Table tennis the most baffling sport

Tim Smith Asked 7 years ago

I am a 1500 rated two winged looper.  I am incredibly frustrated at times by table tennis.  I used to play with a modified seemiller grip which I was quite successful with.  But as I poured over pro table tennis clips I realized I wanted my game to emulate that of the pros.  I invested heavily in a game dominated by the forehand loop.  I wanted my game to be beautiful and entertaining which it is. I have never encountered a player who hits the ball as hard as I do.  Nor have I encountered a player with the athleticism I possess.  I have played. Many sports including college hockey and soccer.  And yet despite all this I lose to players who are literally crippled or like last week to two 80 year old players. For a time I was also successful as a long pips chopper on the backhand and inverted on the forehand like moo we hyuk.  I have beaten several 2000 rated players with this style as well as nearly defeating the Vermont state champion a couple years back.  The pips just felt dishonest despite the fact I used them in.  Much more athletic fashion than players around me.  I switched back to double inverted and have struggled ever since to separate my self from the awkward styles I find all around me.  Why does table tennis seem to reward these aesthetically hideous styles while punishing highlight real players like myself.  I mean I'm losing to players who have never hit a forehand loop in their lives.  I scratch my head bloody and look to my number one sport hockey for answers.  On the ice you are rewarded for speed and power and strength.  There is no piece of technology to hide behind.  There are no parlor tricks that get you sneaky goals.  If you are outclassed in hockey you are outclassed badly.  I am torn between wanting to create a game that can take me to the 2000 level and wanting to win.  15 years of table tennis later I am feeling angry and confused by this utterly baffling game.

Alois Rosario Answered 7 years ago

Hi Tim,

I hear your pain.  This is something that a lot of people feel.

Take a look at our previous discussions about the "Ping Ping Zone".

How Can I Escape the Ping Pong Zone?

PingPod #34 - Can You Escape the Ping Pong Zone?

You will see your frustration is shared...