8 Prime Points

Rowden March 2019

• Table tennis is all about CONTROLLING the play (basically being consistent) until you can win the point by some form of CHANGE (more power, speed or spin, better placement or angles, softer, shorter balls etc). These combinations of change whatever they may be, are the way our game is going to develop.

• Speed is ALWAYS the single most important factor in any style. Speed includes quickness in all areas, bat and ball, footwork, reactions, thinking and adaptability.
• Serve and receive and short play are an essential ingredient in getting in your own strengths – if you can’t control these areas then you will not be able to reach the higher levels. In Europe we are not precise enough in serve, receive and short play and are limited as a result in what we can do with the subsequent ball. Always look for the opportunity to go on the offensive and try to develop your attack system and your own individual style within the serve and receive scenario.
• If you move faster you are better placed and have a sounder base to attack strongly. There is then a better chance that your first attack will have quality. If you can play quality shots you will get weaker returns and have more chance to dominate.
• Winning the battle of placement enables you to use your tactics to the fullest extent. Any attack should be constant and should keep the opponent under pressure. Bear in mind too that change of tempo can just be as effective as increased power/speed.
• Timing and style will affect stance and movement patterns.
• Sequential play is vital – to connect up the 3rd and 5th shots for example, play sound linking shots and make combinations. Don’t get into the habit of playing weak or safe shots before attack. The mentally strong will win the initiative battles.
• Always consider the differing types of power; these are part of the various forms of change. Power can be:
1) Full (90% sufficient)
2) Medium (60 – 70%)
3) Using the opponent’s force (40 to 50% of own to gain 70 to 80% effect). This is a safe way to be aggressive
4) Absorbing the opponent’s power