(by Larry Hodges) I’ve seen coaches give tactical advice that wasn’t particularly helpful in itself. And yet, it often paid off with the player confidently executing the so-so tactics – and winning. Why? Because it’s not always the tactics. Given confidently, these tactics, whether good or not, gives the player a plan, and that inspires […]
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Nine Battles
(by Larry Hodges) How many years have you played before noticing that “Table Tennis” is just an anagram of “Nine Battles”? And it’s applicable to our sport. Here’s my list of the nine biggest opponents you battle with in a match. Your assignment is to think about each and figure out how best to deal […]
The Value of a Good Stiff Push
(by Larry Hodges) I once watched video of a top junior who’d just lost a close five-game match. He’s normally an aggressive player, but has a good, stiff push that often catches opponents off guard. He’s also comfortable blocking, so he can get away with letting the opponent attack first as long as he’s not […]
Shadow Replay
(by Larry Hodges) Over the many decades I’ve watched and learned about this sport, there are certain trends I see that stick out. This is one of the simplest, often the difference between fast-improving players and those who just stare at their rackets in frustration after missing a shot and continue to do so the […]
Sandpaper Open at the US Classic Nationals
(by Larry Hodges) Before we get to the last event of the US Classic Nationals, the Sandpaper Open, let’s take a moment to thank those who helped put the event together. · Special thanks goes to Tournament Director Steve Claflin, who put it all together. · Umpire Ning Cheng worked long hours, umpiring all the […]
Hardbat Women, Seniors, and Juniors at the US Classic Nationals
(by Larry Hodges) PHOTO: Action at the Austin Table Tennis Club, host of the 2023 US Classic Nationals. Junior Champion Bryce Milford on near right. Photo by Larry Hodges. Along with Hardbat and Sandpaper Open events here at the Classic Nationals at the Austin Table Tennis Club, there were three other events – Women, Seniors […]
Hardbat Open at the Classic Nationals
(by Larry Hodges) Twenty-five players took the plunge and played in the Hardbat Open event. With top-seeded Jimmy Butler seeded out, there were four groups of six, with the top two advancing. In the round robins, matches were best of five to 11. In the single elimination stage, it switched to best of three to […]
Sara Gulabani: the Batgirl and Batwoman of Hardbat
(by Larry Hodges) In an earlier article, I called AJ Carney and student Bryce Milford the Batman and Robin of table tennis. But AJ has another student, and she’s doubled-up on both – she’s Batgirl AND Batwoman! Sara Gulabani, 17, easily won Hardbat Women here at the Classic Nationals at the host Austin Table Tennis […]
Jian Zhuang – From Penhold to Shakehand to Champion
(by Larry Hodges, Photo Credit: Steve Claflin) Jian Zhuang, 65, started playing table tennis in Shanghai, China. He played in school and through college, but said he never really trained seriously at that time. In 1988 he came to the US as a graduate exchange student in electrical engineering. He spent about 25 years as […]
Bryce Milford – Going After Batman
(by Larry Hodges) With a name like Bryce – you know, that superfast sponge from Butterfly – you’d think he’d be an all-out looper, like the overwhelming majority of top players. But no – he never loops, he just hits. And he’s the US Nationals and World Junior Champion. With hardbat that is. Yes, Bryce […]
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(By Larry Hodges) Establish your game. For example, if you have a strong third-ball attack, such as short… Read More
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(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
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(by Steve Hopkins) As Major League Table Tennis (MLTT) prepares to launch its third season this September, the league… Read More
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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
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(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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