Are pro veterans still improving

Table Tennis Discussion

Last updated 7 years ago

Leopoldo Gonzales

Leopoldo Gonzales Asked 7 years ago

Are pro veterans like Samsonov still improving? Or are their skills diminishing faster than they can improve?


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Leopoldo,

This is an interesting question.  My feeling is that they are not improving physically but perhaps they are getting smarter and learning more efficient ways of playing.  As far as results I find it hard to see but players like Samsonov seem to be holding on incredibly well.

It would be interesting to hear other's views.


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Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

I have put this up as today's #PQOTD - https://www.facebook.com/PingSkills/


martinand bernard

martinand bernard Posted 7 years ago

and not pro? I am 66 old it's difficult to improve but not impossible


Leopoldo Gonzales

Leopoldo Gonzales Posted 7 years ago

My thoughts,

The main things you lose with age is speed and reflexes. However, you still have the ability to improve anticipation, serve, strokes mechanics, strategy.  I know at some point we can no longer compensate but that age is debatable. What makes me ask the question is the thought of where a Samsonov in his prime would rank today. I can't see him much higher than where he is right now.


Alois Rosario

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 7 years ago

Yes I think the same.  He really hasn't lost a lot of ability.  He is currently No 9 on the ranking list.  The highest he could be right now is No.5 where Ovtcharov is at the moment.



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