Getting older and slower..
Strategy
Manfred Rolfsmeier Asked 2 years ago
Hi Alois,
as I approach my 50s I notice that my performance is declining. Everything´s slowing down (movement, reflexes), my ability to concentrate is limited and dark halls are a horror to me. I started fitness training some time ago but my problems remain the same. And since I want continue playing in the team, I ask myself whether and how I can adapt my allround game to the dwindling performance. Is there anything you can recommend to an ageing player?
Thanks & Greetings
Manfred
Alois Rosario Answered 2 years ago
Hi Manfred,
I think this is great that you re starting to think about options.
The main thing I think is movement. Trying to limit that and perhaps slowing the ball down is the key... as well as continuing to work on your general fitness.
Perhaps you can consider a slower rubber or equipment. A lot fo players progress to some sort of pimples, especially longer pimples to slow the game down. I am not sure if that is where you want to go with it.
The other thing to think about is your positioning and utilising both forehand and backhand more evenly so that you can cover the table well.
Let me know if we are on the right track here.
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Manfred Rolfsmeier Posted 2 years ago
Yes you´re right, there´s still potential in the even use of forehand and backhand and trying to overcome my fear playing fh topspin (btw: helpful advice for the forhand feeling you gave recently) . Changing to pimples frightens me - that could only be an option if nothing else works. I will continue my fitness training lose some more weight. And in summer we hopefully will get a robot so I can experiment with that. If all that won´t help, I´ll go fishing.
Thanks Alois
The advice I get from my coach is also about positioning, Standing closer to the table, and shorter strokes. No problem in using a fast rubber as makes it easier to return the ball quickly, easier to put topspin and backspin etc. etc. If you get a robot, get a good one that sends the ball to different landing positions, does all the different spins, and can send the ball fast. Spend a bit of time researching robots, Y&T have some good ones , and Power Pong Omega is the best there is but highest price. Keep playing it is good for you!
Mike Deubig Posted 2 years ago
Hi Manfred,
I'm approaching my late 50's, and I have encountered some injuries. I have been exercising a lot over the past three years. I think in some aspects my game has improved and my reflex abilities are still good. When you are 40 or more, it takes longer with fitness and improve with table tennis. You have to be more dedicated to building up your body unlike when we were younger. You have to evaluate your practices. While you're getting older, it may not be all about age. Poor practice habits encourage poor reflexes. There are drills that enhance reflexes for table tennis. You need to focus more on these types of drills when you practice. Also, regarding technique, are you executing the fundamentals correctly? Poor habits produce poor results. For example, are your swings too large, if you shorten them up, you have more time to respond to the next ball! Drink more water, this helps you focus and move better. Are you getting enough sleep and so on? There are numerous other things that may in fact be contributing to your slowing down in table tennis.
Hi Philip,
Multiball can be useful for reflexes but I think just playing at a faster pace in training is the best. See if you can get your training partner to increase the pace of the ball while you hit to one position. Get them to start to move the ball around.
Reflexes are not only about reacting but also about recognising when the ball is coming and what type of shot it is to then be able to react appropriately.