Improving when there isn't really any club around

I live in the non-Chicago midwest here in the United States, and the local TT club is a ways out from me.  The schedule of meetings, is not friendly with my schedule, and the club itself isn't really welcoming to new players.  How am I to improve my abilities if all I can do is hit against a couple friends and my wife?  We purchased an IPONG Pro, and that helps in getting repetition as well as consistency, but there isn't much of a chance for match play.  We have a state tournament every year, but very few events.  What do you reccomend?

Hi RJ,

Try to get your friends to do some drills with you.  You can see the footwork drills in our free download of Training Drills.  You can also use the robot to set these up.

As far as matches, perhaps you can look for other tournaments around.  It may mean a bit of driving but it may be worth it.

Try to train up your friends as well so that they become more competitive and give you better match practice.