Pressure in advanced table tennis

Hi Pingskills,

I have a problem. Last year I improved my game very much. I improved my footwork, my technique, the quality of my strokes but, however, I started thinking of table tennis as something like a job or a duty. I stopped having fun at the table and when I go to a competition, I show 20% of my skills because I know that I can win, I know that I should win, I know that I' m the better player but it doesn' t happen because of these thoughts. In addition, my coach becomes angry because of the reason I lose to some extremely weak players. All these factors make me always feel under pressure during competitions. I want to get rid of it, and I hope you can help! Please help!

Regards,

Nasko

Hi Nasko,

You have to play firstly for yourself.

It is good to put in the time and effort but also self expectations start to increase.  Remember this is a difficult game and that the improvement comes slowly.  The best players in the world also have been through this.  Just keep training and you will see improvements.  Don't be in a hurry.