Practicing on non-standard size tables

Thamal Udamulla Asked 12 years ago

Dear Coach,

I read somewhere that it would be encouraging for beginners to play on any surface, table of any size/ shape as it helps them to learn/ master ball control. 

1) is this true? and most importantly,

2) if it is true, is there a stage beyond which this would be counter productive or should not happen?

Your comment/ advice is highly appreciated.

Jeff Plumb Answered 12 years ago

Hi Thamal,

If a child is quite small, it can be OK to play on a smaller table. The reason is that on a normal size table they will have to hit the ball up high and as they grow taller their stroke will need to change as they start hitting it lower on their body.

I don't think that there is any real advantages for a normal player in using non-standard size tables. If you don't have access to a regular table then using any surface you can find is much better than not playing and will help you with your ball control.