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All serious table tennis players should set long term goals. Having a goal ensures that you keep making steady progress and spend your practice time effectively instead of stagnating as you practice aimlessly.<\/p>\n
To make each practice session more effective, it is important to write out an exact game plan of what to work on. In this article, I\u2019m going to ask you many questions about your game. Get a notebook and write out answers to each of the following questions. Once you have answered these questions, it will be easy for you to write detailed strategies on how to make effective progress.<\/p>\n
During the next year, look to improve one level; this is a great starting point. If your rating is under 1000, then a level is about 300 points higher. From 1000-2000 rated, a level is about 200 points higher. From 2000-2600, a level is about 100 points higher. If you\u2019re over 2600, a level is about 50 points. Your goal should be to improve your game, not your rating. Your USATT rating just gives a starting point to make your goal.<\/p>\n
Start out by watching players who are one level above you and ask yourself the questions listed below.<\/p>\n
1. \u00a0How are their serves<\/a> b<\/span>etter than mine?<\/span><\/p>\n Service practice is one of the fastest ways to improve. You just need a table and a bucket of balls. Focus on keeping your short serves spinny and low with good variation. Focus on keeping your long serves fast as a surprise with good placement.<\/p>\n 2. \u00a0How are their serve returns better than mine?<\/span><\/p>\n The best way to progress your serve return game is to play against many different opponents by playing at different table tennis clubs and tournaments<\/a>. Instead of merely trying to touch the ball back onto the table, learn how to stroke the ball onto the table using spin. Your opponent\u2019s spin will affect you less and you will be making it more difficult for your opponent on the next ball.<\/p>\n 3. \u00a0How are their attacks better than mine?<\/strong><\/p>\n Most likely, power is not the main problem. The main difference is usually ball placement and consistency. If you attempt ten opening loops in the first game and miss five of them, it\u2019s like spotting your opponent five points before the game even begins.<\/p>\n 4. \u00a0How is their defense better than mine?<\/strong><\/p>\n Many attackers only focus on attacking. In tournaments, you cannot always attack first. In this case, you will need to learn how to block, chop<\/a>, or counterloop. If you have no defense at all, you probably won\u2019t move to the next level.<\/p>\n 5. \u00a0How is their footwork better than mine?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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