Table speeds

Table Tennis Equipment

Last updated 12 years ago

Simon Lewis

Simon Lewis Asked 12 years ago

Dear Pingskills,
 
I am having really difficuty getting used to different table speeds in different venues. Before this season, I never understood how different tables in different venues could play any differently. But now, because I play more than one league, I can see what they mean! I prefer a slow table, and playing in a room where there aren't many tables. However, my home games in one league are in a sports hall which hold 10+ tables. It plays totally differently, and I get into the mindset that the table is smaller because it looks smaller in a big hall!
 
Do you have any advice on how I can move forward with this? How can I take my game from a slow table to a fast table? 

Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Simon,

Table speeds and even the perceived speed of the ball in different size halls is something that all players find they need to deal with.

Many international competitions are held in halls with over 40 tables which means that your perceptions is thrown out.  It definitiel feels like the ball is travelling slower in a big hall.  You also tend to move further away from the table if you have more court area.

It is something that you need to allow yourself to get used to.  When you get to a new hall make sure you hit as much as possible.  When players go to a big tournament they will make sure they have hit at least 3 or 4, two hour sessions in the hall before they have to play their first match there.  You may not have that luxury but when you arrive, play as much as possible.

I remember the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002 where the tables were the slowest I have ever seen.  At the start of the week the players were clean missing the ball because they were stopping on the table.  By the end of the week the players didn't know the difference.

Allow as much time as possible for adjustment.


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