Ask the Pro: Should I learn to play defense?
Question: As a beginning player, should I learn to play defense, or just work on my attack? Coach Larry Hodges: It’s a common mistake for beginning players, especially junior players, to develop their attacks, but not their defense. You need both. The problem comes about because a beginning player usually starts out learning to hit […]
Ask the Pro: Doing in Games What You Do in Practice
Question: What do I need to do so I can consistently hit and loop winners in games the way I can in practice? Coach Larry Hodges: There are two key differences between practice and games: psychological and variation. Psychologically, there is little pressure in practice, and so players are loose, both mentally and physically. However, […]
Ask the Pro: Should You Hit or Loop the Backhand?
Question: Should I mostly hit or loop with my backhand? Coach Larry Hodges: This depends partly on your level. Beginners should learn to hit their backhands first. However, it’s also important for players should learn to loop early on, so as to develop good habits. So it might be a good idea for beginners to […]
Ask the Pro: What is a Basement Player?
Question: What is a “Basement Player”? Coach Larry Hodges: A basement player is someone who has played for a long time but without any proper coaching or contact with serious table tennis. While “basement table tennis” often takes place in basements, it also happens in rec centers, schools, churches, and wherever else a table can […]
Ask the Pro: Keeping Serves Low
Question: I’m having trouble keeping my serves low. Any tips? Coach Larry Hodges: Very likely you are either contacting the ball too high, or serving downward into the table, forcing a higher bounce. For a very low serve, contact the ball as low as possible, no more than a few inches above net height at […]
Ask the Pro: Should I learn to lob?
Question: Should I learn to lob? Coach Larry Hodges: YES! Why do I say this so emphatically? Because lobbing is the funnest part of table tennis. Does this mean you’ll win more matches by developing a lobbing game? I’ll give a provisional yes. Used properly, you’ll win some points lobbing that would otherwise be lost. […]
Ask the Pro: Heavy No-Spin Serve
Question: What the heck is a “heavy no-spin serve”??? Coach Larry Hodges:I love the phrase “heavy no-spin serves,” don’t you? You can’t help but have a smile some to your lips when you say it. However, when facing someone with a good “heavy no-spin serve,” the last thing that comes to mind is a smile. […]
Ask the Pro: Why Should I Use a Neutral Grip?
Question: Why should I use a neutral shakehand grip when so many top players do not? Coach Larry Hodges:When developing your shots, you want to use a neutral grip; otherwise, your strokes might not develop properly. A neutral grip makes proper strokes more natural. You might be tempted to use a slight forehand or backhand […]
Ask the Pro: Why should I play in events where I’m a higher seed?
Question: Why should I play in events where I’m a higher seed? If I only play higher events, won’t I have a better chance of pulling off upsets and avoiding bad losses? Coach Larry Hodges: It all depends on whether your goal is to be a Champion or a Spoiler. Champions have a burning desire […]
Tillie is a poophead
Yes SHe ISSSSS
