Roll the Low Ones - Hit the High Ones
On a recent visit to a local table tennis club, I was asked the following question. "Can you coach someone to play like you?" He also mentioned something about my off speed shots causing him some anxiety. I usually use medium pips on one side of my racket. My answer was that of course I could teach someone to play like that - hopefully better than I do. What kind of coach couldn't teach the exact style that they use themselves?
It did raise some questions though. Why would someone want to play that style? Perhaps it would be better to learn how to play against it. If I did coach someone to play exactly that way, could they actually do it? Probably not. The best I could do is explain how to use pips out rubber, and try to discern if they were a good candidate for using it. There are some very real disadvantages to a pips out style - unless you are very skilled with it.
With pips, any low ball that you don't want to push, you'll have to roll. This is a fairly easy shot to make with pips that have rough tops that grip the ball. It's not so easy with some pips. This is an essential shot, but not the preferred one. The most effective shot is a flat hit. The ball will need to be above the level of the net to have any chance for success. This is why short pips hitters need to have excellent footwork. Some pips out players claim to be able to loop with their pips. I have seen it done, but the effect is nothing like a strong loop with inverted rubber.
It's possible to hit with medium pips, and it's possible with long pips, just a little more difficult to learn. If you are using some type of pips that you hope to attack with, remember - roll the low ones, and hit the high ones.
-Jon Gustavson
The Student of Table Tennis
We teach best what we most need to learn. - Richard Bach
Have you been to a bookstore or library lately? I always wander over to the sports section hoping to find at least one book about table tennis. I know they exist, but I rarely find them. What I do find is a plethora of sports psychology books.
Given that table tennis is considered the best brain sport, it seems like we would spend a little more time on the mental aspects of our sport. I have always been fascinated by the connection between our minds and bodies. You can watch sports highlights on television every day. Table tennis players witness miraculous shots on a regular basis. I made at least two shots this weekend that I consider minor miracles.
Of all the players that I've coached, the ones who have progressed the most were students of the game. One of them has gone on to coach. I've also coached players who made some initial progress, only to plateau far below their potential. The underachievers were not unintelligent. They did appear to be thinking when they played. The overachievers think about playing every day. They think about it at work, when they are driving, and fall asleep wondering about the effectiveness of their serves.
From personal experience, I can say that this really never stops. After coaching for ten years, I continue to gain insights from meditating about table tennis. While this may seem odd to the general public, it not only helps me grow as a player, it is invaluable for coaching.
Is it true that we teach best what we most need to learn, or is this merely some new age gobbledygook? I know that I spend an inordinate amount of time working with players on footwork, which happens to be the weakest part of my own game. Coincidence? Maybe so. I do know that the players that excel can tell you exactly how they do it. They've put a lot of thought into it.
-Jon Gustavson
A Sticky Situation
Players are increasingly gravitating towards tacky table tennis rubber. The best selling rubbers have generally been popular because of their ability to grip the ball. There's usually a differentiation between grippy and tacky rubber. Sticky rubber is inherently grippy, but grippy rubber is not necessarily sticky.
The popularity of Chinese sticky rubbers has led to the so-called hybrid rubbers. These are for players who would like to play like the Chinese champions, but still feel European at heart. I actually use a tacky Chinese topsheet with a Japanese sponge, leaving me somewhat conflicted over international politics, but very happy with my backhand.
If you decide to go with a pure Chinese rubber, you may initially be disappointed. A hard sponge and a sticky topsheet feels pretty slow. To make your rubber live up to its potential, you'll need to apply a couple of layers of booster, which is also sticky, and possibly toxic.
Most discussions of boosting will mention that it might be illegal. Players will rave about the great feeling their racket has, but they wouldn't dream of using it in a tournament. But, if you do decide to boost your rubber, referees will not be able to detect it. Yet, another sticky situation.
Tackiness creates the sensation of being able to carry the ball over the net. The sticky topsheet kills some spin when returning serves, but creates plenty of spin for your serves.
There are some good reasons for the popularity of sticky rubbers. They work well with the plastic ball. They are great for forehands, and are becoming more popular for backhands. They make flicks easy, and are excellent for blocking. The sticky stuff is great for offense, and equally great for defense. Once you get used to tacky rubber, you'll likely stick with it.
-Jon Gustavson
Offense and Defense at Table Tennis Gwinnett by Jon Gustavson
Every player needs to be able to play some offense and play defense. I’ve been surprised at how many players can’t do a basic block. Most players could benefit from knowing when to attack- and when not to. The best table tennis coaches can coach offense and defense. But, sometimes it helps to work with a specialist. Table Tennis Gwinnett is run by the father-son team of Jon and Phillip Gustavson. Despite the blood relationship, we approach table tennis very differently. I tend to emphasize consistency and steady defense, and Phillip is a penhold attacker that looks to end the point as soon as possible.
I look to extend rallies and force mistakes, while Phillip looks to seize wins before his opponent can get comfortable. Regardless of your syle of play, there’s a time for aggressive attacks, and there’s a time for countering your opponents with defense. Different coaches will emphasize different levels of aggressiveness. Playing good defense will keep you in games. Attacking will help you win them.
Table Tennis on a Budget
Compared to many sports, table tennis can be very affordable- or you can spend quite a bit. There are some ways to maximize your table tennis experience and not spend too much. Most of the expenses fall into four categories-
Equipment- If you are addicted to buying new blades and rubber, you could easily spend $200 a month feeding your addiction. (I know of what I speak) Most of the best players I know are willing to invest in replacement rubber, but actually don’t spend much experimenting with new equipment. Unless you play or train every day, you might be able to limit your purchasesby maintaining the rubber you have, and asking for table tennis equipment for birthday and holiday presents.
Clubs- Some clubs are already very affordable, not only for table tennis, but for being in the company of other players. If the club near you is on the expensive side, it’s still worth considering what you might be spending your money on when you aren’t playing table tennis. Generally, annual memberships are a great value if you expect to play frequently.
Tournaments- Most local tournaments are not that expensive. Signing up early allows you to prepare adequately and enjoy the anticipation. They do get expensive if you travel and have to stay at a hotel. I try to do one out of town tournament a year. I enjoy the change of scenery and meeting new players. If you never play in tournaments, you are missing a great learning experience that will help in your development.
Coaching- I think most players would love to be able to train with a coach, but feel like it’s a luxury they can’t afford. Most of the players that I’ve coached tried to schedule sessions once a week. I had a few that only came once a month. What was surprising was that the once a month students were often more focused and seemed to progress nearly as fast as those who came once a week. Group lessons are more affordable, and often more productive. They are also more fun. With a little creative thinking, many players could be training regularly with a coach at an affordable price.
It’s very possible to play table tennis on a budget. With all of the mental and physical benefits of playing your best, you can’t afford not to.
-Jon Gustavson
The Great Table Tennis Paradox
Paradox - situation that exhibits inexplicable or contradictory aspects…
What makes table tennis so addictive? Our sport is a problem that can’t be solved. It’s easy to learn, but difficult to master. The casual player thinks it’s easy, and the professional finds it hard. It’s a friendly game, where you hope to destroy your opponent. Table tennis is addictive because it is an enigma. Athleticism helps, but is trumped by the skill of experienced players, regardless of their fitness level. Matches are often won by the more focused player, not always the smartest. It can be played at a frantic speed, but the more relaxed player frequently wins. Table tennis is challenging in a way that other sports aren’t. It’s not fun in a way that is easy. For those who love it, it’s fun because it’s not.
- Jon Gustavson