Forcing the Pace in a Match

OK.  Was the match result important to you?

Well, not that, hopefully next time I will hit more :)

Thank you Alois and Jeff.   After experiencing conflict and word exchange in our last meeting,   our over 55  age  PP club is finally rotating tables after three games,  hopefully now we will have the chance to improve playing with more advanced players.   There was resistance,   upset and angry feedback  from old school  male seniors,  plus a few aggressive females (ha ha) However,  change has to happen so whatever the outcome I hope it is peaceful and positive!!          

Hello Ilia,

Here is something that may help you or may not because I have never seen any of your matches on video...Being able to go faster and win points in table tennis is my favorite part of playing the game! Firstly, how big is your swing? When you go fast, you need a shorter swing. Many people will try to generate more power by increasing their swing, but by doing so cuts down on the time you can respond to your opponent's successful return. Secondly, footwork! Are you setting up well for the next ball or are you moving while trying to hit the ball? Thirdly, placement! Are you hitting the ball to a weaker side of your opponent? Placement is always key when going faster. Fourthly, what about producing more(faster) spin. For all players, there is a threshold on how much spin one can handle. Good luck playing :) 

I fully agree with Mike Deubig. Great four points!

Thank you all for your informative comments re:  the  pace of play!!

Hi Kathy,

Nice to hear that there have been some changes at the session.

Thank you Alois.

Mike, all your points are valid, but they are a kind of the next step -- I struggle to get the ball on the table when I try to play faster. I relied on the slow spinny topspin as the opening shot for too long, it is hard to change this habit. Gotta send some footage to the supercoach Alois...

Thanks Igor and kathy :) 

In reply to Ilia...

Your slow looping tells me you are not driving the ball, perhaps not swinging fast enough either.  You have to change the angle of your paddle, do not let the ball drop below the table to loop it. Keep your swing short and use your body more to generate the power.

I suggest you become a premium member at pingskills. I tried the 52-week membership, and it's helped my game. You can also download the videos for future reference. Remember, it takes time to get faster, to drive the ball quicker and react to your opponent's return. Once you able to force the issue better, don't ever abandon the slow loop, the more options you have the better.