Playing with non pros

Diego Tesoro Asked 8 years ago

This is not really a table tennis question but here it is.

Part of my PE class is Table Tennis. In my class, I am the only one that trains and joins competitions. Therefore I would be considered the "best". My classmates are just hobby players.

My question is how do you play with non professionals? and how do you make them not feel bad if ever they lose? Will my skills be bad if I goof around?

Alois Rosario Answered 8 years ago

Hi Diego,

This can be an awkward situation but you can still gain something. For example you may want to focus on a particular shot in the game. You can try to use that shot more, for example you may try to practice your backhand topspin so every time the ball comes to your backhand side you try to play a backhand topspin. Without the pressure of winning and losing you can train this shot in a game situation.

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Jean Balthazar Posted 8 years ago

"Will my skills be bad if I goof around?" Yes indeed.

In a important match, you will use your strong shots and exploit your opponent's weaknesses as much as possible. In a training match with a much lower level partner, do the opposite, i.e. work on your weak shots and play his strengths. That will reduce the gap, help him to make the points last longer and it will be more enjoyable and usefull for both.