Lose a bad habit to make a winning shot

Christian , Asked 14 years ago

Hello Coach,

In training I make good shots, topspins, blocks. In game I always lose. I have a bad habit of wanting to make a winning shot. How to lose that bad reflex, but still make the good attack? If I don't make an attacking stroke, the opponent make the point.

Could you help me ?

Thank you in advance

Alois Rosario Answered 14 years ago

Hi Christian,

It is a matter of resetting your goals for the match. Think about making as many good strokes as you can during the match. That will be your measure of success for that match, and not the result.

Aso remember that the strokes tat we teach at PingSkills will still be successful when you play them faster. A common fault is that players change the look of the stroke when they try to play faster. Try to keep the same stroke and just get the bat moving faster through that stroke.

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Ji-Soo Woo Posted 14 years ago

I think the key is your aim of making the "winning shot". When playing competitive table tennis, I find the worst habit you can get into is trying to hit a "winning shot" (unless of course the ball is a real sitter). 1) it puts too much pressure on you to hit an unreturnable shot; 2) it's low percentage, meaning you give up cheap points without the opponent having to do anything to earn it; 3) if they DO return it, you're usually out of position and not expecting it.

Intead, you should aim to hit a high percentage "advantage-gaining shot"...something that will increase pressure on your opponent and force him to find a reply. You've got to enjoy the mind-games and tactics of a long rally, instead of trying to end it prematurely with a spectacular do-or-die attack.

Christian , Posted 14 years ago

Hello Alois and Ji-Soo,
You're absolutely right. That is exactly what happens. And I always play with maximum power and it increases my tension.
But there are very bad habits that it's difficult to eliminate.
I'll try your solutions and hopefully I'll be able to qualify for the upcoming olypimc games (lol) ...
Thank you very much for your advice.