(by Larry Hodges) It never ceases to amaze me at how many players push serves back safely, essentially patting it back, perhaps with good backspin, and then mentally pat themselves on the back for making this excellent return. And this works . . . at lower levels. But why put good backspin on the ball when […]
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Fake-outs
(by Larry Hodges) I’ve always thought this is one of the most underused techniques in table tennis. Most players simply do whatever it seems they are going to do. And opponents see what they are doing and have little trouble reacting to it. How boringly simple that is! Instead, why not fake one thing, then […]
Forcing or Adjusting Your Game
(by Larry Hodges) I once read an article that compared the tactical approach of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Federer tended to adjust his game against different opponents, while Sampras tended to forced opponents to adjust to his. Both approaches work, in both tennis and table […]
Are You Maximizing Your Angles?
(by Larry Hodges) Most players who play the crosscourt corners do exactly that – they play the crosscourt corners. And that’s where many or most of your attacks should go, as they give the most table when hitting crosscourt. However, when looping (where the topspin pulls the ball down so you need less table), against […]
Coaching Between Games for Non-Coaches
(by Larry Hodges) Professional coaches always seem to know what to say to a player between games or in a timeout. That’s why they are professional coaches. A good coach has essentially seen it all and can see the patterns that lead to tactics that will work in that match. They also understand the psychology […]
Three Keys to Fast Reacting
(by Larry Hodges) So, you want to react to an opponent’s shot like the pro’s? That’s simple – as long as you follow the three principles to fast reactions. They are: 1. Ready position. If you have a good ready position to start from, it’s much easier to react quickly. Many players have poor ready […]
Quicker Drives with the Forehand-Backhand Drill
(by Larry Hodges) Whoever controls the table controls the rally. It’s one of the oldest maxims in table tennis. This usually means playing close to the table with quicker shots than your opponent, forcing him to back off, and thereby both playing more defensively and having more table to play. The Chinese dominated with this […]
POP Opponents with the Power Of Placement
(by Larry Hodges) Placement is often the unsung hero of many players. I often watch up-and-coming players compete, and it’s obvious which ones have been conditioned to focus on placement – it’s a huge difference. (As a coach, among the top juniors I have a pretty good idea of which do this well, which do […]
How to Get the Most Out of Your Session With a Coach
(by Larry Hodges) Depending on the coach and the location, you may be paying anywhere from $30 to $100/hour for a professional coach. So you want to get the most out of it. Here are some things to consider. Don’t be shy about discussing with the coach what you want out of a session. Here […]
The Best You
(by Larry Hodges) To reach your maximum potential, don’t try to be someone else, or you’ll just be a shadow of that person. Instead, focus on being the best you. This includes learning from top players, of course, but that’s only part of it. Here are four things you should build on, roughly in order […]
Don’t Hang Out
July 21, 2025
Robot will play RANDOM top spin balls to 2/3 of the table (Forehand), only Forehand topspin to Backhand… Read More
#4 Heavy Pushes that don’t let the opponent take the initiative (final episode)
July 21, 2025
Feature] [Special feature] America’s star! Jha’s strong points #4 Short Pushes that don’t let the opponent take the… Read More
Three Things You Want To Do In The First Game
July 21, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Establish your game. For example, if you have a strong third-ball attack, such as short… Read More
Kevin Doyle – Counterloop Variation
July 21, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Kevin Doyle https://youtu.be/wBDNHVdu33w Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis… Read More
Major League Table Tennis: New Rules for a New Season
July 20, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) As Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) prepares to launch its third season this September, the league… Read More
WAB CLUB FEATURE: Canadian Elite Table Tennis Training Centre
July 20, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The Canadian Elite Table Tennis Training Centre (“the Centre” or “Elite”) is a table tennis club… Read More
Latest Rankings
July 20, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Despite some surprises at the United States Smash, the World Rankings saw very little changes… Read More
European Youth Championships
July 20, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Ostrava, Czech Republic is host to this year’s European Youth Championships. In the… Read More
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