Lessons from the GOAT: Insights from Jan-Ove Waldner
We had a fantastic time meeting and hanging out with Jan Ove Waldner. Viewed as one of the greatest of all time, we were ready to find out about his view on the game. How he thinks about practice and if he would have any tips to help players improve.
We were not disappointed. Waldner showed us, as only he could, insights on his infamous blocking, legendary serve and even how to read the opponent. One of the most striking aspects of Waldner’s play is how he appears to have more time than anyone else. While others rush, he remains calm and collected, executing his shots with precision. When asked about this, Waldner revealed that the key to his composure lies in his ability to anticipate his opponent’s next move.
This skill, he described as “split-vision,” allows him to simultaneously track the ball and observe his opponent’s stance, grip, and movements. According to Waldner, this ability is not an innate gift limited to a select few. Instead, it’s a trainable skill that any player can develop with deliberate and consistent effort.
“Split-vision,” Waldner explained, is crucial in a high-speed game like table tennis, where a fraction of a second can determine the outcome of a point. It enables players to predict their opponent’s intentions and adjust their strategy in real time, giving them a significant advantage.
Waldner’s Training Tips for Split-Vision
To improve split-vision, Waldner suggests focusing on exercises that train players to balance their attention between the ball and their opponent. He emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance, as mastering this skill takes time.
Here’s one of Waldner’s recommended exercises:
- Set-Up: Player 1 stands on the backhand side of the table and plays forehand topspin shots into Player 2’s backhand corner.
- The Twist: At any moment, Player 1 can switch the ball’s direction to Player 2’s forehand side.
- Player 2’s Role: Player 2 must return all shots back to Player 1’s backhand corner while keeping a close eye on Player 1’s movements to anticipate the sudden switch.
This drill is not just about returning the ball but also about developing the ability to observe subtle cues from the opponent, such as a shift in grip, body position, or shot trajectory. Waldner cautions that this exercise can be challenging at first but insists that regular practice will lead to noticeable improvement.
So, the next time you step up to the table, remember: train your eyes, trust your instincts, and approach the game with the focus and creativity of the GOAT himself.
