The air was thick with tension as I stood beside my friend at the Albert Park Table Tennis Centre, scanning the notice board. The familiar sounds of bouncing balls and squeaking shoes filled the massive tin shed, but all I could focus on was the list of names. While searching for our next opponent in the Victorian Open, my friend turned to me and said “If one of us wins this tournament, it’ll push our ranking into the top 5.” A part of me wanted to believe it was possible, but almost immediately, a louder voice in my head whispered: ‘You’re not good enough.’
As I stepped up to the table, doubt crept in, tightening my grip and slowing my feet. Sure enough, my belief (or lack of it) turned out to be true, and I lost the match. While doubt held me back, my friend’s belief propelled him forward as he won his next match. Then the next. And the next. In fact, he went on to win the entire tournament, propelling his ranking into the top 5 in Victoria.
At that moment, I realised it wasn’t just skill or practice that held me back—it was my mindset. While I had been training physically, I hadn’t been preparing mentally. My friend’s victory was a testament to the power of belief. Watching him take risks and stay composed under pressure made me see that confidence wasn’t about ego, but about trust—trust in your preparation, in your abilities, and in yourself. As I watched him lift the trophy, I couldn’t help but wonder: If I had believed in myself more, could I have won that tournament?
That question lingered with me for days. I realised that belief wasn’t unique to my friend—many players that day shared a quiet confidence. But was belief alone enough to change the outcome of a match? Reflecting on my performance, I saw the real issue: doubt had weighed me down long before I stepped up to the table. Hesitation in table tennis can mean the difference between a winning shot and a costly mistake. My doubt didn’t just cloud my mind—it weighed on my body. My legs felt heavy, my grip tight, and every shot lacked conviction. In those moments, it felt like I was fighting against myself rather than my opponent. This internal battle only intensified as the match wore on. Every miss or hesitation fueled more doubt, creating a cycle that became harder to break. Even when I knew I had the skills, doubt whispered that maybe I didn’t belong at this level, that perhaps this was as far as I could go.
Looking back, I now understand that doubt often creeps in silently. It starts with small, subtle thoughts—'What if I miss this shot?' or 'What if my opponent is just better today?'—and these thoughts quickly multiply. In the heat of the moment, those doubts can feel like facts rather than passing thoughts. Recognising this was crucial for me. To overcome doubt, I began focusing on my breathing between points. A deep breath reminded me to centre myself, stay in the present moment, and trust my training. I also started using positive self-talk during matches, replacing doubt with phrases like 'You’ve got this' or 'Next point.' It wasn’t easy at first. However, over time, these small actions helped shift my mindset from one of fear to one of confidence. This was a pivotal shift in my thinking. I knew I needed to stop letting doubt dictate my performance and start cultivating the same belief that had carried my friend through each match.
Years later, I found myself in another decisive moment playing in the semi-final of the Victorian Open against this very friend where in the deciding set I was leading 20 to 19 with a match point. I went for a big forehand and the ball hit the edge of my racquet and flew miles out of the court. Instead of doubting myself, I thought to myself, “that was the right play, even though you missed the shot. Keep playing like you are. Next point.” It helped me stay grounded, and I played two strong points to win the match and advance to the final.
My friend’s journey to winning the tournament that day wasn’t just about his skill. He had something I didn’t: belief in his own ability. He stepped up to the table with the quiet confidence that he could go all the way. And that belief allowed him to take risks, stay composed under pressure, and keep pushing, even when the competition got tough. Watching him triumph illuminated a truth I had long overlooked: skill and practice build the foundation, but belief is the fuel that ignites potential. Without it, even the best-laid strategies falter before they have a chance to succeed.
How many times have you stepped up to the table and felt that same doubt? Imagine what might change if you trusted in your preparation instead. Confidence isn’t just about knowing you can win—it’s about knowing you’ve done the work, learned from setbacks, and grown from every rally, win or lose. What if the next time you face a tough opponent, you focus on playing your best instead of worrying about the result? How much more could you achieve if you believed in yourself fully?
So how does one go about fostering that belief? Confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It’s something you develop gradually through preparation and practice. Each time you commit to a forehand loop under game-like conditions or trust your footwork during a high-stakes rally, you’re building that belief. It's not about flicking a switch but about accumulating small wins that reinforce the trust in your abilities over time.
In training, I focused on ensuring each rally presented an appropriate level of challenge. Too often, we seek comfort in training by aiming for a high level of success, believing that winning 80–90% of rallies equates to progress. But in reality, this is far from the truth. In a match, winning 51% of the rallies is usually enough to secure victory. Interestingly, Roger Federer, often regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, won only 54% of the rallies he played, which means he lost 46%. Despite this, we often get frustrated in training if we aren’t winning 80% of the time, and as a result, we manipulate drills to ensure we do. Think about the tasks we set up where we know exactly where the ball is coming from, allowing us to sustain 10 to 20-ball rallies. This may feel like good practice, but is it really realistic or the best use of our time?
For me, belief started by reassessing my approach. I had to look at both my strengths and weaknesses honestly. I realised I wasn’t playing to my strengths, nor was I addressing the gaps in my game. So I began setting clear, measurable goals for each training session. Whether it was improving my backhand under pressure or refining my serve, every target I hit strengthened my belief that I was progressing.
Simply believing however doesn’t guarantee victory. My friend’s optimism didn’t make him invincible—it simply gave him the confidence to take necessary risks and play his best. And with those risks, losses can still happen. The key is in how you respond to those losses. Instead of viewing each loss as proof that I wasn’t good enough, I started asking myself a different question: “What can I learn from this?” Shifting my mindset from focusing on results to focusing on progress allowed me to transform defeats into opportunities for growth. It wasn’t easy, but it changed how I approached setbacks.
That mindset shift wasn’t instantaneous. It came after some hard losses, including a particularly tough loss where my opponent exploited my weak backhand. I recognised that I’d been avoiding that area of my game. My footwork was solid, but my reliance on forehands left me vulnerable. My opponent repeatedly moved me side to side, exposing my backhand under pressure. Over the next few months, I refined my backhand topspin, and that progress gave me a new level of confidence the next time I faced a similar challenge.
Belief is more than just a feeling—it’s a mindset built through preparation, practice, and learning from every experience, whether a win or a loss. It’s not just about trusting your abilities in the moment, but trusting the work you’ve put in to get there. Every time you face a challenge, remind yourself of the progress you've made and the lessons you've learned. Next time you step up to the table, let your belief in your skills guide every shot. Focus on what you can control: your preparation, your effort, and your willingness to learn from setbacks. Over time, as your game grows, so will your confidence.
In the end, skill is only one part of the equation. The hidden force behind every victory is the belief that you can succeed.
What about you? How has belief or self-doubt shaped your performance on the table? Share your story in the comments, and let’s explore how the power of belief can transform our game together.
Posted 3 months ago
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bruce thom Posted 3 months ago
Belief in the power of positive thinking... Napoleon Hill wrote a great book about this..
True to this day. Thanks for sharing..
Arnab Ghosh Posted 3 months ago
Recently I too have realised how much confidence and mindset affects the outcome of matches at tournaments - at any level.
I was unable to secure victory at a tournament final match and watched my opponent win by sheer volume of my unforced errors.
I can relate to these lines above. Unfortunately I was unable to recover in that match.
Table tennis is a very fast paced game. Therefore, when it feels like the points are slipping away like sands in fist, it is very important to take brief split second pause and take a deep breath, reassess tactics, reassuring my abilities of going for shots with confidence and relax the muscles.
It is such a pleasant coincidence that you decided to write about this issue with players exactly when I am going through the feelings myself. It reassures me that these may happen to the best of us. Keep posting more content.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 3 months ago
Thanks for your comment, Bruce! Napoleon Hill’s "Think and Grow Rich" certainly made a big impact in the realm of self-development, and his ideas about the power of belief are still widely discussed today. While some find his approach bold or even a bit over the top, there’s no denying the value of a strong mindset in achieving success. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 3 months ago
Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Arnab. It really resonates with what I was trying to convey in the post. Those moments of doubt when your body feels heavy and every shot lacks conviction are all too familiar. Table tennis, as you said, moves so fast that it’s easy to let those feelings spiral out of control if you don’t pause, take a breath, and regain focus. I’m glad the post came at a time when it could help reassure you. It’s true, this kind of battle happens to nearly of all us. Keep working on building that confidence, and you’ll find it makes all the difference in those critical moments. Thanks again for the encouragement, and I’ll definitely keep posting more content like this!
Noor Motani Posted 3 months ago
Exactly. My problem is lack of confidence. Miss a few shots and the points slip away. Most of the time I am not mentally prepared. As a result, my grip gets tight and feet slow. Most often I know what I did wrong but it is hard to correct the mistakes quickly. Especially when the age slows you down. What more can I expect from myself at the age of 79.
John Swinbourne Posted 3 months ago
Henry ford said
if you think you can your right
if you think you can’t your also right
The power of the mind applies in all aspects of our life
William Wong Posted 3 months ago
Great article Jeff. Been playing over 50 years and my USATT rating has dropped from 1750 to about 1550 pre pandemic. After pandemic, I decided to practice more and try to improve my tournament play. Even though I practiced more, my rating steadily declined to about 1350 today. Your article for me, hit the nail on the head. It was the lack confidence, the doubt, the fear, the anxiety before and during the tournament that are your biggest obstacles, not your opponent. Your article definitely points to the mental aspect of the sport and thanks for sharing this.
John Smith Posted 3 months ago
It is difficult to add anything to it, everything important has been said. It is a fact that the psyche is very important. I often see how an opponent, who initially played well and dangerously, at some point gives up, resigns, and all you have to do is keep him in that resignation. And I also know what it's like when in a match I say to myself "this won't turn out well for me...". And it must be said that sometimes it is legal if the difference between the players is greater. No psychic can help here. Or would it? What can be done - play for the current ball. Don't get upset and don't let your opponent see when you are worried and angry - it will only make him stronger.
Kirsten Shea Posted 3 months ago
First of all thanks for your very informative Blog which I have followed and enjoyed for years.
Table tennis has been a love of mine since I was a kid, and I have played and enjoyed it all my life. While I lived in South Africa I had very good coaching, but league matches and local tournaments was as far as it went. Apart from once when I was chosen to play for my county. That's when I realised, what nerves and lack and trust in your own abilites can do. I performed miserably, and never played at that level again.
Once I took notice of one of your comments, when you said "When you play an important game, think back of games, where you played real well and keep that in mind during your game". That little remark helped me quite a lot, and perhaps it might help others too.
Posetive thinking, when it comes to your own sporting abilities comes natural to some, but for the rest of us, it is a skill we need to learn, just like the skill of playing the game itself.
I am a product of the baby boomers and table tennis still play a very big part in my life.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 3 months ago
@Noor - Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It’s completely understandable how a few missed shots can start to affect your confidence, especially in a fast-paced game like table tennis. The mental side of the game is just as challenging as the physical, and I think many of us can relate to that feeling of tightening up when things don’t go as planned. It’s impressive that you’re still competing and working on improving your game at 79, that’s an achievement in itself! The fact that you recognise where things go wrong is already a great step. Sometimes, just focusing on enjoying the game and taking it point by point can help you stay grounded. Keep at it, and remember, every match is an opportunity to grow!
@John - Thanks for sharing that great quote! Henry Ford really captured the essence of how powerful our mindset can be, both in sports and in life. The way we think can shape the outcome, whether it’s on the table or in any challenge we face. Appreciate your comment!
@William - Thank you for sharing your story, and for your kind words. I really appreciate your openness about your journey. It sounds like you’ve put in a lot of work, but it’s amazing how much of the battle really happens in our own heads. The doubt, fear, and anxiety can be such powerful forces, and they often make us feel like we’re playing against ourselves rather than our opponent. I’m glad the article resonated with you. Recognising the mental side of the game is such an important step. Keep pushing forward, and remember, with the right mindset, you can rediscover that confidence and find your best form again. Thanks again for your comment!
@Kirsten - Thank you so much for your kind words! It means a lot to hear that you’ve been following the PingSkills website for years and finding value in it. I’m glad to hear that table tennis has been such a big part of your life, and I completely relate to what you shared about nerves and self-doubt, especially when playing at a higher level. I’m also happy to know that the comment about reflecting on your best games helped you. It’s a simple yet powerful technique that can shift the mental battle in your favour. You’re absolutely right, positive thinking doesn’t always come naturally, and for many of us, it’s a skill that needs to be developed, just like the technical aspects of the game. It’s wonderful that table tennis continues to play a big role in your life, and I’m sure your experience is inspiring to many others as well. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment.
Paul Griz Posted 3 months ago
Thank you so much for sharing your brilliant insights from life experiences. Confidence, belief in one's self, is one of our greatest assets and the lack there of, the enemy from within.
You are so right, that belief in one's self along with perseverance and hard work slowly brings us to a better version of who we were the day before.
Really miss listening to you and Alois in your wonderful podcasts. Laughing at your jokes and the banter between the two of you was the highlight of my week.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 3 months ago
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your kind words. I’m really glad the article resonated with you. I appreciate your mention of the podcast! Alois and I had such a great time recording those, and hearing that it brought you joy makes me smile. Who knows, maybe we’ll find a way to bring it back someday soon.
D K Posted 3 months ago
I am just giving my opinion to the discussion :)
I do not believe in existence of such things like "confidence","optimism","doubt" etc.
Cephas Miningou Posted 3 months ago
Great article ! Thanks. All of the above resonate with me and I would add that these fears can also lead to inconsistent play and passivity.
Even though with age legs and footwork are more challenging, I reckon many of my current losses, especially against players with slightly lower rankings have a great deal of "fear of losing ranking points." I tend to play better against higher ranked players, because I play more relaxed and try my best from the first point. Even then, I often start strong and even with a 2-0 lead, these negative thoughts can creep up and I begin playing (very) differently from when I started: less assurance, wrong tactical choices, the "fear of winnning"...
Your article gives me an extra boost to practice this mental aspect and improve on it.
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 3 months ago
@DK - Thanks for sharing your perspective. It’s always fascinating to hear different approaches to the game, and I think your mentality of focusing on pure mechanics is really interesting. For some players, detaching mentally and relying solely on physical control can lead to incredible consistency and performance. I love that table tennis allows for such diverse ways of thinking and playing, and that what works for one person might be completely different for someone else. Your approach of aiming to play at the same level under any circumstances, without letting emotions or mindset come into play, sounds like a really focused and disciplined strategy. Thanks again for joining the discussion and bringing a unique point of view!
@Cephas - Thanks for your comment. I’m really glad the article resonated with you. You’re absolutely right, those fears can lead to inconsistency and passivity, and the "fear of losing" or even the "fear of winning" can sometimes hold us back from playing our best. It’s interesting how we can often perform better against higher-ranked players when there’s less pressure, but that same pressure can creep in against lower-ranked opponents or when we’re close to winning. I think it’s great that you’re looking to focus on the mental side and improve on it. It’s definitely an area where many of us can continue to grow, no matter our level or experience. Keep working at it, and I’m sure you’ll see the benefits both mentally and in your performance!
D K Posted 3 months ago
@Jeff
This is partially a result of behavior of my first trainer. Apart from teaching me basic strokes etc to some extent,he did not do much a good job with me.
I do not want to say he was a bad trainer,but he was incompatible with me. Several times he tried to slightly tease me to provoke anger at my side. By that time he already realised that positive motivation just does not work with me,and tried to use negative motivation. That works on me - but not every way.
He did not like that I do not take offensive opportunities too much,that I am not fierce enough when given a chance. So he attempted to tease me to provoke anger,with an intention to teach me how to channel my anger and negative emotions into power. He simply wanted me to become a player who uses his own negative emotions as a weapon. That is not impossible,some people are compatible with that. I can do this,I could do this before I met him. But table tennis requires precision and I knew that if I release my anger on him as an opponent and start taking him fiercely,I will miss a lot. That is how I learned to mentally detach for the first time,and learned the benefits of it. It was also a spark of why my table tennis mindset look like this.
D K Posted 3 months ago
So,although he did not pass on me much of advanced table tennis skills,he helped me to finally and eternally suppress my choleric side
mary silverton Posted 1 month ago
This really is very helpful and summed up the way you feel physically as well as mentally when you don't have confidence in your skills.
As the only lady in a club, I have often suffered from lack of confidence when playing powerful men. I do know I am a good player as I am chosen for the league teams, but I have to get past 'my head' to win.
I am now 77 and suffered from cancer 2 years ago , so I lost some of my strength and confidence. I have taken 18 months out from competitive play whilst re-adjusting my type of play and getting my confidence back. I now feel ready to enter our club championships again and will try to get past the thought that 'I don't have a chance of winning'. I will be printing out you blog - so that I can remind myself of the excellent advice you have provided, and realise that even top players like yourself have had to fight the same mental battle.
I can't tell you how much I enjoy playing still and I will also tell you how popular the game is with so many older players, who often have major trauma or illness to deal with, but who still turn up, play strong games for 2 hours and run around the tables like they were still teenagers. We all think the game is excellent for keeping people fit and mentally alert.
Thank you for your excellent advice and I will continue to try to put your advice on play and attitudes to good use.
Mary
Jeff Plumb from PingSkills Posted 1 month ago
Mary, thank you so much for sharing your story! It's incredibly inspiring to hear how you've faced challenges with such determination and a positive mindset. Confidence can be one of the toughest battles, but it's clear you're already winning that fight by stepping back into competition. It's amazing to see how table tennis continues to bring joy and fitness to players of all ages, and I have no doubt your passion and resilience will serve you well in the club championships. Wishing you the best of luck—keep enjoying the game, and I look forward to hearing about your future victories!