Smooth players

Bob Van Deusen Asked 4 years ago

Hi Coach, 

I would like your recommendations (if you would) of table tennis players (even old school) who play smooth and relaxed. I am trying to go the long distance in this game and am developing a game with less stress on the body. Oh Sang Eun is one that I have been watching lately. Samsanov has been around.  Any others for me to emulate? Also any drills or recommendations on playing more smooth and relaxed? Thanks. 

Alois Rosario Answered 4 years ago

Hi Bob,

Even before reading the rest of your question Samsonov came to mind.

I think you can do no better than watching him play to get a feel for what relaxation on a table looks like.

The main thing is to place focus on how relaxed your arm, shoulder, forearm, wrist, fingers are when you are playing.  Forget about the result of where the ball ends up and focus on this solely for a while.  As you pay attention you will start to feel some areas of tension that you can put some attention on.