going next level
cos asked 4 years ago
hi, i want to show a video about me playing and im curious about your opinion on how i can improve, and what i should do in training right now like on what i should focus? worth to mention that i can play 20h per week table tennis (4 trainings) with someone that is close to my level,
in my opinion i think i have some decent shots but what holds me back from going to next level is that i didnt pay to much atention on doing the basics in the right way (like keeping the arm relax, stay low and forward, and having corect move when i do topspin and many other things, (im the guy with t-shirt in gray) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbPTgDQwsDo&ab_channel=FlorinBN71
Tom Academy Coach answered 4 years ago
Hey! I think you are right in that by the looks of it you have some really nice shots, it’s just you need to really focus in on the key basic elements which can improve consistency like being relaxed and keeping balanced and keeping low. I would say your serve and forehand attack look very strong, and probably if you can get a bit more solid and confident on the backhand topspin’s this would help you have to move less and be more balanced in your game.
I think right now you should focus on being stable and consistent, so work on slowing down in practice and not rushing the shots, just going steady and keeping the ball on the table. Of course in time you can increase the speed and power but for your style of play I think consistent backhand and forehand topspin shots is important and also the footwork to get into position and keeping low.
In this video I believe you are a much better player than the guy you played but just made too many unforced mistakes, you had some great shots but just too many mistakes as well. I think with focusing on stopping mistakes and being consistent and with some practice at footwork and staying close to the table this will help you have more chances to attack and play to your strengths. You have a big potential to improve a lot and with 20h per week to practice that gives you time to work on these areas which is great!
Also some focus on keeping your pushes on the table and low will help you, and the serve and return also keeping them short and hard to attack for the opponent. So a few areas there for you to focus on but as you said it’s mostly doing the basics well and cutting out some of the mistakes and you will see big improvements! Anything else or other questions you have, just get in touch we are here to help 🙂
Thanks, Tom
cosi buy the par gerrel masterclass and i will try to implement his lessons in my game, and for now every time when i go to training i will do atleast 15-20 mins i will just serve, and focus on the key things ( how to hold the bat, keeping the wrist/arm relaxed, ball placement. etc..)
i kinda need to change all my game and this will be hard especially when i have this wrong patterns/habits in my game for years now, but im confident that i can do it and like you said if i can focus on my shots in a slower pace and learn the right technique great things can happen 🙂
Ahh nice, yes that will help your serving game for sure! I don’t think you need big changes, but just really focusing on getting the basics right and building a bit more solid game around what you already have. Definitely lots of room for improvement I can see you are keen to practice and get better and that is very important, so I’m sure together we can see big improvements in your game! 🙂
