USA Table Tennis

Tip of the Day - The Importance of Lobbing

Larry Hodges Sept. 18, 2013

One of the strange things top players and coaches often notice is that beginning/intermediate players who goof off and lob during practice often improve rapidly. There is a reason for this.

Tip of the Day - Should You Use a Super-Fast Racket?

Larry Hodges Sept. 17, 2013

Many beginning and intermediate players want a blazing fast racket, not realizing how much this is hurting their games. There are three problems with using a very fast racket.

Tip of the Day - Changing the Pace

Larry Hodges Sept. 16, 2013

A major weakness of many players is an inability to change the pace, and thereby throw your opponent’s timing off. Not doing so is a quick way of helping your opponent’s timing!

Tip of the Day - Look Forward to Lets

Larry Hodges Sept. 15, 2013

The title of this tip only applies to those who want to make it happen. Think of all the opponents you’ve played over the years who got irritated about balls rolling by, causing lets. 

Tip of the Day - Fake The Opposite Way Against Left-Handers

Larry Hodges Sept. 14, 2013

Many players have trouble playing left-handers – they simply aren’t used to them. (Left-handers have this trouble as well – they too play mostly against right-handers!) Because a player’s instincts are often wrong against a lefty, many players often end up feeding the lefty’s stronger side.

Tip of the Day - Stay Balanced When Attacking With The Forehand

Larry Hodges Sept. 13, 2013

Many players, when attacking with their forehand (especially when looping) throw their upper body into the shot, so that their upper body goes way to the left (for right-handers).

Tip of the Day - Do You Grip Your Racket Too Tightly?

Larry Hodges Sept. 12, 2013

Many players grip the racket too tightly when they play. Many think this gives them added stability.

Tip of the Day - Rote vs. Random Drills

Larry Hodges Sept. 11, 2013

So which type of drills should you do? At the beginning, you should do more rote drills. It’s the best way to really hone those shots. But as you improve, you should gradually work more and more random drills into your practice.

Tip of the Day - Length of Drills

Larry Hodges Sept. 10, 2013

If you want to improve at table tennis, you should do practice drills. This allows you to focus on specific parts of your game. How long should each drill be for?

Tip of the Day - Proper Backswing

Larry Hodges Sept. 09, 2013

One of the most common mistakes I see when players warm up or practice is hit each shot properly, but then backswing immediately for the next shot with no move to a ready position.