Site Products
Larry Hodges

Coaching Tip of The Week: Think Tactics, Then Let Go

Posted on

(By Larry Hodges)

Between points, think about what you want to do, especially at the start of the rally – what serve to use, what type of receives. Think about what shots you want to do during a rally against any given shot as well – looping, hitting, quick blocks, etc. Keep it simple. Your subconscious mind will get the message about what to do, and it will learn to reflexively go for the shots you are thinking about. However, before the rally starts, blank out your mind, and let the shots just happen – “Let go.” If you try to control your shots during a rally, you will not play well. The conscious mind isn’t nearly as fast or coordinated as the subconscious mind.

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

How Far Away from the Table Should I Stand?

April 13, 2026
Robot plays backspin to short Forehand, half long in Forehand or long in Forehand randomly. The player needs… Read More

Eleven Points for Developing a Modern Advanced Style

April 13, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame You want to play like the best?… Read More

Anqi Luo – Forehand Counterloop

April 13, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anqi Lou is working with a student on the Forehand… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Seattle Pacific Table Tennis Club

April 12, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) Seattle Pacific Table Tennis Club (SPTTC) is located in Bellevue, Washington, off of highway SR-520… Read More

Central American & Caribbean Championships: Teams

April 12, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo ITTF) Puerto Rico swept the Men's and Women's Team events at this week's Central… Read More

Preview: 2026 MLTT Championship Weekend

April 12, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The 2025-26 Major League Table Tennis season has delivered its share of drama,… Read More

Odo Wins Third Tour Title in Taiyuan

April 12, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Japan's talented Satsuki Odo will continue her climb in the World Rankings as… Read More

Wen Ruibo Doubles Up in Taiyuan

April 12, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) China's newest star, Wen Ruibo was eligible to play in three events this… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.