Blog - Page 18 of 19 - Table Tennis Club London

Table Tennis Fear Maybe a Players Worst Enemy, “Once Bitten Twice Shy”

March 1, 2017

Many TT players fail because of one thing Table Tennis Fear. We all face that restricted feeling to perform in pressurised situations. I constantly hear players saying I did not perform or I beat him/her always in practice, but lost or lose in tournaments?!

First Bike Ride

I took my son out on his bicycle, he has been riding for about 3 weeks now but today he fell off (properly). He, unfortunately, cut his hand slightly and to be fair to him he did not cry and got back on his bike. I saw an instant change in body language and FEAR kicked in with signs of confidence loss. He was much more cautious and his stability and speed dramatically decreased which was followed by continuous falls. I believe the other falls were due to fear and on the last fall, he burst into tears. I did my best to encourage him by explaining that falling was a good thing and the more you fall the better you will be. Today he won’t fully understand me but in time as long as he continues he will ride his bike effortlessly.

Time can develop a fear

When we first start playing table tennis (beginner stage) we are fearless; learning by watching others and experimenting with our shots. Nine times out of ten we progress quickly and once we reach a certain level we are told we have the potential to compete and once again we learn by playing, watching and unleashing shots without fear. We progress rapidly and our level and rankings increase alongside some local and possibly national titles. We enjoy our development up until boom FEAR kicks in!

Table Tennis Fear kicks in

Fear kicks in, generally when we rich a higher level and obtain a club or personal coach alongside a supporting family. The coach tells us how we should play instead of guiding and nurturing our natural ability and our family have expectations.

Initially, we played because we enjoyed the game and saw progress due to fearlessness but now we think ahead! Once a player has been told not to do something or that’s wrong and his/her family expect them to achieve certain things, that player develops internal fear. The fear is caused because the player thinks, “if I make a mistake or don’t fulfil my internal and externals expectation I have failed”.

Everyone handles their table tennis fear differently

A small number of players know how to handle fear and thrive under pressure for example (Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Rodger Federer, Mohamed Ali, to name but a few). I have worked with many players ranked top 5 and a few no.1’s. I found those who were top five were, in general, the ones who struggled the most under pressure and ultimately did not pursue their careers to its fullest potential. Working with no.1’s I found that they possessed the same fear but faced it differently.

Mr No.1, loved the challenge and was fearless, he did not have family support but I was considered as family and coach. I spoke to my former student a few weeks back about how he handled fear and he said, I was fearless because you supported me regardless of whether I won or lost. He felt that no matter the result I would be proud of him and this gave my player the confidence to perform under pressure, as long as he gave it 100%. When he suffered unexpected losses it was not due to fear, it was lack of preparation, tiredness, or in a process of transition but never due to fear!

How to handle your table tennis fear

1. Remember why you play TT for the love and joy! you and your surroundings have developed those fears mainly due external factors and self success. Make sure your coach works with you and not against you, meaning he guides you and supports you regardless. Guiding means showing you how to improve and never saying a shot is wrong and “you must do it like this”. There is no wrong shot! ‘I often say to my players why did you not open up that half long ball? They reply what does it matter I won the point!! I explain yes you did and well done! but try to look at the bigger picture you may have won it on this occasion but if you faced world no.1 you most likely would have lost that point using that shot. That does not mean your shot was wrong I just want you to think about the shot selection you made. If you chose to push that’s fine just think about the consequences and who your facing (That’s guiding a player.) So try to guide yourself into executing the right shot and producing a positive shot rather than thinking or being told something is wrong and it must be done in a certain way!!!

2. Fear is in general thinking ahead, “if I play a wrong shot, or if I lose this point or match” those thoughts create automatic fear and we often produce those negative thoughts in reality. Try to stay tuned in the ‘NOW’ meaning what is currently happening and forget about the future because it has not happened yet!

3. Face your fear: I like to put money or a drink when I play in the practice hall not because I’m a betting man (I don’t know what a betting shop looks like) but I like to bet on myself because I want to face my fears and learn to perform under pressure. When I competed I would challenge myself to open up on my backhand (my weaker wing at the time) at pressurised situations. Today I have no fear, opening up on my backhand side at any point of a match. I have created reassurance within myself and you can do the same if your willing. I challenge you to open up with your weaker wing under a pressurised situation, e.g your coach says ten pound right now 1 chance, you serve I push to your backhand, if you miss you pay me £10 if you get it on I give you £1.

Facing your fear at crucial times

I will never forget coaching at the national championship, one of my players (was in the final). I called a timeout 9-10 down in the fifth. I said, he is serving half long backspin to your backhand, your pushing and he opens up and in general wins the point. I said, it’s your choice push and risk losing the match or open up and risk winning the match (pay attention to the words I used) both are a risk but one is positive the other negative. My player (Mr fearless, mentioned above) opened up and won the point, he won the next point on his serve and the next point again by opening up with the backhand. He became national champion U12 and U13 that year. I provided fear by asking him to do something he felt uncomfortable but I gave him the choice to face the fear or not.

Taking a positive stance can make you or break you

He went on to become England no.1 after that event for his age and the year above and maintained that position for 3 years ultimately retiring at 15 years of age. I believe due to FEAR!!! at 15 he went to France to pursue his table tennis career, constantly told his shot selection was wrong and attitude is wrong by the club coach. Furthermore, he lost to various players in and around his age group which he had not experienced in
England and he lost me as his guide and support. All these factors produced internal fear subconsciously which may have changed his initial belief in himself?!

The best handle control their fear

Jan-Ove Waldner was the best table tennis player I have ever seen under pressure producing shots that 99% of people would say “is he mad doing that at this point!!” he learnt to block out all the negatives and play fearlessly when others froze due to the magnitude of an occasion or situation

*If you learn to face your fear you will realise that it can be conquered and controlled but if you keep hiding from it you will never be able to control it

How to Handle Table Tennis Losses

March 1, 2017

It’s an inevitable part of the game “table tennis losses” and it’s unavoidable!

Greater London Table Tennis Championships

I witnessed the Greater London Championships a week ago and watched hundreds of players competing. Each player was trying to win and after speaking to players it was clear that most who lost blamed themselves. Often this is true we all have poor days but occasionally we are not honest with ourselves. We must admit that the occasion got to us or the player was better or outplayed us on that occasion.

Over Confident

I also witnessed players super confident who told me they will win the tournament or get to the final. Is this a good attitude? It depends, on this occasion neither player got past the quarter-final but that does not mean it was incorrect. If they truly believed the event was theirs, then it’s a good thing to have a positive mindset. I believe we are all different so we should find what suits us best and don’t let others tell you otherwise. This means you must learn what makes you perform and utilise it to the best of your ability.

Table Tennis is Different

Unlike some sports table tennis has two outcomes a loser and a winner, it’s about how we perceive the loss or win that builds our table tennis character. The aim of this blog is to make you think about why you lost and what are the effects of losing.

On most occasions when we lose and we blame everything but ourselves. On the odd occasion when we lose we come off saying” I played really well”.

So what should we do to gain optimum benefit from a lose:

1. I was always taught that the real magic happens when you lose if your willing to learn from it. What does that mean? When we lose we often reflect on why we lost, assess the issues and try to implement an action plan against our poor performance. So when you do lose try to think why you lost, please don’t blame an edge or a net, that went against you (that is uncontrollable. When we win we are happy and often forget to reflect, hampering our progress, the tip here is trying to reflect on the match rather than just a lose or win.

2. We are too harsh on ourselves, losing is a part of the game (hate losing) but accept that it will happen.

3. Are you a true winner? I often test my players for example I may provide extra physicals for the ‘winners’ yes the winners!! This shows me who really wants to win and who doesn’t mind losing. The players who fight to win regardless of the physicals have the right attitude, they are willing to sacrifice to gain a win. That’s the key, you must sacrifice and be willing to take many hits and many loses on your pathway to becoming a true winner.

“Winners never quit and quitters never win”

What Makes A Top Table Tennis Coach?

March 1, 2017

As a coach, I often ask myself “what makes a top table tennis coach”. I want to better myself and raise, British table tennis as a whole. I have been privileged in achieving many great things as a coach but does that classify me as a “Top Coach”?

Firstly what is classified as a top table tennis coach?

For me, a top table tennis coach is someone who is able to bring the best out of their students. A coach that; provides the tools and knowledge to execute correct technical shots with correct decision making. This is a long and complex subject but ultimately a top coach must possess; – good knowledge of technique, good communication skills, – open-minded, – willing to learn, – must not possess a big ego ‘think he/she are the best. I believe there is no such thing as the ‘best coach. I will explain further (below). Furthermore, the coach must be able to adapt his/her coaching style to suit various conditions, facilities and personalities. This list can go on forever but these are the fundamentals needed to be considered as a top table tennis coach.

No such thing as the best coach:

I have worked with some of the best coaches in the world and learnt a lot’s from each coach and put my own personal touch on some. Furthermore, no matter how good I believe I am or others perceive me to be, I continuously thrive towards bettering myself and my coaching ability.

Table Tennis Scenarios:

Here are a few debates I often face; 1) Many TT players ask me if I would like to be England’s National Coach? or 2) Eli, do you think Lui Guliang is the best coach in the world? My Answers 1) Currently, I do not want to be a National Table Tennis Coach and 2) No, Liu Guiliang is not the best coach in the world! There is no ranking system for coaches. Yes… I hear you saying, but Liu, coaches the best table tennis nation in the world! That’s true but it does not make him the best. For example, if I told you, around 100 million table tennis players play in your country and they see table tennis as an opportunity (to escape poverty). Furthermore out of those people you get to pick and choose the best 30 players to coach, what would you think?

Personally, given those circumstances, I would think I have the easiest job in the world. You get the best of the best with an amazing coaching team and infrastructure behind you. In fact its the same for every national coaching job you get the best in your country to work with. When Liu, retired as a player he worked with the national team for a few years as a sparring partner and assistant coach. Liu worked his way up towards the head coaching role. Please don’t misunderstand me, I have no doubt Liu is an amazing coach but I also know he would very much struggle if he had to do what someone like myself does. Coach players from beginner level to national/international. Without any help or supporting team alongside coaching 20/30 other kids at the same time. To make matters worse all the players are of a different level. Did I forget to mention behaviour issues which require mentoring (the disobedient kids) and limited space-facilities and time.

The Whole Picture:

I don’t want to be negative but often we don’t know the ins and outs, the background, the full picture because we are only exposed to the front end, (the end result). Therefore we assume and think what we see is the truth and that’s where it all goes wrong. Most top coaches are not the national coaches they are the local, club, personal and regional coaches. They are often hidden and unseen by the prestigious title of the national coaches. In fact, one of my former players represented England and reached the semi-final of a major international event. I had worked with the player around 5 years at the time and approximately 20 hours per week. I stumbled upon a press release mentioning my player’s achievement alongside the national coach receiving credit for his wonderful achievement. I was not mentioned but the England coach got praise for what a wonderful job he was doing with the player (sad but true).

Systematic coaching

I also see the game being coached the same/similar, methods and styles throughout a nation. No matter where you go in the world you will see drills such as backhand to backhand and forehand to forehand, Falkenberg, middle wide etc. So how can a coach be considered better than another if most coaches work in a similar manner? Simple its an individual’s perception, if I play for a club in Germany I will automatically think I have a better coach than an English coach. Because I’m playing in a far better table tennis nation. When in fact I could be coached by someone far worse and failing to realise that it’s not necessarily the coach but the system that makes Germany’s TT superior to England. Coaches must be categorised by how they deliver their knowledge and the ability to get the best out of an individual. For example Tiger Woods, the William sisters and others were coached by their parents who were not professional coaches, try to figure out why and how.

Three things that make a top coach:

1. You have to be in love with the sport because 9 times out of 10 you will not be given the credit you deserve. Even though you are clearly dedicated, work hard and input love into your coaching.

2. Coach players as individuals, for example, I often see players with a certain forehand technique I automatically know who their coach is. The coach has a certain system they use and they won’t deviate, giving all players similar technique and relievedly the same results. A coach must take into account; one player may be very slow another fast or one short the other tall. This means a fast player can develop his game around his forehand if he/she wish to do so. On the other hand, the slower player would require an equally strong forehand and backhand otherwise they would be pinned to the weaker wing. A short player in most cases should look to stay close to the table covering the angles where a taller player can afford to step back and use his/her wingspan.

3. Always be willing to learn, a lot of coaches have big ego’s including myself but we must be willing to learn. in doing so, we will continue to develop and improve, alongside the games adaption. This gives the coach the best tools for his/her players and the best chance of succeeding.

A top coach will provide the tools, teach you how to use them plus guide you on your path but only you the individual can make your desires a reality.

A good table tennis coach will change your game but a great coach will change your life

Getting What You Want in Table Tennis

March 1, 2017

When I first started playing table tennis (1996) at the age of 14, after watching ‘Forrest Gump’ I wanted to be World Champion! But I didn’t know how to get what I want in table tennis.
I was naive like ‘Forrest’ but truly believed I would become ‘World Champion’ one day.

Pic Courtesy of Steve Rowe (Aerobic Table Tennis)

Playing lots is not enough!

I played as much as I possibly could and to my credit, I improved faster than anyone around my age group. I became a top 10 England Junior at the end of my Junior year and unfortunately, I possessed an unlucky sporting birthday. (back then it was July cut off date). If I was born 20 days later I would have had another year as a junior and I believe that I would have reached a top 4 ranking. Nevertheless, I was still determined to reach my goal and chose to go to the second best (at the time) TT nation in the world ‘France’. They had 4 players in the top 20, world ranking and a former World Champion (1993) ‘Jean Philip Gatien’. China was also on my mind but I was only 17 years old., so I went to France in pursuit of my Dream. I did not speak a word of French, nor did I know anyone and randomly chose a club in the suburbs of Paris.

Full-Time Table Tennis Club

As I entered I will never forget the overwhelming feeling when I saw the huge purpose-built table tennis hall that had 30 tables 15 each side and ample space between each table. It felt like I died and gone to ‘table tennis heaven’. I was brought back down to earth very soon quickly with a reality check. I was ranked about 100 England men at the time and I entered the French ranking at around 1500. My ranking did not phase me because I felt I could get to the top in no time. After a year of play, I shot up the French ranking but it was time for me to grow up. I had to admit defeat and put my dream to bed. I went back to England and started studying alongside some table tennis coaching at a private school (Kings College). This job was offered to me by my ‘then’ coach Gideon Ashison.

So why am I telling a story about something I did not achieve?

If it wasn’t for my inner desire to become ‘World Champion’ I would never have reached the heights I have. I know in my heart if I pursued my training in France I would have been a full-time professional player and a possible top 300 and more, world ranked player. I have beaten many players around the 500 and that’s with limited structured table tennis training.

What is structured TT training?

Well, its at least 3-4 training sessions per week with a coach at hand giving specific, structured practice/training. In fact specific training I only ever had for 1 year which was in France. Most of us don’t put in what is required to reach top levels TT due to: Lack of time, lack of accessibility, lack of coaching expertise and we don’t have the inner desire.

Due to my inner desire, I reached my level and unfortunately most of the other aspects mentioned, I lacked as most of us do in England.

So how do we get what we want?

1. You need desire: Having coached thousands of players over the years, I noticed one key aspect which set good TT players apart from not so good. The ones who had what I call the ‘EYE OF THE TIGER’, basically pure passion. They will be at every training session, listen, ask questions and work harder than the rest. The amazing thing I found, whether they possessed the natural ability or not they would continuously progress due to that one simple thing ‘DESIRE’.
2. Facilities: that accommodate, meaning accessible regularly and provide the coaching staff plus expertise
3. Continuity: unfortunately 80/90% of players quit/stop playing at 17/18 because of: money, studies, work, companionship, and lack of vision. I read somewhere “80% of success is showing up”!

Getting what you want in table tennis

The only way to get what you want out of TT is to have all three tools mentioned and they need to be combined. Then and only then will you have a real chance of getting what you want out of table tennis. That means if you have the true desire then go and find the three mentioned and utilise the opportunity.

Remember there’s only 1 World Champion every 2 years out of millions who compete, so having that dream is great and don’t let anyone tell you any different. But do not be disappointed if you do not get that dream, instead look at all the other achievements you’ve made while heading towards that goal/dream.

If you want something badly enough, go and get it. Don’t wait for it to come to you because it will never come!

How to Make a Come Back After Injury or Illness

March 1, 2017

How to make a come back after injury or illness, for 30 years I never had an injury, heck I’ve never even had a headache. I did not know what a hospital looked like from the inside but at thirty… my immunity ran out!! I was playing some of my best table tennis after my come back 4 years earlier and my personal goal was to get into the top 15 ‘England Men’s ranking’.

Life can change at a split moment

Feb 2013 I felt unwell while coaching my Junior British League Team. I was taken to Hospital after 5 hours of me feeling very poorly (in the meantime the boys managed to win the title). I was very unlucky being misdiagnosed, I was told I had “food poisoning” and then I was sent home with painkillers. When In fact it was my appendix which ultimately burst a few days later and this was followed up by Septicemia (blood poisoning). A large number of people don’t survive but I was lucky to live and tell the tale. I lost 2 stone in weight (within 3 weeks), I had two operations while going in and out of the hospital for over 3 Months.

I’m not looking for sympathy I’m merely pointing out, that no matter how bad your injury or illness was or is a ‘come back’ is on the cards.

Within 4 months of my last operation, I held a bat in my hand again! I was so proud considering what I went through and off I went to have a knock with a good friend of mine Ivan Lewis.
On a personal note, we were competing against each other the season before: Ivan is a top Veteran, while I was ranked as a top senior. After one year we would look at the rankings and see who is ranked higher, in our respective age group. I was 26 (senior) and Ivan ended up 25 (veteran) 2011/12 season, so yes he beat me, on that occasion!

There’s no such thing as never

I had never lost to Ivan in practice or in an event but on this occasion, I had to hold my hands up and take a beating. My level naturally dropped and I soon fell off the ranking list. As you can imagine I was devastated, my great ‘come back’ was taken away from me in the blink of an eye. The joy I once had ‘playing’, disappeared for about 8 months. We all go through phases of not enjoying table tennis or anything we do for that matter. You must possess the right mindset in order for you to get the good times back.

I decided I would practice no more than once a week and see what happens, my ‘feeling’ (ball to bat, bat to hand) come back quickly. Unfortunately, my physical ability was very poor and I really struggled to move properly. I lacked mobility and stamina which made it very difficult for me to play at the level I once possessed. I remember playing against my TT students and other TT players, to my amazement they were proud to beat me, despite what I had just been through! This is another story of ‘how to cope with defeat regardless of your situation’.

Back Playing Table Tennis Competitively

I took it all on the chin and I am back playing competitively (division 1, British league at no.1 with around 70% winning ratio, representing Batts TTC). Admittedly I’m not the standard I was a few years back but I’m around top 50 now and very proud.

I may never reach the standard I was but there’s a good reason for it:

1. I don’t possess the time, I did
2. My club was closed, due to me being ill and I was offered a National coaching job which I did not take in the end.
3. I don’t have the aspirations I did and my views and thoughts have changed

I want to compete but not as I did, I just want to do it for the love of the sport and the journey.

I honestly believe and know if I still had my TT club (B-batt) and the time plus the aspiration. I would certainly get back to the level I was pre-illness and possibly even higher!

I beat two players top 30 in England, this season (post-op) that was an achievement in itself considering less than a year ago, I could not stand on my own two feet. My point is if you still have the same admiration and passion you can make a full TT recovery.

3 key points in making a come back, after serious injury or illness.

1. Belief: I’ve faced and experienced some of life’s worst hits but I have always believed and still do that I will come out on top. Instil that mindset, within yourself…

2. Physicals: Take care of your body, both physically and nutritionally. All this information can be found on the internet but I follow people that are living a healthy lifestyle. A very good friend of mine Costas Papentoniou, you may know him from the TT circuit. He is a health freak! At 52 years of age, he is very healthy and as fit as 20 years old. I took note, by buying products from his health shop and still take continues advice from Costas.

Gym

I have been going to the gym for the past five years and always knew what I wanted my body to look and perform like ‘as a supreme athlete’. So in this instance, I looked around my gym saw someone with my kind of built and approached them (most people like to help, you just have to be willing to ask). This gentleman gave me his training routine and I started my physical conditioning straight away sticking to a routine, that’s the key routine and consistency. Today I’m a fully qualified personal trainer and know how to create my own routines that suit me (remember what I always say, “we are individuals” no one is exactly the same, so find out what suits you by doing your homework.

3. Time: This is something we all forget including me, we don’t have patience!! It may seem as if someone has the amazing ability at a given skill but no one has ever earned a special skill overnight. It has been acquired through time and work, and only then can it be shown to the world with pride.
So be patient your level will come back possibly even better depending on your requirements meaning if you wish to make a full come back or not.

In Hospital

In fact, I’m in a hospital right now! writing this article after my Hernia operation hence this article. I was so focused on writing this article that I did not notice the pool of blood leaking out of my scar. Don’t worry the nurse came and cleaned me up then patched me back up (sorry if you’re squeamish). As you can see I’ve taken another hit in less than a year, 3 operations a near-death experience but you’ll see me back in action shortly, no doubt 🙂

In conclusion, you will have knocks that will halt your progression and even take you back a few steps. If you focus on the uncontrollable’s you’ll never be able to get back up and work on the controllable’s.

If you get hit, get up and keep moving forward, no matter how many times you get hit! Don’t be one of those people that, when they fall off their bike they never get back on. You’ll never know where your journey was meant to go…

Table Tennis Footwork

March 1, 2017

Table Tennis Footwork, it feels like table tennis has been stereotyped against footwork.

Everyone plays ping pong but not everyone plays table tennis!

When I tell people ‘I play Table Tennis’ I often get two replies:

1. “I used to play when I was younger” while waving their hand in the air (“basically your a ping pong player”). I reply, “Yes, but I play competitively” and their second reply “but it’s easy you don’t have to move much!”
This is where I get frustrated and bombard them with visual proof, that table tennis requires immense athleticism.

Jan Ove Waldner

In my younger days, I idolised Jan-Ove Waldner and modelled my game around Jean-Philip Gatien (being a lefty myself). Both were ahead of the game and futuristic in their playing methods. Jan-Ove, moved elegantly like Roger Federer (Tennis), making it seem as if he did not move much! Don’t be fooled, JO possessed wonderful anticipation. This gave him time to move into position, using good footwork which allowed him to execute his magical shots.

Jean- Philippe Gatien

Jean-Philip, mainly had one weapon his ‘forehand’ but due to his lightning speed via footwork. He was able to execute his weapon from almost anywhere giving him an Olympic silver medal and a World Championship Singles title (1993).

Chinese Table Tennis

The Chinese took note from both Waldner and Gatien and today the Chinese National Team possess the shot repertoire of Waldner and the footwork of Gatien making them very nearly unbeatable. The Chinese are table tennis players and athletes and the rest of the world are mainly table tennis players only!

How to improve your footwork:

1. Multiball: There is no better way to improve your footwork around the table, start slowly and gradually build the speed of balls coming at you. This over time, will naturally increase your speed and explosive power.

2. Irregular training: Getting your opponent to block anywhere on the FH side and you play forehands only. Try to continuously move using the balls of your feet and try not to stretch or lean. There is an endless number of footwork exercises so ask your coach or search it on the net. Note: table tennis footwork includes: Both – in and out movement as well as side to side, so bear that in mind when doing footwork training and not just focusing on a side to side movement.

3. Physicals: You need a training regime which includes: Weight Training, for power and strength such as squats. Plyometric Training, such as jumping on and off a box or bench, try to use cones, self-made lines or an exercise ladder for various footwork routines and lastly Isometric Training, using an exercise band to increase fast twitch muscle fibres.

2004 Olympic Games (Sydney)

I will never forget when I watched Waldner (past his best) at the Olympic (2004) semi final’s stage against Ryu-Seung Min. He was a penholder grip player who possessed a rocket forehand and probably the fastest footwork I have ever witnessed in table tennis. Ryu was so fast, no matter where Waldner put the ball he could not keep Ryu from playing his forehand and the lack of containment cost Waldner the match.

Ryu, went on to win the Olympic’s that year and I quickly realised that if you possess exceptional footwork (you may be limited in your shot repertoire) but you can still compete at the top level. I also predicted that Ryu would never win another major, I was right! This I believe, is because you can not maintain such a high level of fitness and speed for a long period of time. Nevertheless, Ryu has the most prestigious title in table tennis and no one can take it away from him, mainly due to FOOTWORK!. So if you want to be an Olympic Champion start working on your legs 🙂

Remember if you’re blessed with legs, use them…

How to Handle Your Table Tennis Nerves

March 1, 2017

No matter who you are, you will or have experienced the ‘butterfly effect’ in your stomach. How you handle table tennis your nerves will differ from person to person but we all experience nerves either before or during an event.

Pre-Tournament Nerves:

As a junior, I rarely felt nervous during a match but I did get pre-competition adrenalin. I struggled to sleep the night before due to excitement and anxiety.

Match Nerves

Entering the senior circuit, I naturally developed a ‘thought process’ using tactical know how to win matches as opposed to playing on autopilot as a junior. This changed my whole nervous system, I could sleep the night before but during the match… I found myself extremely nervous. This included; sweaty hands, my heart beating furiously and my hand shaking prior to my no.1 weapon, my serve.

I was affected so badly that I ended up quitting competitions and resorted to a club or local league play only. Every couple of years I would attempt a competition ‘come back’ but the nerves remained strong.

One person or one thing can change everything

At 27 years of age, a world-class coaches/players crossed my path and began working with me at my table tennis club/academy. We trained one or two hours per week and after 3 months my level went up. I started to compete with him. FYI, his standard at the time was top 5 England men and he said, “Eli it’s time to make a real comeback”.

The comeback

I did just that… Beating top 10 England players and jumping up the rankings to around 20 England Men. So what did I do differently on this occasion?

How to handle your pre-competition nerves

1. Work on your strengths, preferably a day or two before any competition and this will naturally increase your inner confidence.

2. Avoid match play meaning, you can play but don’t keep an official score. I suggest either one or two days prior to any competition. Why? Because in a match there is a winner and a loser and if you’re the loser… Well, we all know how we feel after losing. So instead, play as if it is a real match with 2 serves each but do not play games. If you love keeping score, then you can do a 10-10 or 5-9 down challenge but not a full game.

3.Routine: Do your best not to change your routine, often people change a routine when they prepare for a tournament. In effect, competition is just another game but one that has been given a ‘Name and Value’ e.g. Local league finals, London open, National Championships, Olympics etc. all have a name and value.

Local level – In general, you’re competing for the sheer enjoyment and social factor. You may be playing to keeping fit and get out of the house?! therefore routine is not necessary.

National level: You are committed to the sport so you need to find what preparation works best for you and stick to it. A mistake many national level players make, is changing their routines for different events e.g. National championships they will put in more hours in the training hall (when in fact they should prepare physically more rather than table time), hence the lack of consistency in performance.

International: Depending on your level you will train for personal and specific targets. The higher ranked you are the more focused you are on specific competition targets e.g. World championships, Europeans, Olympics etc. Again the same principle applies, find a specific preparation that suits you. Remember we are all individuals, so don’t copy another top players preparation methods. Once you have a suitable preparation, stick to it religiously even at times of poor confidence.

How to avoid match nerves:

1. Play under pressurised situations: I use betting (‘personal method’ and not recommended), I also ask my friends or students to watch me play. I may add a video recording and this automatically puts me into a state of ‘competition mode and the match has “value”. I would add pressure by either telling myself or the crowd how important this match is. The importance of the match is irrelevant, its an exercise towards facing pressure by increasing regular tension.

When playing under these circumstances I would consciously analyse and be aware of my state of mind. At certain stages/situations, I would focus on the (scary nervous, pressurised moments) and then I would use various methods to calm myself. For example, I would tell myself “relax and enjoy”, or I would wiggle my body to loosen the tension. There is an infinite amount of things you can do to reduce your personal anxiety but you must find what helps you. The key is finding out the cause, often the cause is external and not internal which causes matchplay anxiety.

2. Positive body language: hold your body upright, use only positive feedback such as “come on” “yes” good serve” “play positive” again use what suits you but it must always be positive! Some players like to release negativity by showing poor body language and expressing their disappointment after losing a point (e.g. Liam Pitchford) that’s fine as long as you can switch into a positive mindset, straight away.

3. Lastly, I would move and self-talk by bouncing up and down, releasing negative tension and keeping my body in a positive state. The self-talk would be an override of any negative talk which creeps in at crucial moments.

What has changed?

I remember training with a friend most Friday nights for many years. He would beat me 9 out of 10 times in practice at the club. We had our annual club championship and I faced my sparring partner at the same venue. The hall was the same, the tables were the same and obviously, I was the same person! The only difference was the just the layout and the title ‘Competition and Value’ “ The club closed championship”.

I won 3-1 even though I was expected to lose and the same happened with many other players in the club.

Nothing really changed!! except for the mindset of each play

In reality, nothing has ever changed (from club to competition) but everything in your mind has changed. Once a title and value have been added you placed personal pressure. So change your mindset – Its just another table tennis match/game.

Remember no matter where you play or who you play, in reality we are all playing the same game and your opponent “is just another person with a bat in their hand” regardless of their TT achievements.

Written by Eli Baraty

What Makes a Top Table Tennis Players?

March 1, 2017

Senior British League Filip Szymanksi — Filip Szymanski playing for eBaTT

Everyone has a different view of what is a top player but what makes top table tennis players, is my fascination. When I first started playing table tennis the local league players were the top player in my eyes! Today I’m seen as a top player (locally, nationally and occasionally internationally). I personally don’t consider my self as a top player because (as a teen I dreamed of becoming “A World Champion”). I did not achieve this dream for many reasons but I personally consider a top player someone who is ranked inside the worlds top 150 or around that level. You may view a top player as; top 10 in your county or no.1 in your local club or possibly top 10 in the world. No matter what your view is of a top player, you can become a top player yourself. This depends on many factors of course but it can be achieved.

You need to do 3 things:

1. You need to have a vision. Every top table tennis player will tell you they envisioned themselves becoming great. There is a huge difference between having goals and a vision. When you have goals you’re aiming to hit that goal. Unfortunately, most don’t pursue when it gets tough or if they fail to reach certain goals. But having a vision on the other hand means you see yourself achieving and doing whatever it takes in achieving your dreams. Having a vision does not mean you will always achieve (due to age, personal capabilities, local/national structure, resources etc.). But having a vision gives you a far greater opportunity of achieving your dreams because you will do your utmost to break through the obstacles.

2. Sacrifice, no athlete has achieved without sacrificing many things in their lives, to achieve their dreams. This may mean moving to another country (e.g. Andy Murray) or giving up your weekends etc.

3. Plan, the saying goes “fail to prepare… prepare to fail”, that quote says it all. Nothing is produced without some sort of plan, yes you can go and train and improve without a specific plan but by turning up to a training session you have subconsciously planed. You planned to turn up for training at e.g. 8:00pm and practice your FH’s and BH’s etc. Then you play games and plan how to beat your opponent but the better you plan the chances of achieving and progressing is far greater.

A video of how precise top players are when training click here

Top players are not born they are made, so what are you waiting for? Go and make yourself a top player…

Written by Eli Baraty

Table Tennis Communication!

March 1, 2017

World Ping Pong Championships — Chris Doran and Eli Baraty

As coaches and players, we thrive to achieve our potential and table tennis communication is often something both parties lack. Coach’s, in particular, portray their thoughts and feelings and player’s, in general, absorb the information. In most cases, the coaches provide wonderful information (on few occasion it’s poor information). Either way, the ignorant student takes on board the information and does not have his/her say. Potentially, damaging their future potential and current progress. Furthermore the possibility of causing future friction between both player and coach.

What is table tennis communication?

1. It’s a two-way thing: Both parties talk to one another giving and taking information and working together towards a greater cause.

2. No matter your position you need to express your feelings and thoughts (no one but you) knows what you’re thinking and feeling, so ‘EXPRESS IT’.

3. Table Tennis Communication can be delivered using your 5 senses (hearing, listening, seeing, smelling and feeling) try to use what you feel is best to get your point across.

Notice how both coach and player communicate with one another next time you are a club or tournament.

Communication builds trust and when we know how someone is thinking and feeling, we can trust them to take us to our desired destination.

Table Tennis Training Methods: Regular vs Irregular

March 1, 2017

Most if not all table tennis players have used or are using a training method. whether it be regular, irregular or match play training to improve their game. I believe regular training is an extremely important aspect in today’s game but overused in most training sessions.

Regimented training

What do we get out of regular training?

You will develop good or bad technique depending on how you are taught and in time your strokes will be second nature due to reps. Strokes which are reproduced constantly over time with reps fo around (approx 6,000 times), it becomes muscle memory.
Systematic training provides you with increased consistency, improved footwork and good or bad technique. Other than those three it has nothing else to offer.
Having worked with some of the best players and coaches in the world I have come to a conclusion. It’s debatable so feel free to challenge me. I believe regular training should only be done for the first 2-5 years, which is the initial stage (I call it the development stage).

Change your ways!

Once a player has reached a good technical ability their focus should shift away from systematic training. Into semi-irregular and irregular training exercises. If a player has developed what I call the foundations (the basic four strokes to a high level) that player may be damaging their potential dramatically due to continuously, performing regular exercises.

We develop by continuously pushing the boundaries and giving our brain challenges and problems to solve. By challenging our brain we develop at a much faster rate. We are hardly challenged by regular training and it does not resemble a real game situation so why do we persist in doing it?

How are you training?

If you are at a level where you have a good forehand and backhand and your progression seems to have slowed down, ask yourself how are you training? As mentioned above you must focus on regular training at your development stage and you will notice huge gains. Once you’ve developed your shots the progression line will flatten out which means you need to change your training methods. Yes, this means you need to stop the regular training and focus on everything but regular…

You may have the best serve, backhand and forehand in the world. But if you don’t know how to use your weapons you will never be the best. To be the best you must train to your personal best…