Muscle memory

maurice Tate Asked 2 years ago

The latest research into muscle memory seems to indicate it takes about 10 hours of practicing one skill to train your brain to have good muscle memory. Doing two activities during the 10 hours reduces the learning of the first training. The other thing that was suggested was to push the boundaries in learning the one skill you are training for.

I was told the Chinese when training young kids focus on one stroke for 3 months.

How would you do this in training without becoming boring? Do you think there is any validity of this approach in Table Tennis?

Alois Rosario Answered 2 years ago

Hi Maurice,

I am now of the belief that this is not the best way to learn.  It certainly allows them to get a good individual stroke.

They may be getting a good muscle memory of the individual stroke but not of the stroke that they need in a game situation which starts and finishes in different positions and is part of a full rally not an individual stroke.

I think the other point of the boring nature of the training is a factor as well.  It is important that the player is stimulated and enjoying the training.