Meditation

Matt Roper Asked 11 years ago

Hi Alois, my question does relate to an existing string about the psychology of playing but I wanted to be specific about the topic of meditation allegedly resulting in "improved reaction times and faster footwork". That's what I'd like to have... it would be great to be able to put the game into slow motion in order to track the ball and execute an unhurried return.

Do you have suggestions about resources on meditation relating to your comments about:"...Staying in the present is a big part of staying calm." "A good way to do this is to focus on your breathing. Every time you start thinking about what might happen turn your attention to your breathing..."

I don't currently practice meditation but these comments make me feel like I should.

Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago

Hi Matt,

This is a big topic and one that we will have to cover in more depth shortly.

The principles of meditation are often applied in Sports Psychology. The main thing is to have some control of your anxiety levels by using your breathing or meditation techniques. I find that a good deep abdominal breath would help me.

Others that have studied or done some meditation may be ale to help out here.

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Aasim Showkat Posted 11 years ago

No problem matt, i will write a book on it.
Meditation and table tennis
hahahaha

Manfred Rolfsmeier Posted 11 years ago

Hi Matt,

Alois is right - this is a big topic. So just a few words about what I found out for myself after years of meditation (and tt). The first and most important insight for me was that I can´t control my thoughts and emotions no matter what I do - they just come and go. The harder I try to push them away the stronger they become and that has a negative effect on everything.

But what I can do is to be aware of my thoughts and emotions and that´s what it´s all about. So what I find helpful is to be aware of everything that is going on inside of me to sense my body without reacting. I`m trying to do this all the time but of course I often become distracted. So before the match starts I take a few minutes, close my eyes and sense myself, and I do that even in short breaks. Of course this is no guarantee for "success", but I have found out that this practise (which is more of a general attitude) often helps me to tap my full potential.

Manfred

RJ Reyes Posted 11 years ago

I love listening to certain music in a certain order. Before I play I start with loud loud music (Triple H's Theme from the WWE, Randy Orton's Theme) then afterwards I tone it down, and right before I start, I chose a song that relaxes me like Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, or Rhapsody in Blue. I'm not sure of the effectiveness of this, but I've done it for years, and it seems to work!

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 11 years ago

Thanks for your insight Manfred.