Self Doubt

I have a giant problem in my table tennis game.  The problem is as follows:

I can keep up with opponenets easily, there is no real opponent that is much better than me; however, I fall into this mental lapse and lose five points in a row (and this happens a lot for me) then, i start doubting my strokes, playing passively, and usually end up losing.  Is there anything I can do to fix this?

On a side note, I am also having trouble--me being new to the broader world of ping pong--figuring out whether i'm a defensive or offensive player, is there any way to figure this out?

Thanks, Jeremy

Hi Jeremy,

This is a common problem.  The idea is to be able to maintain your focus as best as you can for each point.  This is a difficult thing to do.

Here are some simple ideas to start with are, if you feel yourself going into that negative cycle of "start doubting my strokes, playing passively, and usually end up losing":

The first thing is to recognise that it is happening to you.  After a match that you feel this has happened to you, think about what sort of feelings you had, in your stomach, your legs etc.  As soon as you recognise thee feelings next time you may be starting to slip into the same cycle and start doubting yourself... stop...Try to refocus on watching the ball and your simple tactics that you have for your opponent.  Focus on them for the next point.  Then do it agian for the next point.

Make sure you take your time if this starts happening to you. Take a nice deep breath and focus on your tactics.

I don't think it is important to classify yourself as a defensive or offensive player.  Just go with what you know and do instinctively.