Tournament and other questions
Training
Lukas Haraldsen Asked 10 years ago
The tournament yesterday went pretty well! I won my qualification group, and I placed 3rd in the final group. It went pretty well to be my first tournament.
The first question I have is what can I reach? How good can I become? I'm 14 at the moment. If I train my hardest and play table tennis everyday, will I get a lot better over the years? Any tips on how to train very effectively?
And also, I saw a very cheap, but also proffesional and good table tennis table from Stiga. Should I buy this and put it in my home, so that I can play every day. Would that help my table tennis a lot?
I know this is a very long question, so no reason to put it in a Ask The Coach episode. Thanks :)
Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago
Hi Lukas,
Well done! That sound like a great result.
How far you progress will just depend on how much time you have and how well you train over the next few years.
Try to train with good focus and have some goals in mind with you training. We have a section of the site dedicated to this aspect. The Training Secrets section goes through several aspects of how to train effectively and get the best value out of your time.
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D K Posted 10 years ago
Congratulations Lukas
Can I ask how long have you been training before the tournament?
I ask because I want to compare,if only I am so bad player or you have been training for a much longer time than me.
For example,I have been playing for 2 years before my first tournament. I did not win a single set. I was overpowered by children that were 7 years younger and trained just for a few months. I was much older,had better bat (if it means something),was more experienced,because I trained longer and more often,but still I could not beat them.
I could not beat a 7-years old kid when I was 13. I trained for two years,he for two months. I lost 2:11,0:11,4:11.
Lukas Haraldsen Posted 9 years ago
Sorry DK, I didn't see the comment >.<!
I had only been playing for about 3 weeks when I played in this tournament. Looking back at it now, I am A LOT better, and I would probably have beaten the boys who beat me in the final group. They were also nine, so don't worry ;)
And also, I was placed in the D group in the tournament, so it wasn't as high level as the A group. If I were to enter the same tournament now, I'd probably be able to compete in the C or B group.
I have an upcoming tournament in about 2 weeks, and then I may be able to compete in another tournament the week after. And honestly, age doesn't matter too much. It's a matter of understanding the game, and how well you do the strokes :).
Good luck with your table tennis :)!
Ilia Minkin Posted 9 years ago
D K, trust me, you're not alone :)
I am 26 year old now, I played casually a lot when I was a kid, had table tennis classes with a coach for three years when I was an undergrad student, then gave up the sport and returned one year ago. Nowadays I train 3-4 days a week. On my first "real" tournament three weeks ago I lost to a kid about 9 years old with long pimples bat because I couldn't adjust to the spin returned from the pimples, it all went off the table. In every aspect my first tournament was a total, absolute, complete and ultimate disaster. However, I learned about my weaknesses a lot and I'm trying to do the homework.
David Jacobs Posted 9 years ago
Congratulations Lukas ..
DK luck also matters exp and physical fitness also depends ...
dont worry u will be able to one's in ur lifetime