Preparing for a table tennis competition
Training
Favour Fatunbi Asked 5 days ago
Good afternoon, pls I want to ask how I can prepare for a table tennis competition that will be coming up in a month or less time, I am already good in the game, very good in the game but it's locally I do play the game, I've never played in a standard training or played with a coach I just play at free time and I improved a lot. So my problems are mostly about serves as I done mainly do the show your ball serves where I play, just serving with two hands but I'm trying to improve as I'll like to win the competition so what can I do to improve both reading and serving spin serves. My weakness is also looping the ball or increasing my forehand attack, I mainly use my backhand even to . How can I improve.
Also the bat I do use to play is bad and has no spin, but at the competition I'll be given a better bat, will I be affected if I'm given a bat that I don't use before because I'm used to the bat with no spin before will it affect my game changing bat or I should take my bat with no spin to the competition but the opponent will be using a good bat, pls which will be better as I don't have the money to buy a new one yet.
Alois Rosario Answered 2 days ago
Hi Favour,
You already have a big advantage in that you clearly love the game and have developed strong instincts by playing a lot. One month is enough time to improve some important things before the competition.
For our Premium Members we have the 52 Week Training Plan. This covers preparing for a tournament as the last 8 weeks of the plan.
For serves start learning a simple legal serve first. Hold the ball flat on your open palm and throw it up a little before serving. Don’t try to learn many serves. Focus on one backspin serve and one topspin/no-spin serve. Practice brushing the ball instead of hitting it flat.
For reading spin watch the opponent’s racket angle and direction at contact. If the racket moves under the ball, expect backspin. If it comes over the ball, expect topspin. Against sidespin, adjust your racket angle in the direction the ball curves.
For forehand and looping since you already rely on your backhand, don’t change your whole style now. Just add one safe forehand topspin against higher balls. Focus more on spin and consistency than power.
Changing to a very spinny bat suddenly can affect your game at first. Balls may fly long or dip into the net because you are not used to the extra grip. Use it as a learning experience.
But honestly, if your current bat is very poor and has almost no spin, using a decent bat in the competition is probably still better. A better bat will help you serve, spin, and control the ball more effectively once you adjust a little.
If possible borrow a better bat before the competition and practice with it for even a few days. If not possible, use the competition bat during warmup and keep your strokes shorter and softer at first.
Most importantly don’t try to become a completely different player in one month. Improve your serve, make your returns safer, and use your strengths confidently.
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