Getting older and slower..

Yes you´re right,  there´s still potential in the even use of forehand and backhand and trying to overcome my fear playing fh topspin (btw: helpful advice for the forhand feeling you gave recently) . Changing to pimples frightens me - that could only be an option if nothing else works. I will continue my fitness training lose some more weight. And in summer we hopefully will get a robot so I can experiment with that. If all that won´t help, I´ll go fishing.

Thanks Alois

The advice I get from my coach is also about positioning, Standing closer to the table, and shorter strokes.  No problem in using a fast rubber as makes it easier to return the ball quickly, easier to put topspin and backspin etc. etc.  If you get a robot, get a good one that sends the ball to different landing positions, does all the different spins, and can send the ball fast.  Spend a bit of time researching robots, Y&T have some good ones , and Power Pong Omega is the best there is but highest price.  Keep playing it is good for you!

Hi Manfred,

I'm approaching my late 50's, and I have encountered some injuries. I have been exercising a lot over the past three years. I think in some aspects my game has improved and my reflex abilities are still good. When you are 40 or more, it takes longer with fitness and improve with table tennis. You have to be more dedicated to building up your body unlike when we were younger.  You have to evaluate your practices. While you're getting older, it may not be all about age. Poor practice habits encourage poor reflexes. There are drills that enhance reflexes for table tennis. You need to focus more on these types of drills when you practice. Also, regarding technique, are you executing the fundamentals correctly? Poor habits produce poor results. For example, are your swings too large, if you shorten them up, you have more time to respond to the next ball! Drink more water, this helps you focus and move better. Are you getting enough sleep and so on? There are numerous other things that may in fact be contributing to your slowing down in table tennis. 

Hi Mike

What sort of drills do you suggest to improve reflexes please, as I will find these very helpful, thank you.

Hi Philip,

Multiball can be useful for reflexes but I think just playing at a faster pace in training is the best.  See if you can get your training partner to increase the pace of the ball while you hit to one position.  Get them to start to move the ball around.

Reflexes are not only about reacting but also about recognising when the ball is coming and what type of shot it is to then be able to react appropriately.

Hi,

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Hi Philip,

Multi-ball is the best, but if you can't find someone who knows how to do it, or you want to expand your drills, there are a few of them, you can try forehand, starting from one side of the table, then the middle, then the wide forehand. Coming back to the middle and then the other side of the table. You repeat, going from one direction and then the other with your forehand. Since most peeps go 80 percent to your backhand, two to your backhand which includes the middle of the table, and then the wide forehand. These drills also help with footwork. When doing these drills in the beginning or more advanced, keep it the same pace, don't try to hit it soft one stroke and the next hit it hard. Keep it at the same pace whether that be faster or slower. Once you have done that for a while and you may have already, they have your blocker change speeds, changing speeds helps your reflex as well, but you try to hit it at the same pace. For winning match points, start with backspin and open up then rally with your blocker who keeps it at a comfortable pace for you to work on reflexes. Eventually, after so many practices increase the speed a bit. And work on that pace. You can work on finishing the point early or later. When you play more advanced players sometimes the rallies are longer. I hope this helps, I wish you well...

Thank you Mike. Very helpful, will do with my robot as well as training partner.

Thanks Alois. Last Sunday the coach at Terrey Hills, Sydney . really moved me around! Incredible topspin!

Great to hear Philip.