - 26:32

Invincible: How to play against your opponent when you play as an offensive player and he plays as an defensive player all the time and can handle with everything you do?

Links in this Episode

Monty Hall Problem

Try this experiment and see if you can count the number of passes

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Backhand Block

Match Strategy: Playing a Defensive Chopper

What to expect at a tournament

Volleyball and Yodeling

Technique Tuesday - 2:50

I Can't Return that smash

Last #PQOTD - 5:18

How should you approach training sessions to get the most benefit?

#PQOTD - 10:29

How do you block out distractions when you are playing?

Sponge Thickness - 11:03

Mike: Back in the day (mid 80's to early 90's) I played with rubber which had 2.5 thickness. Nowadays, the sponges go up to 2.2 or max. If thicker sponges means more speed and spin then why did the sponges get thinner?

Growing Taller - 13:23

Viktor: Do you know how I can grow taller? I am 177 cm tall, my mother is 166 cm, my big brother is 179 cm and Dad is 182 cm. Can I increase my height by 5 cm if possible? I turn 16 in march and I want to be taller.Does GH help? But I am not allowed by my Mom.

Serving with Short Pips on Forehand - 14:30

Mark: I've decided to try short pips on the forehand. However effective service requires my inverted BH side, and my most practiced serves (tomahawk backspin) are forehand. Is it better to learn and practice backhand serves or add a twiddle to my serves?

The Best - 16:43

TomRajMC: What is the best PingSkill?

Taking Hand Away When Serving - 18:59

Yap: My opponent always leave their hand up till the last minute when the ball comes down then they move away their hand so I have only a little time to watch the contact of the ball. He did not break the rules as he moved his hand away at the last minute.

Staying Low in the Rally - 22:24

Fabio: I struggle keeping the right crouched stance. I start being a bit "jumpy", coming up somehow and stopping to have the more efficient and correct compact stance. Is there any specific physical conditioning that you would suggest?

I Still Want To Be Taller - 25:45

Viktor: Does bar hanging make me taller?

Links in this Episode

I Can't Return That Smash

52 Week Training Plan - for premium members

Training Plan Template PDF

Training Drills PDF

The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis

Simplified Rules

ITTF Rules

The AP Belt for teaching you to stay low

Walt Disney

Last #PQOTD - 1:52

What is the one piece of Table Tennis advice you always remember?

#PQOTD - 4:43

How should you approach training sessions to get the most benefit?

Monday Tournament Wrap - 5:08

ITTF Europe Top 16 Cup & Latin American Championships

Playing Better Players - 8:06

Spamm20: Often when i play with someone whos better than me, they seem to be really bored.I feel really bad whenever that happens, because i really appreciate it when they play with me, but i dont want to be a burden.Is it just me, or is there an explanation?

Speed of Blocking in Training - 9:08

Ilia: When I have an opportunity to practice with better players one thing I notice is when they block for me they add a lot of pace. The result is that even when I make a soft topspin, their block is faster than my loop. It is especially common with kids.

Sponge Thickness Effect on Speed - 10:57

Dorian: Does the sponge thickness affects the amount of spin you can put in the ball,or does it just make it go faster ?

Long Push Timing - 12:25

Eugene: When long pushing, should I push the ball early off the bounce or late and on top of the ball?

Links in this Episode

Europe Top 16 Tournament

Backhand Push

The Push in Detail

If a man speaks in the woods and his wife isn't there to hear it, is he still WRONG?

This Day in History - 2:07

Deng Yaping was born

Last #PQOTD - 3:28

Do you respond better to praise or criticism?

#PQOTD - 6:56

What is the one piece of Table Tennis advice you always remember?

Training a Young Player - 7:24

Ammar: I want to train my little brother but i don't know how to train him. Can you give me some tips?

Spamm20: What is the best way to help my friend improve at table tennis (for examlpe, what is good for training for someone inexperienced or what should i say so that he understands how the technique is done right)?

Straight Path for Strokes - 12:49

Carlos: I teach my students to loop with a straight path, but I read many players use curving paths, including some top players. For example, against backspin many players loop with a stroke where the racket curves upward during the swing. What is right?

Serving Between the Lines - 15:59

Marv: When serving, do I need to contact the ball between the sides of the table, or can I hit from outside them, as long as I am in back of the end line.

Links in this Episode

Deng Yaping

Strokes & Techniques Course - for teaching players

Service Rules Video

Samsonov vs Boll 2016 German Open - Samsonov uses the fast serve down the line very effectively

Facebook was founded

Last #PQOTD - 4:16

Who is better Forrest Gump or Bruce Lee?

#PQOTD - 5:45

Do you respond better to praise or criticism?

Throwback Thursday - 6:22

Keeping the ball low

Learning Swedish - 10:49

Viktor: What do you think about I send 5 Swedish words that you should exercise at 3 weeks? Then come five new words and then 5 new after 3 weeks. I can send Swedish words that you can practice this year. what do you think? Think about and send a private message

When to Upgrade Equipment - 12:22

Christian: I wonder when is the right time to upgrade equipment. I was wondering if Stiga Clipper CC with Stiga Royal would be good or too advanced for me. and also I want an RPB rubber . Do you have some recommendation?

Struggling with Consistency - 15:47

Keagan: I am lacking quality practice and when I do play I struggle a lot in consistency in all strokes and I sometimes I get frustrated. Is there anything that you can suggest that I can do by myself to help and if slowing down might help?

Tracking the Ball During Serve - 20:20

Valerie: I am a beginner and I was wondering how to track the ball during serve. Should I track the ball until I hit it with the bat? When I track it I feel like I am in the wrong position, I need to watch the net and the opponent to have reference points.

Robots to Play Matches Against - 23:53

Viktor: Is there a robot that I can play matches against? If so, can I choose a level that fits mine?

How Many Balls for Service Practice - 25:09

Spamm20: If i want to train my serve, how many balls should i get so that i can train seriously?

Links in this Episode

Keeping the Ball Low Video

Bruce Lee Ping Pong

Forrest Gump Playing Ping Pong

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Practicing Alone

Alois' Blog on Table Tennis Robots

Tracking the Ball and Anticipation

Multiball or Robot Drill - One short push where you push it back and then one long push where you make a topspin.

Last #PQOTD - 3:22

How do you overcome bad form?

#PQOTD - 5:56

Who would win in a game of table tennis? Forrest Gump or Bruce Lee?

Thanks to PingSkiller Johan for today's question.

This Day in History - 6:59

The day the music died

Too Relaxed - 8:18

Mike: Hi guys! When I'm looping with my forehand (I'm a lefty), I try to relax my arm for a better swing but sometimes, I loose my form along the way either my elbow or wrist goes out of whack. How do I find the correct medium so I don't loose form?

Who's the Best - 10:32

Viktor: Who would win? Ma Long v Jan Ove Waldner in early 20's ?

Learning Swedish - 11:08

Viktor: Is it possible that you could start study Swedish? If so that would be cool :D I know you've passed school a long long long time a go but you please study and learn speak Swedish? PLEASE ALOIS AND JEFF :D

Serving with a Purpose - 12:02

Tam: Hi Alois, when I do a sidespin backspin serve to my opponent's forehand they push long into my backhand (im a lefty) and I always spin with my backhand into the net is the pivot better in this situation? and how do you know when to play a pivot?

Doubles Return of Serve - 15:57

Arjan: Lately it seems as if my service return gets significantly worse when playing in doubles. I completely miss the ball off to the side or constantly feed them into the net and I ask myself why, why do I stumble even against easy serves?

Samsonov v Boll Analysis - 19:32

Abhinav: I think Samsonov troubled Timo with his fast long serve into Timo's backhand throughout the match. What would you do if someone continues to trouble you in one particular spot?

Nice Swedish - 23:16

Viktor: You spoke well Alois, Keep practise and next time I want to hear Jeff ;)

Speedcubing - 23:29

Viktor: How is it going with the cubes? Or is it too difficult ;)

Links in this Episode

Training Drills PDF

The Day the Music Died

Forehand Topspin

Groundhog Day

Last #PQOTD - 2:06

Should there be an International "Liha" Table Tennis league.

#PQOTD - 3:46

How do you overcome bad form?

Technique Tuesday - 4:15

Basic Stance 

3rd Ball Attack Power - 10:34

Ilia: When I practice 3rd ball attack from my forehand, I can loop the ball with good pace. But when I play 3rd ball attack from anywhere, I cannot "force the pace". I can consistently open-up softly, but feel extremely awkward when I try to add power. Any help?

Try Not to Laugh - 13:45

Viktor: I just watched the ''Omonoiadam Hadjivasiliou.'' video and it's hilarious :D You should re-watch it.

Flicking Sidespin Serves - 14:21

Tam: Hi Alois should I always flick a sidespin backspin serve with my forehand/backhand and only touch pure backspin serves? Because when I try to touch a sidespin backspin serve it is hard to control most of the time goes high.

Blocking Slow Topspins - 17:41

Matthew: am having difficulty with my defence, my offence is good. I can't seem to get better at blocking because my partner doesn't hit fast top spins so I don't block anything. What should I do? If it is possible how do I block a slower hit?

Blocking Fast Loops - 19:49

Viktor: How do I block a power loop into my BH area? I have weak backhand and I can return the ball, help.

Indoor or Outdoor Table - 21:29

Gaurav: I am planning to buy a table for playing outside but under the canopy and can store it indoors. I have 2 options, one is indoor with regular wood top of 25 mm and the other is outdoor with 12 mm compress wood top. I am confused. Pls advise.

Links in this Episode

Basic Stance in Table Tennis

Is Laughter Infectious?

How To Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin

Backhand Block

Third Ball Tips - for premium members

Receiving Options - for premium members

In the show we were asked why you don't see the reverse backhand serve. It's a great question and we want to see the reverse backhand serve in action. So get out on the table and film your best reverse backhand serve, upload it to YouTube, and then send us the link via email or by contacting us.

Monday Tournament Wrap - 1:09

German Open

Last #PQOTD - 7:37

Ma Long or Jan Ove Waldner?

#PQOTD - 9:50

Should there be an International "Liha" Table Tennis league.

This Day in History - 10:34

Shuttle Columbia

Twiddling or Moving - 11:51

Ilia: Sometimes I play with with long pimples on BH. Suppose that the ball goes to my forehand and I want to chop with LPs because my FH rubber is too fast for chopping. What is the best way to do that: twiddle the bat or take a step and use backhand?

Hungarian Style - 13:22

Il: I watched Istvan Jonyer. Sometimes he hit the ball with topspin without elbow forearm action. He use only straight arm and wrist. Is it true or am I mistaken? I want to know about this Hungarian style.

Reading Spin in the Rally - 16:08

Daniel: How do you know what spin is coming at you so can prepare for it in the middle of a rally? Should you watch the opponent and his or her stroke to anticipate the direction of spin before the shot is even hit? Or should you just watch the ball?

Reverse Backhand Serve - 18:34

Marcin: Why is it that you never see a reverse backhand serve. Means moving the hand (right handed player) from right to left. It's easy to do and gives the opposite sidespin to the traditional backhand serve. I did that kind of serves in my schooldays.

Returning Power Loops with Long Pimples - 20:26

Ilia: how to return a powerloop with long pips?

Links in this Episode

Istvan Jonyer in Action

Chuang Chih-Yuan Ask a Pro Anything

Chuang Chih-Yuan Off the Table

Long Pimple Chop Block

Backhand Chop

Liha Table Tennis with dislikes of the return!

Improving Your Reflexes (watching the ball)

NBA Finals

Last #PQOTD - 2:04

Should equipment be standardised? That is, everyone has to use he same type of racket?

#PQOTD - 6:35

Ma Long or Jan Ove Waldner?

This Day in History - 29th of January - 6:55

Carl Benz

Jeff vs Alois - 8:10

Viktor: When were the last time you two played against each other? Who won? I guess Jeff ;)

Jan Ove Waldner's Ranking - 8:53

Do you know where Jan Ove Waldner is ranked in the World? Or he isn't because he retired from competition?

Practicing Serving Alone - 9:26

Jawad: I wanted to practice those awesome serves you do in the videos. But the problem is I am alone and I do not have the table . So what should I do? I do go to club but I want to practice serve alone at home.

Waist Rotation on Forehand - 12:03

Eugene: I have a problem with the waist rotation when lifting a backspin. I can't rotate forwards. It just seems weird. It's normal to rotate forwards on the forehand topspin against block but the backspin just feels very weird.

Singles v Doubles Players - 15:25

Rama: I would like to ask you whether a good singles player can always be a good doubles player. What special set of skills would be required to play doubles. If so kindly specify.

Links in this Episode

Historical Significance of Liha

Liha in Action on YouTube

Jeff beating Alois

Learning to Spin - for premium members

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

What do you do when you lose?

This Day in History - 28th of January - 4:23

The first public street lighting with gas in Pall Mall

Throwback Thursday - 5:03

1st PingSkills Classic - Match Analysis

World Championships of Ping Pong - 6:51

Is this a better spectacle than normal table tennis with sudden death sets up to 15 and a double point ball?

#PQOTD - 11:46

Should equipment be standardised? That is, everyone has to use he same type of racket?

Weight Transfer for the Forehand Topspin - 12:14

Konstantin: I realized that I often when I try to do a forehand topspin instead of transferring my body weight from my right leg to the left one when I hit the ball I'm pivoting backwards on my right leg. How do you overcome such an error in your students?

Looping with Sidespin Against Backspin - 14:44

Sachin: While looping against backspin balls I find pure side-spin and little bit of topspin do the job rather than pure topspin. So am i just getting lucky or side-spin with little topspin is proper shot against these backspins?

Keeping Your Head Still - 18:23

Rama: While I was serving, I was all over the place. Either it landed inside my own net or going out of the table. I felt my head was not still while I was serving. My question is do we need to keep the head still while serving?

Links in this Episode

Match Analysis of the PingSkills Classic Tournament

Final of the World Championships of Ping Pong

Forehand Topspin against Block

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

Sidespin Forehand Topspin

Alois recently visited Fiji for a Para Table Tennis Camp.

This Day in History - 3:16

Mozart and TV

Last #PQOTD - 4:33  

Do you Snapchat?

#PQOTD - 5:44

What do you do when you lose?

Drill of the Week - 6:10

Multiball backspin to Topspin

Olympic Qualification Process - 7:53

How does this affect China?

Adjusting for Different Length Balls - 13:49

Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff, I am decent with looping the ball long and short with my backhand, but with my forehand, shorter balls where I have to move up and then set up, I end up hitting the ball into the net or off the table. Any suggestions?

Serving to Long Pips - 16:07

Ilia: I often meet players that have a long pips or an antispin rubber and use that side exclusively for service receive. What kind of serve can be useful against them?

Being Ready for the Next Ball - 17:55

Christian: My coach tell me "you have made a good forehand topspin and you're happy! You look at the opponent and you are not ready for the next shot." And this exactly what happens now during matches. This is the same with my services.

Losing a Big Lead - 21:26

Steve: Quite often I am 2 games in front and then lose the next 3 or I am 2 games behind win the next 2 to level at 2 all and then lose the 5th. Can you help me Alois with some good advice?

Losing to Players With No Form - 25:09

Sachin: We play for 2 hour daily for a year about now.But 6 months ago I started learning basic techniques like push, drives, loops. Now I am trying to play attacking game in practice match but most of the time I lose to the people with no form.

Links in this Episode

Multiball Course

Sports Psychology Course

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

Olympic Qualification Process

Match Strategy Against Long Pimples

Match Strategy Against Anti-spin

Anticipation

PingSkills Snapchat Username: pingskills

The first computer virus

Last #PQOTD - 1:42

How did you bring in the New Year? What was your first Table Tennis session for 2016?

#PQOTD - 4:47

Do you Snapchat?

Technique Tuesday - 5:57

Forehand Topspin Variations 

Should I Counter Loop with Sidespin? - 10:27

Ilia: Some people say that when counterlooping, it is better to play a sidespin topspin, because it avoids contacting fast moving parts of the ball. So should I try putting sidespin whenever I can?

Is Ma Long Unstoppable? - 12:38

Viktor: Who can stop Ma Long right now, He's unstoppable at the moment. Your opinion?

Heavy Topspin Serve Troubles - 16:38

Romeo: I play with my practice partner I always lose. I can't return his heavy topspin serve well because of the spin. I try to flick or push but it flies off the table. I can't flick it with a flat contact because the ball is low. How do I deal with it?

Ma Lin's Dominance - 19:15

Tam: Do you think world no 1 Ma Lin will reign supreme in the class 9 singles event in Rio or do you think 15 year old Laurens Devos could take the title considering he is in top form at the moment after winning the Europeans. What's your opinion?

Forehand Topspin Combination Practice - 22:36

Viktor: How can I practise my forehand topspin combo? First attack is pure topspin and second is pure sidespin and then both?

Men v Women - 24:32

Peter: What do you think is the main difference between men and women style of play ? It can't be that much physical strength that makes the difference. After all it is not a soccer game.

Links in this Episode

Forehand Topspin Variations

Forehand Flick Video

Our Snapchat Username: pingskills

Forehand Topspin Counter Loop

Sidespin Forehand Topspin

European Para Championships

Laurens Devos in Action

Send us a snap, and also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Last #PQOTD - 3:01

What is your first memory of playing Table Tennis?

#PQOTD - 6:01

How did you bring in the New Year? What was your first Table Tennis session for 2016?

Monday Tournament Wrap - 6:26

World Teams Championships Draw

High Backspin Ball - 14:54

Ilia: Suppose that I want to topspin a high backspin ball with my forehand. How should I adjust my finish position? Should I finish lower because the ball is quite high?

Fast Backspin Sidespin Serves into the Body - 17:39

Mike: Hi guys! My return game is getting better thanks to your tips and premium area. Lately, I have getting fast serves that have a little under spin, and a lot of side spin which goes into my body. What are some of the ways I can return these type of serves?

Longer Breaks Between Points - 20:33

Marcin: Are longer breaks between points better for the game?

Forehand Fixing Machine - 24:27

Ilia: Did you see the "Top Spin" film? There is an interesting moment, when Ariel Hsing uses a belt that attaches her elbow close to her body, called "The forehand fixing machine". You can see this in the trailer at 02:49. What is this "fixing machine" for?

Links in this Episode

2016 World Team Championships

High Backspin Close to the Net - for premium members

Forehand Fixing Machine - at 2:49

What is a horse's favourite sport?

This Day in History: 18th of December - 2:51

Famous Birthdays

Last #PQOTD - 4:51

Should there be a time limit between points?

#PQOTD - 7:06

What is your first memory of playing Table Tennis?

Spinny Forehand Flick - 8:13 

Ilia: In your forehand flick tutorial, you show that the contact for it is flat, like a mini smash. I saw another tutorial, where a guy showed how to use wrist to create topspin on this flick. So what do you think about this spinny forehand flick?

Ma Long and Fan Zhendong - 10:38

Viktor: I watch the World Grand Tour recently and in my opinion Ma Long vs Fan Zhendong was the best one. Ma Long still the best currently but Fan will be the future World Champion I think. He's talented and skilled. He's only 18 so he can be way better.

Is Table Tennis Dangerous? - 11:36

Marcin: Recently while practicing I hurt my finger while trying to play a topspin off a half long backspin ball. Since my action was fast and big, the impact was heavy. I heard the story of Jeff hurting himself. Is Table Tennis a dangerous sport?

ITTF Prize Money - 15:05

Viktor: How much amount of money does the winners get when they win tours?

Watching the Ball While Serving - 17:08

Abhinav: While serving I realized I don't completely watch the ball as I toss it, my focus seems to be towards the other side of the table. I start to watch the ball as it starts to fall. Then I started to watch the ball from the start and it felt better.

Injuries for Alois - 21:02

Viktor: Alois, Have you hurt yourself that bad like Jeff?

Don't Wrestle Alois - 21:21

Viktor: Who would win in a wrestling match between you? ;)

Wang Hao's RPB Finish - 22:00

Romeo: Is it me, or is Wang Hao's finishing position for his backhand off? He loops the ball in a 45 degree angle but ends with his bat almost 90 degrees. Why is this?

Links in this Episode

Forehand Flick

ITTF World Tour Prize money for 2015

A birthday and Harold Holt

Last #PQOTD - 2:48

Who is favourite now for the Women's singles at Rio Olympics?

#PQOTD - 5:11

Should there be a time limit between points?

Throwback Thursday - 5:42

The forgotten art of pushing

Playing in a League of Pushers - 8:52

Tim: My league has lots of backhand pushers and I simply can't get enough topspin over this push as it has loads of backspin on it, therefore it goes in the net every time. Any suggestions? Thanks

Spin or Control - 11:34

George: There are players who prefer to spin or control the ball. Some find it difficult to choose between them. What should we pay attention to in this case?

Dealing with Crazy Forehands - 13:12

Ivan: I play with player who has a crazy forehand topspin he has a lot of topspin and is so fast I cant block that spin. I have Long Pimples on my backhand and it is very hard to block or cut that spin. How to create that spin and how to block it?

China vs Europe - 17:01

Connor: hey guys, what's your opinion on the Chinese playing like robots and the euro's playing more 'creative'? i believe the euro's play 'creative' cause they have to! , due to their poor footwork compared to the Chinese and therefore play unorthodox shots

Controlling Aggressive Backhands - 19:43

Ilia: Hi guys. When I play a controlled backhand topspin, I can make it land whenever I want. But when I try to make a powershot, it usually hits the table, but sprays all over the place. How to improve the control over its placement?

Links in this Episode

Fast Pushing - for premium members

The Push in Detail

Forehand Topspin against Backspin

Backhand Topspin against Backspin

The Most Important Skill in Table Tennis

Famous Birthdays

Drill of the Week - 2:36

Alois makes pushing exciting with "The Pushing Game"

Last #PQOTD - 6:43

Can Fan Zhendong close the gap on Ma Long by Rio?

Jeff's Rubik's Cube Record - 11:16

Jeff gets a 27.83 average of 5

#PQOTD - 12:53

Who is favourite now for the Women's singles at Rio Olympics?

Spinny Lobs - 13:15

Christian: Today, i encountered lobs which seemed to be spinny. When the ball made contact with my side of the table , it dipped forward or a little to the side. Seems like it had topspin and sidespin. It cost me the rally.

Fast Shots: Flat or With Spin - 15:10

Navya: Hello, I have a query my problem is that when I hit drive I don't spin it I just give it good speed is it effective in a game that I hit a speed drive.

Time Between Points - 18:02

Amekun: I have a question regarding the intervals. After a point has been made, How long is too long before the Umpire calls upon your attention and says "Play"? 10 seconds, 20 seconds? we are currently having a debate about this and we hope you can help.

Links in this Episode

Training Plan Week 11 - Improve Your Pushing - for premium members

Forehand Smash

How To Return the "Wobbly" Shot - for premium members

Forehand Counterhit

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

Advanced Forehand Topspin

ITTF Match Officials Handbook

How can ITTF improve the Star Awards for next year?

Competition Winner - 3:14

We announce the winner of the Yearly PingSkills Premium Membership

ITTF World Tour Grand Finals - 5:12

We discuss the results of the recent World Tour Grand Finals

#PQOTD - 10:50

Can Fan Zhendong close the gap on Ma Long by Rio?

Technique Tuesday - 11:25

Moving Out Wide 

This Day in History - 15:56

15th December - The Leaning Tower of Pizza

Relaxed Movement - 17:02

Eugene: How can I stay relax when I'm on the move? When doing footwork, my strokes become very tense, that's why I'm very inconsistent when doing footwork drills. It's very hard for me to relax when moving. Any tips?

Playing With Better Players - 21:34

Yap: Does playing with players better than me help to improve my skills, why? They did not teach me anything.

Links in this Episode

Lucky Numbers

Moving Out Wide

Breaking Bad Footwork Habits

ITTF World Tour Grand Finals

Ma Long vs Fan Zhendong in the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals

We discuss the winners from the 2015 ITTF Star Awards

#PQOTD - 7:28

How can ITTF improve the Star Awards for next year?

Last #PQOTD - 8:15

What ideas do you have to make PingSkills better?

Friday Funnies - 10:40

What do you call a girl standing in the middle of a table tennis table?

Maximising Spin on the Pendulum Serve - 11:21

Ilia: Hi guys. I have questions about maximising the spin on the pendulum serve. 1) When you use the wrist snap, do you consciously contract wrist muscles, or you completely relax it and it follows by inertia after the forearm action?

Waist Action for Pendulum Serve - 13:58

Ilia: 2) Some people advice to also turn the waist to add even more racket speed. However, I find it extremely challenging to do and usually generate less spin. What is your opinion? Can you do this for the reverse serve?

Crazy Spin - 15:10

Viktor E: In school we do table tennis round so we don't need to throw up the ball. There's a guy that does a pure heavy sidespin serve with scary speed, spin and power. Almost everyone can't block the serve. Even the most talented players can't control the spin.

Storing Rubber - 16:51

Peter: You mentioned it is best to store your rubber in a cool place, thank you. Is there an ideal temperature and would the refrigerator be silly? Cheers

Training v Tournament Balls - 17:53

Ernest: What's the difference between training and tournament balls? Do they have the same qualities? Training balls give a different feel compared to tournament balls and I take a while to adjust. Why do they produce training balls?

Waldner is Ageing - 20:56

Viktor E: I have been watching Waldner's last matches and It looks like Waldner is becoming slower and slower and worse and worse every time he plays. He wouldn't stand a chance at all against the current players.

What is Touch? - 21:38

Yoan: Hi Alois ! Everybody is talking about touch, but I've never heard someone explaining how we can improve it. How is it possible to have a better touch?

Links in this Episode

2015 ITTF Star Awards

Pendulum Serve

Service Rules

Choosing a Table Tennis Ball

The PingSkills Touch

Improve Your Pushing (and Touch)

Rules Overview

This Day in History - 3:23

 10th December and Ada Lovelace

Last #PQOTD - 5:43

How can Table Tennis attract more spectators?

#PQOTD - 9:42

What ideas do you have to make PingSkills better?

Playing a Blocker - 10:14

Mike: I play a blocker who plays with smooth rubber and loves to block on wide angles of the table when I open the game up...Thus, he moves me around from one side of the table to the next. After 3-5 balls, I rarely score points. What tactics can I use to win?

Ma Long’s Reverse Backhand Serve - 12:24

Abhinav: I came to hear about a reverse backhand serve. I have never seen or heard about this serve before and was wondering what it is. On YouTube I found a video of Ma Long doing this serve.

How Many Balls for Multiball - 14:59

Benjamin: Me and my training partner want to add multiball to our training. How many balls do we need for it? It's hard to know how many we need to buy.

Whole Table Awareness - 17:12

Adam: I've been mastering topspin. Whenever I start my attack I never let my eyes off the ball. If I attempt to be aware where my opponent is at and lose sight of the ball, my topspin tends to become sloppy and I lose my timing. What should I do?

Links in this Video

Table Tennis Rules Overview

Match Strategy Playing a Blocker - for premium members

Multiball Course

Anticipation

Improving Your Reflexes

Ma Long's Reverse Backhand Serve

How can Table Tennis attract more spectators?

Last #PQOTD - 4:06

What changes need to be made to the Service Rule?

Drill of the Week - 10:02

Switching Dual: 1 or 2 BH, 1 or 2 FH

This Day in History - 12:11

Birthdays!

Practice 4 or 5 Days - 14:21

Pasquale: Hi Alois, im practicing 5 days a week with my robot, 5 hours a day , but this week i got a bit tired so i wanted to practice 4 days this week, do you think there's alot of difference between 5 and 4 days a week of practice if I'm a bit tired?

Thanks PingSkills - 17:43

Christopher: Just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated being a member of Pingskills, you have made such a difference in my game. It's great to see two people so dedicated to their sport and to helping others progress in their love of the game

How Important is Luck? - 18:22

George: How important is the luck of the game? What is the place of fortune during the game.

Playing as a Defender - 23:38

Allen: I played my first tournament as a defender my weakness was lack of spin and the good players are too smart. Had one decent win. Should I try and defend with inverted rubber? I don't want to give up on this style as I'm very good at hard bat.

Links in this Episode

Smith Numbers

Training Drills PDF

Cheating in Table Tennis

Playing as a Chopper

We announce yesterday's winner and discuss what has been the highlight of the first 200 Ask the Coach shows?

#PQOTD - 4:40

What changes need to be made to the Service Rule?

Technique Tuesday - 5:25

Long Pimple Attack against Backspin

This Day in History - 8:48

John Lennon

Coaching From the Sidelines - 11:22

Mike D: A new coaching rule will be implemented next October 2016 which will allow coaching in-between points, what do you think of this new rule and also, do you think this will open the door to legalize all side coaching during a match?

Forehand Progression - 15:17

Norman: Do you not only have to move your arm to generate forehand. Do you also have to move your body while doing forehand hit?

Expressing Excitement - 16:40

Tushar: Coach do you think that expressing our excitement after every point increases our chances of wining or getting more points?

Faster Bat Leading to Yips - 21:55

Romeo: I got a new fast blade along with fast rubbers (tenergy 05 and joola xplode) and now I can't seem to lift backspin balls properly. How do I overcome this problem? I think it is because I lost the skill, kind of like the Yips.

Links in this Episode

Long Pimple Attack Against Backspin

New Coaching Rule Post by ITTF

Advanced Forehand Topspin

Sports Psychology Course

Activation Level - for premium members

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Surprisingly Awesome Free Throws Episode

Service Rules

Win one of 4 'Monthly' and 1 'Yearly' Memberships by answering our  #PQOTD .

#PQOTD - 3:15 

What has been the highlight of the first 200 Ask the Coach shows?

Last #PQOTD - 4:13

Who has been the most influential person in Table Tennis?

On This Day in History - 6:29

The cats in the cradle

Monday Wrap - 8:15

ITTF World Junior Championships

Safe Topspin - 11:33

Yap: If you do not know the amount of spin that is on the ball, is it safer to do the slow spinny loop.

Distinguishing Topspin From Backspin - 14:27

Ilia: Can you distinguish heavy topspin from heavy backspin by just looking at the rotating ball?

Samson’s Serve - 17:39

Julio: I'm a great fan of Vladimir Samsonov and Kalinikos Kreanga and i have a lot of curiosity about how he does this serve... https://youtu.be/GuBOG13oqGM?t=29s

Improving Consistency - 21:00

Charles Anyon: I have been playing Table Tennis for around 3 months and would like to improve my consistency. What training drills do you suggest?

Playing a Blocker - 24:33

Viktor E: Do you have a tip against an annoying defender? Who blocks every smash and topspins I do.

Thinking of 8 Things - 26:38

John D: Once upon a time I read that there are eight things a table tennis player should do each time they hit the ball. Can you please refresh my memory as to what those eight things are? Thanks!!!

World Record Number of Counterhits - 29:58

Viktor E: What's the world record number of counterhits?

Links in this Episode

HTTP Status Code 200

ITTF World Junior Championships

High Toss Serve - for premium members

How to do the Vladimir Samsonov serve - for premium members

Slow Spinny Topspin

PingSkills Consistency Chart

Match Strategy Against a Blocker - for premium members

Why don't you see the German National team hiding under the table tennis table?

Last #PQOTD - 2:47

Can Table Tennis become the most popular sport in the World?

#PQOTD - 8:00

Who has been the most influential person in Table Tennis?

This Day in History - 8:21

A famous pole vaulter was born.

The Influence of the Free Arm - 11:25

Alois has been thinking about the importance of the free arm especially for the backhand block.

World Junior Championships - 15:08

Alois gives a quick update on the progress of this event.

Robot’s Heavy Backspin - 17:04

Abhinav: I played with my robot on heavy backspin. When the ball was long I found it hard to topspin, the ball stopped on the table. The same happened when I set it to do short serves. They were falling short of my reach. Is that amount of spin real?

Wanting to be a Chopper - 20:15

Kemal: I started table tennis last year. I have 20 hours training time in a week. I have forehand-backhand drive, forehand-backhand chop and forehand topspin. I want to be a chopper like Joo Sae Hyuk :) What is your advice coach?

Adapting to New Opponents - 23:02

Anish: I often play at my club very well but when it comes to play matches with new players I often keep playing with my style. Somewhere I feel I lose the match due to improper adaptability with new players and often fall short. Could you please help me?

Links in this Episode

Ryan Howard

The German Table Tennis Team Hiding Under a Table

Free Hand Position Ask the Coach Video Response

ITTF World Junior Championships

Playing As a Chopper

Footwork for a Chopper

Wrestling!

Last #PQOTD - 1:53

List the top 10 greatest Table Tennis Players of all time? If that is too difficult gives us your top 3.

#PQOTD - 7:08

Can Table Tennis become the most popular sport in the World?

Throwback Thursday - 7:29

Staying Alive

Position of Bat for Blocking - 11:00

Mike: The advice you gave me on blocking slow loops has helped. I have another question, I hold the paddle around the 3:00 position for the backhand as the ball nears my body, I noticed that when you hold the paddle, it's at the 12:00 position, which is better?

Returning Fast Serve to the Backhand - 13:52

Eugene: I am having a real trouble returning this serve. Not that I'm not use to the spin, but he usually serves long, fast and deep into my backhand and making me play an awkward shot.

Returning serves before year 2000 - 18:40

Yap: I am curious about how you return serves before 2000 when a new rule says that you cannot block the contact of the ball when serving. Before that you cannot watch the contact of the ball as your opponent may have blocked the contact with their arm.

The Angle of Your Bat - 21:48

Ed: How do you alter the angle of your bat, with your wrist or arm? https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/master-classes/disguising-spin/

Forehands Down the Line - 24:59

Rex: I'm a leftie and I've learned to do a forehand slam, or some of one. I can hit hit one from left side to the right corner but can't do the same down the left side of the table.

Returning Long Serves - 27:03

Viktor: How can I attack a long heavy sidespin serve? Will a topspin help me?

Links in this Episode

Jordan 198

Staying Alive

Backhand Block

Returning a Long Fast Serve to Your Backhand- for premium members

How to return a long sidespin serve

Famous Birthdays

PingSkills Website Updates - 2:32

Jeff gives an update on changes to the PingSkills website

ITTF World Junior Championships - 4:20

We discuss the latest results

Drill of the Week - 6:20

Forehand Opener

Last #PQOTD - 9:37

What is the best colour combination for a Table Tennis Table, Flooring and the Ball?

#PQOTD - 11:59

List the top 10 greatest Table Tennis Players of all time? If that is too difficult gives us your top 3.

Sore Shoulder - 12:33

Viktor: Can you say '' Sore Shoulder'' 15 times fast?

Show 200 - 12:51

Viktor: Have you seen my expectations for show 200 NOW ? :D

Starting Pendulum Serve - 13:31

Ernest: What is the easiest spin to do with a pendulum serve and what kind of spin should we learned first when practicing a pendulum serve over the table?

Contact Point for More Topspin - 15:10

Ilia: I watched your lesson on the spin & speed variation on forehand topspin. I have a question, though. Suppose that I want to put as much spin as I can on the ball. If so, should I brush the ball at the top of the bounce? Or when it starts to fall?

Xu Xin’s Forehand Sidespin Push - 19:00

Sulaiman: https://youtu.be/WHSqUXLkHus In this video at 0:13 and also at 1:32 XuXin does this service recieve that really confuses me how he does it. If you don't mind could you please go through how to carry out this recieve and also what spin he puts.

Robots as a Multiball Partner - 22:39

Viktor: Can you use a robot as a multi ball partner?

Links in this Episode

Song 197 on the Major Parkinson Debut Album

Training Drills PDF Download

Watch ITTF's Streaming

New Pendulum Serve Video

Forehand Topspin Variations

Xu Xin's Service Return

The Planets Align

Last #PQOTD - 1:45

Who is the most famous person that you share a birthday with? No that doesn't include yourself!

Technique Tuesday - 4:28

Correcting Errors

Rio Test Event - 8:50

Lucas Melo went and gave us his report

#PQOTD - 11:22

What is the best colour combination for a Table Tennis Table, Flooring and the Ball?

ITTF World Junior Championships - 11:53

Alois gives an update with the US doing well.

Determining What Spin is on a Serve - 14:49

Viktor: Do you know a tip against a player with really good serves, the guy does a serve which goes down like backspin but goes up and side like a topspin sidespin. I can't see what's spin it's on the ball. when I try to attack it goes into the net. Help :)

Languages - 16:11

Viktor: How many languages can you speak on? Can you speak Swedish? :D

Best Players of all Time - 17:32

Viktor: How would you list the top 10 best/ greatest Table Tennis Players from the start to now?

Disguising the Reverse Pendulum Topspin Serve - 18:10

Nishant: My best serve is the reverse pendulum with backspin. After a while my opponent starts lifting it on so I do the reverse pendulum topspin serve expecting them to hit it out. My action is different. When I try the same action it becomes too obvious.

Fitness for Table Tennis - 22:00

Abhinav: I read that the top level international players are as fit as the top level soccer players. Is that true? I was also hearing an old interview of Timo Boll, he said that he trains for 2-3 hours a day playing and spends more time in the gym.

Bench Press - 25:04

Viktor: Do you think TT players bench press?

Time to Upgrade Rackets - 25:34

Austin: I am currently playing with Mark V that I have been using for a few years. I have started to become confident in my strokes, and I was wondering if there was a definite time when a player is consistent enough to be able to handle a better racket?

Links in this Episode

Correcting Errors

itTV

Patrick Franziska Interview

Reverse Pendulum Serve- for premium members

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Alois talks about an interesting fact and corrects a small mistake in the last on this day in history.

On This Day in History - 3:00

30th November 1874 - Winston Churchill

Weekend Wrap - 3:33

ITTF World Junior Championships in Vendée, France.

Last #PQOTD - 6:30

Premium members: What is the best part of the PingSkills Premium membership? Free members: What would entice you to become a premium member?

#PQOTD - 8:00

Who is the most famous person that you share a birthday with? No that doesn't include yourself!

Trajectory - 8:34

Ilia: How does the trajectory of the ball affect the amount of spin on a loop? If I want to do a really spinny stroke, should I take the ball as late as possible, when it is falling?

Rain v Snow - 10:08

Brian: Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?

Older Beginners - 10:52

Chris: How can older beginners overcome their lack of mobility and speed?

Returning Aggressive Backhand - 14:31

Sathya: Hi coach can you show me how to return an aggressive backhand spin.

Xu Xin’s Deceptive Serve - 16:46

Yap: How to do this serve done by Xu Xin, it looks like a pendulum serve but I think is not really a pendulum serve. Is this serve a good serve? 

Generating Spin and Straight Throws - 19:31

Jean-Paul: How do you get lots of spin on your serve and how do you keep your palm flat for when you do your toss because I always either foul or have to search for the ball which is ideally avoided.

Links in this Episode

195 Broadway

Watch the World Junior Championships on itTV

Slow Spinny Topspin

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Backhand Block

Xu Xin Serve 1

Xu Xin Serve 2

What better than a knock knock joke?

Last #PQOTD - 2:45

What is your favourite Table Tennis photo?

#PQOTD - 3:38

Premium members: What is the best part of the PingSkills Premium membership?

Free members: What would entice you to become a premium member?

Practice vs Matches - 4:20

Ilia: When playing drills I feel comfortably playing defence in open game, I can block and counterattack. But in matches, I feel extremely anxious being under attack, and can only block at best. How to deal with it?

Activation Level - 8:18

Ilia: Some people say that during a match it is crucial to pump up yourself with positive thoughts even when things go really downhill. Do you think that it is possible to overdo it so it becomes detrimental? What was your most memorable comeback?

Receiving Tomahawk into the Middle - 11:55

Abhinav: I have had trouble in receiving long tomahawk serves from right handed players into my body (me being a lefty). It's right into my body and a bit fast as well, I am unable to do the pivot footwork and do forehand topspin. What can I do?

Positive Talk - 14:55

Ilia: Oops, I should have phrased differently :) By pumping up I meant lots of self-talk like "I can do it", "I have everything I need" and so on and avoiding negative thoughts at all. Do you think it is helpful? Honestly, I do not :)

Follow Up Attack - 18:30

Vineeth: I am unable to attack balls after 1st drive...help me please

Overcoming the Yips - 21:12

Robin: I was wondering if you have ever encountered a table tennis player suffering from the yips? I believe it is affecting me and it's obviously quite upsetting to lose a skill you once had in the blink of an eye. Do you have any relevant advice?

Links in this Episode

Bruce Sutter

Saeed Anwar

Sports Psychology Course

Forehand Followup - for premium members

Alois' Best Comeback

Podcast about Free Throws - Surprisingly Awesome

In which decade was Table Tennis most watchable... 1950s, 1970s, 1990s or now?

#PQOTD - 5:45

What is your favourite Table Tennis photo?

Throwback Thursday - 6:15

Ready Position after the Pendulum serve https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis-forum/ready-position-after-pendulum-serve/

The U.S. Nationals - 9:18

They have 94 events! A huge tournament being held soon in Las Vegas.

Practice Balls - 12:00

Abhinav: I am looking to buy balls for training with my robot. The 3 star balls are quite expensive to buy in bulk. Is it ok to train with lower quality balls?

Patrick Franziska’s Interview - 14:10

Table Tennis Daily recently released a great podcast where they interview Patrick Franziska.

Returning Franziska’s Serve - 17:10

John: What type of technique should I use when playing against someone using Patrick's serve? Thanks!

Playing Defenders - 21:41

Matt: I'm hoping you can give me advice with a match I have coming up, 2 of the players are defenders who will only chop and push but I struggle against this, especially as one of them plays with a kind of hard bat and one plays with regular inverted.

Links in this Episode

The Ready Position After the Pendulum Serve

The U.S. Nationals

Patrick Franziska's Serve Into a Shoe

Patrick Franziska's Serve Into a Shoe - How To by PingSkills

Match Strategy When Playing Against a Defensive Chopper - for premium members

Carl Benz

Drill of the Week - 4:50

Backhand, Backhand Footwork

Footwork for Banana Flick - 6:33

Marcin: For the Backhand Sidespin flick I noticed that straightening up my body, instead of staying low works better. I get better results in consistency. Should I experiment with it more or leave it and keep staying low during this stroke?

Last #PQOTD - 9:58

What is the hardest shot in Table Tennis?

#PQOTD - 12:40

In which decade was Table Tennis more watchable... 1950s, 1970s, 1990s or now?

Difficult Shot - 13:20

Mike: Hi guys! Thanks for the side under return info, I will try it. Here is another, my opponent attempts a slower loop, he hits the net a lot, I have time to hit the ball but with all that spin, it causes an error. How can I return that freakish shot? :)

ITTF Star Awards - 16:13

Get Your Vote In!

Changing Tactics Mid-Game - 18:33

Ilia: Suppose that I find a plan that works greatly against the opponent and win a game with it. But in the middle of the next game, he adjusts, and I feel lost and anxious & don't know what to do. How to handle this from the mental point of view?

Rubber Check - 21:34

Eugene: An umpire will check your bat before a match. If there is some damage they will ask you to change it. Why is this in the rules? Do you think the rule should be changed?

Varying Grip - 24:25

Martinand: is it possible to post photos of different grip?

Adding Spin to Counterhit - 28:30

Ittipat: Is it true that every time I do forehand or backhand counter hit, I should add some top spin into it? My coach said my backhand counter hit lacks power and control. Please help

Links in this Episode

Dr Michael Car-Gregg

Training Drills PDF

Backhand Sidespin Flick

ITTF Star Awards

Sports Psychology Course

How To Hold a Table Tennis Bat

Forehand Counterhit

Backhand Counterhit

Slow Spiny Topspin

On This Day - 5:53

See the introduction to hear about Monica Seles breaking records for prize money, and here Alois talks about Cricket legend Ian Botham

Last #PQOTD - 6:42

Have you ever played in a tournament? If you have, what was the last tournament you played in?

#PQOTD - 9:10

What is the hardest shot in Table Tennis?

Free Hand Position - 9:49

Sasi: Is there a perfect/professional position for the non-playing hand? I am a right-hander who keeps the left hand fully open (at chest level), and that looks a bit odd when I recorded a video for the first time. I have never seen 'myself' play before!

Show #200 Soon - 12:56

Viktor E: Did you see my expectations for your #200 show? :D

Choosing a Table to Buy - 14:08

Abhinav: I am thinking to buy a table tennis table for my home. I am not sure what to look for in them. I don't want a really high end table, just something which is not far off a standard table, so that I am not in a surprise when I play elsewhere.

Does the Grip Matter - 18:20

George: I was wondering for general knowledge does using a certain grip enhance your play? Or can you be just as good with any grip?

Options for Returning a Short Serve - 20:49

Viktor E: Do you have a tip, My opponent do a really spinny short and low serve and when I push it back even shorter he does a flick or a sidespin flick. If I try to attack he smash or topspin sidespin loop fast back and I'm not able to block in time. Help.

Links in this Episode

Jordan 191

Slow Spinny Topspin

The Standard Grips

Keeping the Ball Low

We discuss the results and the green floor

This Day in History - 4:15

Doctor Who?

Last #PQOTD - 5:12

How many years have you been playing Table Tennis? Have you ever taken a few years break?

#PQOTD - 7:17

Have you ever played in a tournament? If you have, what was the last tournament you played in?

Improving Your Short Wide Return - 7:45

Mike: Hi Alois and Jeff! Lately, I have been getting side under which goes out wide, and very short to my forehand. Sometimes I return it to my right or left with backspin. My opponent loops it to my backhand as I pull back. How do I improve that return?

Learning Lag Time - 10:57

Pasquale: When i practice technique in my session and then I play, is it normal that when i do that technique soon after I make many mistakes. But after a day or 2 without playing, I have improved the technique without doing anything? Is this normal?

Switching Strokes - 13:47

Bob: Hi! I seem to have challenges, going quickly from back to forehand and forehand to backhand. I tend to get stuck and am not back fast enough. Any ways to improve this?

Serving with Disguise - 16:55

Jakhongir: How to serve no spin but make the serve look like a spin serve?

Links in this Episode

Rio Test Event Results

Improvement is a long term activity

Improving Your Reflexes

No Spin Serve

Serving Secrets - for premium members

Switching between backhand and forehand - for premium members

Random & Competitive Drills - for premium members

Training Drills PDF

Brazilian Soccer Legend Pele Achieves a Milestone

Last #PQOTD - 2:48

What will take you further, Talent or Technique?

#PQOTD - 6:10

How many years have you been playing Table Tennis? Have you ever taken a few years break?

Friday Funnies - 6:40

Service Tactics - 7:10

Ilia: What is the best serve & receive tactics against a player who tries to cover everything with forehand?

Encouraging People to use Multiball - 9:30

Ilia: I think that multiball is a ridiculously effective tool. But it is so hard to convince people to do it. Moreover, some people get very irritated when they see others doing multiball! Why it is like that?

Receiving Forehand Serve - 11:25

Abhinav: Whenever a tomahawk serve by a right handed player or a pendulum serve by left handed player comes from his side (my backhand) to my forehand, I try to keep it low but it jumps high and if I try to attack, then it goes to net or out.

Backhand Flick and Banana Flick - 13:56

Tushar: I want to ask what is the difference between Backhand Flick and Backhand Sidespin Flick (Banana Flick)? What are their advantages.

Backhand from Forehand Side - 16:20

Tam: Can touching with your backhand from forehand side be used as a substitute for forehand touch as I have seen many young players use it. Is it because you can achieve a better angle?

Links in this Episode

Bounce - by Matt Syed

The Talent Code - by Daniel Coyle

Outliers - by Malcolm Gladwell

Introduction to Multiball

Receiving Secrets Course - for premium members

Backhand Flick

Backhand Sidespin Flick (Banana Flick)

Baby Rabbits?

Last #PQOTD - 2:15

Who or what is your favourite training partner?

#PQOTD - 4:40

What will take you further, Talent or Technique?

Throwback Thursday - 5:02

Physical Warm Up

Drills to Improve Reactions - 8:08

Chris: From your video anticipation, it seems that the only way to improve ones reaction times is experience. I was thinking: are there simply drills that improve reaction times?

Head Movement for Loop - 12:06

Tim: I have always had a bit of a problem when I loop, with my head going up/back, more on my forehand. I know that it is bad but I really struggle to break the habit. As a result I miss the ball quite a bit, and I also think it costs me power. Any tips?

Moving Early for Return of Serve - 18:20

Tam: Hi Alois, I notice against a lot of his opponents Koki Niwa moves to do a backflick from short forehand before the opponent has even contacted the ball, how does he know that the opponent won't play a fast topspin serve long to his forehand?

Links in this Episode

Test Event for Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Physical Warm-up

Anticipation

Introduction to Multiball

Basic Stance

Koki Niwa vs Ma Long

Backhand Sidespin Flick

There's a mouse in the house.

Last #PQOTD - 2:28

Have you tried Boosting?

#PQOTD - 5:34

Do you think Zhang Jike is finished? Will he play in Rio Olympics?

Technique Tuesday - 5:55

Forehand Topspin Variations

Help with Judging Length - 9:17

Viktor: I have a problem with my loops / FH and BH topspins, everytime my opponents do a short serve I try to topspin the ball automatically so I miss the ball but when it's long I miss the ball or do a lob if I dont have time for a loop but that can be trouble.

Experience v Talent - 13:00

Esteban: Say maybe in a game. Is it possible for one with almost no experience to beat someone with a bit more experience because of talent?

Are Robots Worth It? - 16:20

Jeff: is it worth the money to buy a ping pong robot?

Getting the Timing Right - 19:23

Anish: Please suggest me something to hit all the counter balls on the maximum height with a slightly closed angle and adjust to all types of balls received on my side improving overall timing.

Links in this Episode

Forehand Topspin Variations

Geelong Cats Destroy the Melbourne Demons by 186 Points

Footwork for a Short Ball

In the show we're going to talk about all the interesting results from the Swedish Open. And we'll be answering lots of your questions about anticipation, footwork, variation, having an attacking mindset and more. Yes it is a big show.

On This Day - 1:30

A Soccer legend makes his debut

Swedish Open Wrap - 2:03

We discuss the interesting results and Zhang Jike's future

Last #PQOTD - 7:05

Who is the most famous player you have met in person?

#PQOTD - 9:15

Have you tried Boosting?

Anticipation and Moving Early - 9:40

Ilia: When do you judge the placement of your opponent's stroke and start moving into position? When he swings? Or when the ball leaves the racket? What do you think about guessing placement from previous experience with this player and start moving very early?

Moving Out Wide - 11:48

Ilia: Hi! I often notice that when moving into position for a relatively large distance, I make a few small side steps, instead of a single big one. How to make myself use a large step and is it worth doing?

How Much Time Do You Play Table Tennis? - 14:10

Rodrigo: Im probably out of context, but how much time do you play table tennis?

Observation About Dogs - 15:23

Brian: Brian: Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you but when you take him on a car ride, he sticks his head out of the window?

Varying Your Pushing - 15:53

Mike: Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed your weekend :) Sometimes I get into a chopping rally, normally I look for a ball to attack, but I can't attack every single chop shot. How do you vary spin during a chop rally in order to keep your opponent off balance?

Aggressive Mind Set - 18:05

Abhinav: For 2 months I have become more aggressive. I attack every possible chance I get. But sometimes I make mistakes and attack throng ball and lose the point. So what to do to correct this? And should I continue to be aggressive?

Head Tilt for Push - 19:47

Anup: My head tilts towards the side spin while returning, this makes me lose my sense of orientation if the rally continues. Is there any correlation?

Overcoming Spin for 3rd Ball - 21:10

Sam: I have recently mastered my service return, by hitting the same side of the ball that the server strikes to get a good return. My new problem is when I serve a sidespin serve, the 3rd ball is sometimes tricky. Should i hit the same side as the serve?

Links in this Episode

Improv Comedy - Game 185

Swedish Open

Anticipation

Improving Your Reflexes

The Push in Detail

Moving Out Wide Master Class - for premium members

Third Ball Tips Master Class - for premium members

Effective Third Ball Master Class - for premium members

Adam Bobrow (Table Tennis Commentator for the ITTF) - Do you like his style?

#PQOTD - 2:56

Who is the most famous player you have met in person?

On This Day - 3:20

Alois reveals an exciting fact about this day in history

Friday Funnies - 4:15

We tell some really really funny jokes that PingSkillers have told on our Facebook page.

Table Lighting - 6:08

Homero: My current lighting scheme in my pingpong table room is very poor, it is a regular 2 light bulb scheme. I want to improve my current situation: I want to know about the ideal number of light bulbs, its position relative to themselves and the table.

Serves for Shorties - 8:06

Eihaa: Hello I am ten years old and I found it difficult to do most of the serves because I am to small. What type of service do you think is the best for me. I am an all round player.

What Spin Should I Learn First? - 9:53

Dorian: I just started to play ping pong what type of spin should I try to learn first? Topspin, underspin, or side spin? Thanks.

Backhand Hook Shot - 11:35

Manfred: I still practise the hooking forehand topspin - works fine occasionally. I wonder whether the same is possible with the backhand or is there any technique to make the ball curve more sidewards?

Links in this Episode

Strokes & Techniques Section

Forehand Counterhit

Backhand Counterhit

Sidespin Backhand Topspin - for premium members

Robert Louis Stevenson

What is the furthest you have travelled to play Table Tennis?

#PQOTD - 2:59

Adam Bobrow (Table Tennis Commentator for the ITTF) - Do you like his style?

On This Day - 3:35

Alois talks about interesting topics that happened on this day in history.

Throwback Thursday - 4:35

Trick Serves Video

Older Players Switching to Funny Rubber - 6:45

Mike: Hi guys! I noticed since my return to table tennis last year, that some older players have switched to long or short pips, when they been playing with smooth rubber most of their lives. Why do you think that sort of switch occurs with older players?

Stop with the Banana Flick - 8:03

Ilia: I can effectively use the banana flip against weaker playerst. But against stronger ones I lose more points than I win with the flip. Moreover, a coach told me that this shot "is not my level" and I should forget about it. So should I really give up on it?

Receiving Serves Curving Into Forehand - 10:12

Eugene: I'm a right hander and I have a problem receiving left spin serves like tomahawk, reverse pendulum serve backhand serve etc that comes to my forehand. When left spin comes to my forehand my wrist becomes uncomfortable because I have to lay it back.

Returning Low Serves - 14:12

Venk: Some of my opponents are doing side spin service nearly at net height almost touching the net. If I return with a chop or push they can smash it easily. Can you please tell me what would be the best way to return this type of service?

Common Grips - 16:57

Randal: So is it completely wrong to use a grip that isn't the 2 most common grips? I play with my four fingers in the handle and my thumb pointed up on the backside. Is it still better to go against all my muscle memory and go with a more standard grip?

Two Finger Grip - 21:08

Krishna: Its normal that most of the players keep 1 finger at the backhand but I keep 2 fingers is there any side-effect or disadvantage can you help me out plzzz?

Links in this Episode

PingSkills Trick Serve Video

Get a Grip

ITtv

Keeping the Ball Low

Playing Against Long Pimples

Playing Against Short Pimples

Backhand Sidespin Flick

Receiving Principles

The Push in Detail

Alois has been in Belgium!

This Day in History - 2:02

We talk about an American President

Performing Well in Competition - 2:35

Jeff's Rubik's Cube tournament and discussion on what it takes to perform at your best

Last #PQOTD - 6:45

Is serving too big a factor in Table Tennis? Should the serving rules be changed to make it easier for receivers?

#PQOTD - 11:04

What is the furthest you have travelled to play Table Tennis?

Tournament Wrap - 11:33

Women's World Cup

Losing to Kids - 13:46

Ilia: Something really related to table tennis :) Jeff, when you lose to kids in Rubik's cube competition, how do you feel?

Table Tennis Tables - 16:35

Osse02: Do you guys sell table tennis tables?

Watching the Ball - 17:08

Utkarsh: I generally rely on my peripheral vision during a rally. I lose many points because I'm not good at keeping a track on the ball. I tried watching the ball all the way but then I can't concentrate on placement and watching opponent's position.

Is The Short Push Overrated - 19:27

Ilia: I notice that short push is almost useless or even detrimental because for the short push to be effective it has to be tight otherwise it gives an opportunity for a lights-out attack. And to make it tight, one has to read the spin 100% correctly.

Best Way To Develop Strokes - 23:07

BWilson808: As a beginning player, I'm still trying to develop my strokes. Would you consider it more important to slowly progress in multiple strokes at once or direct all attention to learning one specific stroke at a time?

Links in this Episode

Alois in Belgium

The Push in Detail

PingPod #42 - Change the Service Rule

Jeff's Official Rubik's Cube Results

2B 1F then moving it up to random.

Last #PQOTD - 4:26

How do you interact with us. Do you have a free PingSkills account, are you a premium member, do you watch on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter? Let us know.

#PQOTD - 6:36

Is serving too big a factor in Table Tennis?  Should the saving rules be changed to make it easier for receivers?

On This Day - 7:08

Social Celebrity

Anton Kallberg’s Serve - 9:00

Tam: What serve does Anton Källberg do and what makes it so effective?

Stefan Fegerl’s Serve - 10:48

Eugene: What serve is Stefan Fegerl doing. He swings his bat behind his body after the serve and look like a pendulum serve but the spin goes to Fegerl's forehand. What is the advantage of this serve?

Is It Time To Change Partners? - 15:23

Romeo: I decided to use the BH flick to receive the ball but I hit my bat and it broke. I glued it but it broke again. Can I still use it?

Links in this Episode

Training Drills PDF

Anton Kallberg’s Serve

Stefan Fegerl's Serve

How To Tell If Your Bat is Broken

New York Underground

Last #PQOTD - 2:30

Are the top Table Tennis players paid enough?

#PQOTD - 5:32

How do you interact with us. Do you have a free PingSkills account, are you a premium member, do you watch on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter? Let us know.

Technique Tuesday - 6:03

The Push in Detail

Shoulder Rotation or Movement - 9:05

Il: I have a problem with correct shoulder movement. Is there any slight pronation forward - left in the shoulder joint when I have to hit the ball? Or only I have to move with front head of the shoulder and after the the contact I continue forward?

Preparation for Tournament - 11:17

Raaquib: 1. how much sleep do you need before you play a match, Tournament. 2. how much do you need to eat before you play a match, Tournament.

Hitting the Ball Faster - 14:44

Christian: How do i increase the speed of the ball myself, because at the moment i'm only getting momentum off other people's shots?

Stokes & Techniques - 17:05

All videos on the strokes & techniques page are now available for free PingSkills members.

Links in this Episode

The Push in Detail

What to Expect at a Tournament

The Forehand Counterhit

The Forehand Topspin Against Block

Advanced Forehand Topspin

We discuss the interesting results from the latest World Tour Event.

Joke of the Day - 5:25

Should we keep the joke of the day and could you contribute?

Last #PQOTD - 6:10

Who is the best player you have played?

#PQOTD - 9:31

Are the top Table Tennis players paid enough?

On This Day - 9:52

Uluru

Forehand Finish Position - 10:38

Ilia: How these two thing affect finish position of the FH topspin (1) distance to the table (2) hardness of the rubber?

Washing Ball with Clothes - 12:37

Johan: Ever washed a ping pong ball with your clothes?

Drills Before Tournament - 13:53

Yoan: What do you think are the best drills to practice before a tournament ? Thank you :)

Blocking Spinny Topspin - 15:28

Thijs: I push as short and low as I can. But this Guy is waiting and spins the ball even 1 inch behind the table towards my forehand. I'm ready to block but almost every time the ball goes high/long. Doesn't help if I block early or later. Nothing works.

Plastic Ball Selection - 19:08

Vijay: I have a question on ball selection, Since the balls are now made of plastic, there are many to choose and most have different bounces and speed, further this affects my speed and timing. So is there a standard test we can use to test them?

Thanks - 22:25

Yoan: Hi Alois and Jeff ! I just wanted to thank you for your implication in the sport. Awesome job you guys are doing, keep going we all love you ! :)

Links in this Episode

Polish Open Results

Watch the Top Players on itTV

How To Counter a Slow Spinny Topspin

The Push in Detail

The Finish Position

Match Routine Drills - for premium members

Choosing a Ball

Canberra and Traffic Lights

Friday Funnies - 1:30

How do you arrange a table tennis tournament on Mars?

Last #PQOTD - 2:10

What is the best thing about Table Tennis?

#PQOTD   4:19

Who is the best player you have played?

Tracking for Forehand - 4:40

Dieudo: do you think keeping track of the ball with my eyes all the way as it comes to my side of the table is necessary when playing a forehand? Sometimes I feel like I should have focused more on the ball because it slips right next to my racquet.

Pace of Serve for Maximum Effect - 6:49

Daniel: How can I maximize the effects of spin while serving (especially sidespin)? Getting the right contact and brushing motion is important as I realized but if I wish to maximize sidespin on the serve will the velocity of the ball be important as well?

Consistency - 10:18

Oscar: What's the meaning of consistency? Is the word for continuous stokes?

When to Move up Drills - 11:34

Mark: Starting to do some drilling sessions with a practice partner, but we're still at the point where our placement is a bit sloppy and the ball falls out of play fairly often. Is it worthwhile to add in some mixed drills yet?

Links in this Episode

Anticipation (watching the ball)

Improving Your Reflexes

How to do a short fast serve

Master Class - How To Improve Consistency

Free Consistency Chart

Choosing Drills

Parachuting and Marty McFly

Last #PQOTD - 3:29

What frustrates you the most?

#PQOTD - 5:40

What is the best thing about Table Tennis?

Throwback Thursday - 6:12

Our First Ask the Coach Show question - Racket Height: Should the racquet be the same height as the ball or should it be lower than the ball?

Tactics Against Tall Players - 8:03

Viktor: Hey Pingskills I did listened to your advice about topspin into his middle but I do several fast topspins in the middle but all he does is either block it or a fast backhand sidespin flick to my BH or FH area and I'm not fast enough to return the ball :((

Confusing Returns - 9:49

Sandeep: When i play table tennis the opponent gives different serves and i often confuse which action to use and i lose my points so please advice

Confusing Serve - 12:31

Infernal Ping Pong Player: Do you know a service that is not too advanced but not too basic?

Vertical or Horizontal Forehand Stroke - 18:12

Ernest: 1. Can u tell me when we do more vertical stroke and when we do a more forward stroke in performing a topspin stroke? 2. Would you also show me the angle of the bat regarding my questions in number 1?

Playing Waldner - 22:28

Viktor: How would you stand against Waldner in a match?

Links in this Episode

Ask the Coach Show #1

Ask the Coach Show Blog Entries

Receiving Secrets Course - fore premium members

Serving Secrets Course - for premium members

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Forehand Topspin Bat Angle - for premium members

Forehand Topspin Variations - for premium members

Xs and Hs

Last #PQOTD - 5:16

Will anyone get close to Ma Long for the Rio Olympics Men’s singles title?

Ma Long vs Fan Zhendong - 8:04

Ilia: During this season of the Chinese Super League Ma Long lost to Fan Zhendong several times. But on the international stage Ma Long overpowered him wihtout giving a chance. How could it be?

Effective Long Serves - 12:18

Mike: Hi Guys! Satoshi Aida in the men's semifinal in the US Open 2015, did a serve (7:48 on youtube) which was slow and long to the forehand. There were many instances where Wang Jinxin could not loop the serve, why was Aida's serve so successful?

New Rival - 15:46

Viktor: Hey PingSkills I have a brand new rival and guess what, He's really tall,,HUGE like a giant.He said he was 7'4 and 360 pounds and he's a very good player, he said he was the best in his club and been playing for 35 years,He topspins and smash on every ball, he has also won 15 tournamens, won 5 tours in a row at best. This will be a really tough challenge for me, His friend and him attemted 2500 counterhits in a row within 50 minutes, It's crazy!!!! I guess he's better than you guys on amount counterhits :)))

#PQOTD - 17:04

What frustrates you the most?

Twisting for Strokes - 17:37

Marv: I have just recently noticed that if I turn my body at the waist while hitting a topspin drive or loop against a backspin shot, I get better results. When I do these turns, I seem to get the ball back much more reliably. Does this sound right?

Ma Long's Fast Straight Serve - 20:26

Yap: How to serve a fast, straight and long ball to surprise the opponent? Ma Long serves that ball.

Topspins Hit Top of Net - 23:08

Nagaraj: I am currently working on my forehand topspin. I am not bad at it. I get most of the topspins on the table. I start at my thigh level and finish up above head level. What sometimes happens is, my topspin hits the top of the net and sails off.

Height - 24:43

Viktor: Do you know how much 7'4 is in cm?

Links in this Episode

Training Drills PDF

US Open Semi-Final 2015 with effective long serves

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members

Fast Serve Down the Line

Don't Use a Plain Topspin Serve

Ma Long's Fast Serve Down the Line

Drop Shot Off a Lob

On This Day - 3:31

Sydney Opera House

Last #PQOTD - 4:47

Who can break the Chinese domination?

#PQOTD - 6:57

Will anyone get close to Ma Long for the Rio Olympics Men’s singles title?

Who Wins the Point? - 7:22

What’s your decision. Take a look at the 1st point of the 4th Game between Ma Long and Fan Zhendong in the World Cup final. Something interesting happens. What’s your decision?

Can I Power Loop a Serve? - 11:48

Ilia: Suppose that a long, fast flat serve is coming to your FH hitting zone, and the serve is below the net string. Is it possible to powerloop it? What is the correct contact point on the ball in this case?https://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/strokes-and-technique/forehand-topspin-against-block/

Perfect Training Partner - 14:04

Raphael: I'm currently a varsity in table tennis in our school and my question is what is the perfect training partner for me? Once we competed with other schools, they crushed me because i can't receive their heavy spin serves and their skill is too good.

Black Spots - 16:49

Tushar: My racket's rubber has some black spots on edges and centre. What are they?

Ding Ning’s Reverse Tomahawk - 17:51

Yap: Alois, how does Ding Ning do the Reverse Tomahawk serve? Does Ding Ning need a special table tennis bat to do that serve?

Links in this Episode

Drop Shot off a Lob

Who Wins the Point?

Sydney Opera House

Ding Ning's Reverse Tomahawk Serve

How to Beat the Chinese

Forehand Topspin

Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members

We discuss the results and announce the winner of our competition.

Last #PQOTD - 5:20

How many times have you hit a "round the net” shot?

#PQOTD - 7:37

Who can break the Chinese domination?

This Day in History - 8:00

Australian Goldrush!

What to Practice? - 9:30

Ilia: I'm used to do a lot of footwork in my training. But when I face better players, I lose mostly due to my sloppy receive, 3rd, 4th ball attack skills. Is it good idea to abandon footwork for a while and dedicate 100% of the time to serve & receive drills?

Serving Elbow Position - 11:34

Eugene: What is the serving elbow position? Should I lock my elbow in the same position throughout the serve? Because I have a habit of lifting my arm up as on toss the ball up.

Improving Reaction Time - 13:40

Sutthikan: How do I improve my body reaction faster to hit the ball and make my eye catch up to the ball?

Topspin v Sidespin Contact - 16:17

Il: I have a problem with getting more topspin instead of sidespin topspin. I don't know how to brush the ball on the contact with the wrist - with straight line or closed (rounded contact)?

Soft Sponge vs Hard Sponge - 18:20

Ilia: Does the sponge hardness affect amount of spin you can generate on the serve? What gives more spin: soft or hard sponge?

Links in this Episode

Men's World Cup

Watch top table tennis at ITTF itTV

Training Secrets Course

Serving Secrets Course

Improving Your Reflexes

Forehand Topspin Against Block

Sidespin Forehand Topspin

Tragedy!

#PQOTD - 2:13

How many times have you hit a "round the net” shot?

Last #PQOTD - 2:39

Who has the best footwork in Table Tennis?

Throwback Thursday on Friday  - 4:52

The Ping Pong Zone

Competition for a Quarterly PingSkills Premium Membership - 9:41

How many points will the qualifier win against Ma Long in the 1st Round of the World Cup Main Draw?

Illegal Serves - 13:27

Mike: Hi Guys, glad to see your back! I was watching the Gary Cup Finals from 2014, it was Eugene Wang vs Kewei Li. I noticed Kewei Li would toss the ball short and back towards him. Isn't that an illegal serve?

Penhold Backhand Attack - 14:56

Georgi: How to attack on backhand while playing with penhold grip?

Strategy for 11 instead of 21 - 16:38

Thijs: I currently play in 2 leagues. The league where I play every match, we play to 21. In the other league, I'm a reserve player so I don't play very often. There they play to 11. Next year, the first mentioned league will play up to 11. Any thoughts?

Kenta’s Forehand Sidespin Block - 19:10

Yazid: Hi alois . i watch the match kenta vs xu xin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_XeJT2-_iw. Kenta does a lot of sidespin blocks and one of those is forehand sidespin block . How to do forehand sidespin block.

Links in this Episode

Thorsten Schwinn Amazing Footwork

The Ping Pong Zone

Men's World Cup

Flying Pancake

Penhold Techniques

Kenta Matsudaira's Sidespin Block

Ferly Forehand

Last #PQOTD - 5:00

What are your superstitions?

#PQOTD - 8:42

Who has the best footwork in Table Tennis?

Relaxed Swing - 9:01

Eugene: Should the topspin swing be relaxed and just let the arm flow through just like a golf swing? Or should I control it and use my own strength to swing? I personally think that relaxing the arm while swinging will have a more powerful stroke.

Varying Chops - 11:33

Hao: how do you increase and decrease the amount of backspin on the ball when doing either the chop (assuming that my forehand has and inverted and my backhand has long pips).

Blade Matters - 14:39

Sergio: I have seen you say that when building a bat that the blade doesn't matter too much. I guess I'd like to know why it is you say this. Don't different blades made out of different materials react differently?

Links in this Episode

Training Drills PDF

Forehand Topspin

Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members

What happened in 1792?

Technique Tuesday - 2:52

Footwork basics

Last #PQOTD - 8:06

What have you been doing with your Table Tennis in the last month?

#PQOTD - 10:09

What are your table tennis superstitions?

Slow Spinny Topspin - 11:14

Marcin: Is there a similarity between the technique for a slow spiny topspin and topspin of backspin?

Staying Low - 13:42

Tam: how does Andreas Levenko stay really low for the whole game I have never seen any player stay as low as him also what physical training must he be doing to stay in that position all game and have such good footwork?

League Game Nerves - 15:57

Eileen: When I am practicing at our club events I play good shots but when I start playing in the League I seem to go to pieces. Also I am not really good at reading the spins yet. Will I ever overcome this. I love playing. Please can you help?

Spin in Different Directions - 20:50

Het: How to serve in a particular way that the ball goes in a different direction each time it bounces ....IS IT POSSIBLE?

Links in this Episode

Basic Footwork

Basic Stance

Slow Spinny Topspin - for premium members

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

Sports Psychology Course

Receiving Secrets Course

Where have we been?

Last #PQOTD - 4:42

How often do you change your equipment?

This Day in History - 7:49

Raincoats?

#PQOTD - 9:33

What have you been doing with your Table Tennis in the last month?

Tournament Wrap - 10:00

European Championships & Asian Championships.

Playing Danish Athletes - 14:39

Trevor: Tuning in from holiday in Denmark, did any of you play vs any Danish players in your career?

Gluing Rubbers - 15:46

Luke: Hey pingskills, how do you normally glue your racket? As a looper I tend to hit the ball with the edge of my racket. Eventually leaving me with a partially unstuck rubber which makes it hard to loop. Then I've got to glue it again... So continues the cycle

Forehand From Middle - 17:25

Ilia: Suppose that I'm a right-hander playing against another one. The ball is coming into my middle I and want to play a FH topspin to backhand. Should I adjust my feet position, or just try to turn my body more, like in a down-the-line shot?

Ball Toss on Serve - 19:29

Richard: I know you're not supposed to toss it towards you and that it should be as vertical as possible but do you toss it right in front of you or should it be tossed slightly to the side of you, as in towards your bat?

Topspin Serves - 21:51

Harshit: Can you help me with topspin serves? I can't figure out how to do it. If you can, it would be very helpful.

Follow Up Forehand - 25:29

Hao: When i rally I am unable to hit the second ball coming to me. I serve, my opponent pushes, I topspin the ball back, my opponent does the same and when that ball comes back to me, I would be unable to hit it. Is it because I play close to the table?

Links in this Episode

Asian Championships

European Championships

European Para Championships

Replacing Your Rubber

Don't Use a Plain Topspin Serve

Pendulum Serve - for premium members

How to hit the ball down the line - for premium members

Forehand Followup Master Class - for premium members

What is the strangest thing you have seen on a TT court?

#PQOTD - 7:05

How often do you change your equipment?

Throwback Thursday - 7:30

Match Analysis - Carter v Kek

Diet - 11:11

Brian: Do you guys have any diets when preparing for tournaments? I've always had the right exercise plans, but i don't know what to eat.

Other High Toss Serves - 13:13

Ilia: Have you ever seen someone doing a high toss backhand or reverse pendulum serve?

Training Schedules - 14:19

Lakshya: We have not too much time to train, only 2-2:30 hours to play. In that time we have to do physical too. So how do we manage time? We don't have a good coach so how do we improve ourselves?

Reverse Backhand Penhold and Wrist Strength - 17:35

Manikantan: I'm a Penhold RBP player and find heavier bat setup very hard to play with. Is there anything you would recommend to increase wrist-strength ?

Table Tennis Etiquette - 19:19

Brian: Is there proper etiquette when playing? I know how to act while playing tennis or golf, but not table tennis.

Throwing Ball Vertically - 22:00

Il: How many degrees is the legal rule for throwing of the ball in the air when the player serves?

Bent Wrist - 24:04

Sebastian: When Im play forehand my wrist is bent down, plus I’m left handed so i'm adding a lot of sidespin to the ball and I’m having problems playing down the line. But it will take months to learn it the right way. Do you have any tips?

Change Grip or Bat - 27:07

Christopher: I use a Donic Dotec blade with an ergonomic handle which I really like but when I change from forehand to backhand I turn my bat slightly closed, and I feel it doesn't sit right in my hand, should I change my technique, my bat or persevere?

Peace from Algeria

Ramzi: Hey there ! Guys its me Ramzi from last year if you remember just checking you out and you helped me a lot i have become a little better and keep on the fantastic work ! Peace from Algeria

Links in this Episode 

Carter V Kek Match Analysis

PingSkills Vault to store tactics

Nutrition for Table Tennis by Dr. Chandra MADHOSINGH

Training Plan

Training Drills

Training Secrets Course

Correcting Errors - for premium members

Karate Kid II Drum Scene

Almost Vertical Rule in the Handbook for Match Officials - See the bottom of page 14 for the explanation

High Toss Serve - for premium members

What is the best advice you have received in a match?

#PQOTD - 6:00

What is the strangest thing you have seen on a TT court?

Drill of the Week - 6:25

The Benefits of Random Drills

ITTF Star Awards - 9:59

We talk about the different categories in the ITTF Star Awards

Best Backhand - 14:00

Mike: Hi guys! :) In your opinion who has the best backhand in the game of table tennis in both Men's and Women's?

Palm Hurting - 16:03

Ernest: Right now i'm using a flared handle. When i play too long, suddenly i have a callous on my palm. Do you think changing blade with another handle (e.g. anatomic/straight) will solve my callous problem? It really hurts.

Edge Shots - 18:41

Bryan: As I get better I am finding that more shots catch the edge of my bat or a finger. There is no limit on the size of the bat so would I benefit from using a slightly bigger bat? And a related question: Should I watch the ball right to the bat?

Exercises for Chopping - 21:05

Brian: When i'm chopping, I always feel awkward, and it feels like I don't have the proper stroke, do you have any exercises to practice chopping?

Topspin Flick - 22:55

Romeo: I'm sure we have all seen how players attack the flick to their backhand with their backhand. The question is, are they doing a topspin or a counter-hit? I find it hard to believe that they are even able to attack the ball.

Shoulder Dropping - 25:45

Soumyajit: When I am trying to hit a fast forehand top spin or a forehand smash my left shoulder falls down. Then I either hit the ball into the net or pus it further and miss the table. What can I do to make sure that my left shoulder does not fall away?

Chopping Equipment - 28:43

Brian: Brian: I have a Nittaku Haneyoshi defensive blade, and XIOM Vega Asia rubbers on both sides. Is this setup suitable for chopping, or should I get a different one?

Links in this Episode

Training Drills PDF

Random Drills - for premium members

ITTF Star Awards

Forehand Chop

Backhand Chop

Multiball Extras and how to feed for a chopper - for premium members

How to Choose a Bat

Improving Your Reflexes (we talk about the importance of watching the ball) - for premium members

Karate Kid II Drum Scene

When does enough training become too much?

#PQOTD - 6:50

What is the best advice you have received in a match?

The Sound of Topspin - 6:58

Ilia: Hi, when I was in a camp, coaches told me that a good topspin should have a soft gentle sound at contact. However, when I watch top players, their rackets 'click' all the time, even when they finish their strokes nice and high. So how could it be?

What is Anti Spin - 9:18

Tushar: What is a anti spin rubber? What are its advantages? Who uses them?

Using Anti Spin - 11:15

Jith: My daughter has started playing TT just a couple of months back with a readymade GKI kungfu racket. He had suggested a few blades. He has further suggested that she start with a anti spin rubber on one side and Mark V or Sriver on the other side.

Strong Open Up - 13:22

Ilia: I find strong open ups very difficult. I can do them in training with ~50% chance of success and use them in matches only occasionally. does it make sense to work on those aggressive shots, or it is better to concentrate on something else?

Playing against Dead Balls - 16:12

Romeo: My coach has always told me to take dead balls on the rise, topspin balls on the peak, and backspin balls on the fall. Recently, I have seen Ma Long do a backhand topspin off backspin shot on the rise. I noticed heeded it well. How?

Receiving Slow Topspin Serve - 18:42

Ernest: Can u tell me some options to receive a slow topspin serve? And which is the most effective stroke between those options?

Links in this Episode

Effects of Rubbers

Choosing a Table Tennis Bat

Forehand Topspin Against Backspin

Advanced Forehand Topspin - for premium members

Forehand Flick

Will Zhu Yuling win the 2016 Olympic Women's singles?

#PQOTD - 4:09

When does enough training become too much?

Throwback Thursday - 4:35

Fast Pushing Master Class

Serve Patterns - 7:04

Aryaman: During a match, Is it really important to execute a serve randomly or in a definite pattern or manner? Can you tell me a serve which is ideal for both the state level as well as national level player.

Contact Point for Serve - 11:05

Il: When I serve is the point of the contact on the ball exactly in front of the body? Or not always?

Forehand Flick for Top Players - 13:35

Tam: Hi PingSkills, why do the top players only backhand flick or touch serves that come to their forehand and not forehand flick?

Rosskopf’s Service Grip - 15:03

Marcin: Jorg Rosskopf used a different grip for the pendulum serve. He had all his fingers spread out on the backhand side rubber. Is there someone else doing this grip now? When I tried it, it felt pretty good. Extremely stable. Are there disadvantages?

Links in this Episode

Fast Pushing Master Class