Returning to table tennis after 40 years

Marcus Carli Asked 3 weeks ago

Hi

I’m 68 years old and have only just returned to playing table tennis. I’ve probably had a handful of games over the last 40 years and I’ve recently joined a seniors club and rediscovered my love for the game. I still feel comfortable with my shots ie control and spin, but my body positioning leaves a lot to be desired, particularly in doubles.

I first learned to play using the penholder grip at university and still play using the traditional Japanese one-sided bat.

Just wondering whether you have a category of players, like me that:

• don’t have the mobility they used to
• have terrible knees from running
• occasional back/neck pain after some shots
• get limited opportunity for drills as it’s usually you can only play doubles at the seniors’ clubs

I suspect that there would be a different advice and/or exercises that would be required. Apologies if you’ve covered this elsewhere in your site. I’ve only just started listening to your podcasts, which I find very interesting.

thanks

Marcus

Alois Rosario Answered 1 week ago

Hi Marcus,

Welcome back to the wonderful world of table tennis! It's fantastic to hear that you've rekindled your passion for the game and are actively participating in a seniors club. Your situation is not uncommon, and there are specific strategies and tips that can help you enjoy the game while managing the physical challenges you've described. 

1. Adjusting Your Game Style: Given your experience with the penholder grip and the traditional Japanese one-sided bat, you might want to focus on playing a style that minimises the need for extensive movement. This can include focusing more on placement and spin rather than speed. Try to outsmart your opponents with strategic shots, using angles and varying spins to keep the ball in play without needing to move too much.

2. Body Positioning and Movement: For your body positioning, especially in doubles, communication and understanding with your partner are crucial. Position yourself in a way that allows you to cover your area of the table comfortably. Try to stay as close to the table as you can to minimise distance. Since mobility is a concern, work on your anticipation of the ball. This means reading the opponent's movements and shot selection early, which can compensate for slower physical reaction times.

3. Practice Drills Adaptation: Regarding limited opportunities for drills, try to utilise any warm-up or waiting time efficiently. Even without a table, you can practice shadow play, where you mimic the strokes and footwork. This can help in maintaining muscle memory and coordination. If possible, discuss with the club the possibility of dedicating some time for drills or even having a separate session for those interested.

Marcus, you're not alone in navigating these challenges, and many players find great joy in adapting their game as they age. Keep enjoying your table tennis journey, and feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further advice.