1) Practice
Now this may seem obvious, but we’re not simply talking about turning up to the hall and playing it’s how you practice that counts. Every player is individual and to improve will have to go about training differently, so don’t fall into the trap of copying what other players are doing as that may not work for you. The variety of drills is also a huge aspect of training, if you repeat the same drills over and over most likely you’ll be strong in certain areas of your game but very weak in others. So, mix up your training as much as possible with exercises, multi-ball, fitness, serve and receive etc. The same goes for you your practicing with, try to branch out and play with some wide range players, by doing this you learn to play and adapt against different styles becoming a more versatile player, so it’s worth making the effort to find new and different players to train with.
2) Equipment
In today’s modern age of huge table tennis companies and their marketing of a massive range of blades and rubbers it can be confusing and complex choosing equipment. Remember more expensive equipment doesn’t mean it’s better because its individual for you, so what’s great for one player may be no good at all for you. The most key thing with your equipment is that you are comfortable with what your using and you have continuity. Find what you like and try to stick with it, constantly changing equipment makes it hard to focus on improving your skills. If it really is time to change, try other players or friend’s bats and find something you like the feel of, this is the best way to understand what type of equipment you prefer and what to look for.
3) Get a training buddy
Variety of practice is vital, however having a training buddy who you can rely on for a good quality of practice can be a massive help, ideally someone who is a similar level to yourself who is keen to practice. A training buddy or buddies are great because you can get that regular training to help and push each other to improve and really work on specific areas of your game.
4) Footwork
Footwork is the foundation and solid base for a strong overall game, moving around the court at all levels is vital, without developing good footwork and movement it’s difficult to progress. Whether this is footwork drills or fitness exercises off the table don’t neglect this fundamental area of the sport in your training. Having quick feet and strong legs cannot be underestimated in table in learning and improving other aspects of your game, especially in getting to the correct position for each shot more and more often.
5) Timing
This is something when learning table tennis does not get spoken about or worked on enough. Most players practice and learn to hit the ball at the top of the bounce which is important in general, but you should try to train a wide variety of timing points. In a match situation you will not always be in the correct position to play at the top of the bounce, you’ll have to adjust and adapt against all different styles of player. So, practice these 3 different timing points- As the ball is rising, top of the bounce, and as the ball is dropping. Doing this will enable you to adjust better for different balls and not be caught out as much from change in timing against different shots and opponents.
6) Feeling
Feeling in simple terms is the way you touch the ball and contact the rubber in a relaxed and softer manner. With the high amounts of spin in table tennis having a soft touch and good feeling is a big part of achieving a high level of consistency and control in your game. If you are hitting the ball and without thinking about the contact and playing with “feeling” it will be hard to combat high spin shots and also generate your own spin.
7) Psychology/mentality
Many people know the high value of sports psychology in any sport, and table tennis is no different. Some psychologists say 70% or more of your performance in matches or tournaments can be down to what happens in the mind. Of course, this topic covers a wide range of important aspects to consider, such as mental toughness, preparing for matches, recovering from disappointment and much more. There are so many resources online now which can teach you how to use sports psychology to your advantage, so if you are serious about improving then just as you train your shots on the table you should also train your psychology.
8) Tactics
Often when thinking about tactics in match play, people get caught up in the player who they are playing against and how to execute a tactical plan for that player. This is understandable as you certainly need to play differently against varying styles and players, however, it’s easy to forget about your strengths and what works for you. If you are only giving thought to your opponents, you will tend to forget yourself and what tactics you need to use play to your best ability.
9) Experience
This is not something that can be learnt over night and will take time to build up and requires patience but will have a positive impact on your development as a player. Making a conscious effort to get exposure to a wide variety of players, tournaments and training environments will only serve to build experience and make you a better player and learn faster.
10) Enjoy it
Most players start playing table tennis because they enjoy it, so don’t forget that, even the professional players try to include some fun elements in their practice, if you’re not enjoying what you do then it will be very hard to improve. So embrace the challenges, work hard in your training and matches by all means but enjoy yourself too, after all that’s a massive part of our great sport!
