Can You Reach an International Level Starting Late?
Table Tennis Discussion
Last updated 11 years ago
Cristh Garrido Asked 11 years ago
Hi Alois and Pingskills
i want to know if is possible have a great level if you started a little late...i started to the age of sixteen years old, is possible that i have an international level???
Thanks
Jeff Plumb Answered 11 years ago
Hi Cristh,
I don't think there is any technical reason why you can't reach International level when you start at 16. The problem is usually time. To become an International level player you need around 10 years of quality training. If you start at 16, you can potentially reach that level by 26. After you turn 20 or so, other life commitments can hamper your ability to train enough. I think that's a big reason why people who start later in life never reach International level.
I'd love to hear other people's thoughts.
Thoughts on this question
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Cristh Garrido Posted 11 years ago
interesting...thanks jeff
Jonathan Huynh Posted 11 years ago
how about 12
AmekunRaiane Rivadeneira Posted 11 years ago
ill nvr reach it hahahahah xD i started when i was 20 and i just turned 20 5 months ago xD
mat huang Posted 11 years ago
Trust me, dont very need to ask if its ok or not. If you do your best, you'll definitely get to a high level
Jonathan Huynh Posted 11 years ago
was that you answering my question mat?
bertus bertus Posted 11 years ago
That's an other great thing about table tennis, you can play it on a respected level even if you are well over 50 years old. I know a few players who are that "old" and still compete on national level! So there is plenty of time to learn.
I was 26 when I started and could'nt hold a paddle. :D
My personal motivation was to become as good as I could possible be and kept setting reasenoble goals to achive, that's what keeps me going!
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Well said Bertus!
Alvin Samson Posted 11 years ago
Jeff,i started last year(14 years old) and i dont want want to vaunt.but im in a really good level now. I have heard my trainers talked about me twice. I would love to train 6 times a week. i was at a third place in a district championship.
So do you think its too late?
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alvin. Well done. It is important that you just keep training as hard as you can and see where you can get to.
Alvin Samson Posted 11 years ago
Thanks for the answer,will be keeping training
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Great! Keep us updated about your progress.
Nikhil Bathla Posted 11 years ago
i also started last year and after six months i came 2 in inter house competition and now i think i will go for the district level.
eduardo espinosa Posted 11 years ago
Hello. You guys have ever heard about Ogimura? I think it's an interesting story in that same subject.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago
Hi Nikhil,
You have come a long way in just 6 months. GOod luck going to the next level.