Playing in different venues

Wayne Sy Asked 12 years ago

Hi there coach, I am having problems with playing in other venues. I usually play at a club in the mall, and I am used to play there. So I can feel the ball better. But when we play and train in our school gym, I can seem to feel the ball. My strokes change, my footwork change and my mindset change. I am sure that I am not used to play in our school anymore, because I am not able to play there for a long time. So what should I do in order to get my feel of the game in any venue specially in our school gym? thanks in advance

Alois Rosario Answered 12 years ago

Hi Wayne,

Just allow yourself to adjust to the venue. The table size is exactly the same and the ball is the same so the main thing that is changing is your mindset. Try to allow yourself to adjust to it and you will soon be playing just as well in the school gym as anywhere else.

← Have my opponent back - now what Teaching my Kid →

Wayne Sy Posted 12 years ago

thanks, would it also work if I think the gym's surroundings like in the club?

Ji-Soo Woo Posted 12 years ago

I have this same problem. I play 99% of the time at our local club which (as Jeff would recall) is quite a closed space with not a lot of room but with minimal visual distraction. Whenever I play in NSW or Melbourne, it's suddenly a huge hall with much more space and variable light conditions, and a lot more activity behind the ball with other tables and people walking around. I find it takes a good match or two before I feel comfortable. In a knock-out competition though, it's usually too late by then.

Martin Elliget Posted 12 years ago

I started playing at a different club last season, one in Melbourne (Coburg). For my first few matches there, I found the conditions very different to another club I play with - the floor was very slippery, the tables were often dusty and shiny from reflected lights and one table even had quite a noticeable slope! At first I found I didn't play as well, but I've gotten used to it now. I think the more you play in the school gym, the more comfortable you will get and consequently you'll play to your normal standard.

The slippery, dusty floor can affect your footwork. You feel like you're sliding around like a drunk spider. If that's the case with your gym, try taking along a dish cloth that you can wet with water and have beside the table (place it near the net, so you don't slip on it). You can put your shoes on it and then wipe your shoes on the floor to remove excess water. It will give your shoes more grip. See players doing this on the Gerada vs Miao match:

http://www.pingskills.com/table-tennis/match-commentary/gerada-v-miao/