Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TRAINING
MANUAL
Third Edition
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Larry Thoman
Phone #:
My Robot Serial # Is:
Purchase Date:
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Printed in the United States of America by Lithographics, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee USA.
Acknowledgments vii
Introduction xi
iii
iv Table of Contents
Conclusion 103
PHOTOS
v
vi List of Photos, Figures, & Charts
FIGURES
CHARTS
One of my ambitions ever since I started Dan Seemiller, 6 time U. S. Mens Cham-
playing table tennis competitively at age pion, who was instrumental in teaching
15 was to write a book about the sport. I me the basics and the finer points of
look at the sport not only as a fun, chal- table tennis. His dedication to the sport,
lenging game, but also as a rich field of mastery of skills, and enthusiasm for
learning. I derive great pleasure from it sharing his knowledge and encouraging
and wish to pass along the knowledge I others to reach their full potentials has
have gained so others, like you, can reap always been an inspiration to me.
the rewards from playing the peoples
sport, as it is called in China. Ron Williams, of Ron Williams Photog-
raphy, for most of the photographs in
One of the greatest lessons I learned from this manual. He helped me recognize
table tennis is how important others are the importance of the visual image in
to my success. Some of the people I want learning a new skill. I thank him for the
to thank for helping me either to learn meticulous care to detail that can be seen
the sport or to create this book are: in these unique photographs.
All my practice partners, including Bill Dan Robbins, of Robbins Sport, the dis-
Edwards, Mitch Stephens, and Danny tributors of TSP table tennis equipment,
Buren, for pushing me to be my best and for providing the clothing and the racket
offering encouragement and advice. shown in most of the photographs (except
ones of Eric Owens). Dan supported me
Marsha Ogilvie, Leta Newgarden, and for many years in my table tennis career
Anne Tagg for their assistance in proof- by sponsoring the table tennis equipment
reading and suggesting changes to this and clothing I personally used.
manual.
vii
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHS
Traditionally, table tennis strokes have was moving in that phase of the stroke.
been shown as still or sequence photos If the images of the racket are almost
or have been illustrated instead of pho- overlapping each other, the racket was
tographed. Still pictures lack a sense of moving very slowly.
action. Sequence photos are better, but
the action they convey is choppy, with All the stroboscopic pictures have been
little flow between the pictures. Illustra- graphically enhanced to help clarify the
tions convey flowing motion well but are different phases of the stroke. Each im-
impersonal and lack realness. age of the racket and the ball has been
labeled. Racket image numbers are des-
The photos I have chosen for this manual ignated in plain style numbers (i.e. 1),
overcome these limitations. Called strobo- and ball images are in italicized small
scopic pictures, they are state of the art case letters (i.e. a). The images of the
photographs made by exposing a single racket correspond with the ball images
frame of film to multiple strobe flashes (i.e., racket image #1 and ball image a
as an action is happening. The result is were both captured at the same time).
action captured in its entirety from start Image #1 or a will always be at the start
to finish, with several stop points so a of the stroke and image #6 or f will
movement can be analyzed at any phase. always be at the end of the stroke. See
The pictures also reveal the almost im- the following page for an example of an
perceptible racket angle, timing, and ac- enhanced stroboscopic picture.
celeration changes during a stroke. They
give a sense of flow from one phase of The stripes down the right arm and leg
the action to the next. The pictures are were intentionally placed on the warm-
the best Ive seen at conveying a feel for up to help emphasize arm and leg action.
a particular movement. Other parts of the warm-up were taped
over in black to keep them from interfer-
All stroboscopic pictures of the author ing with seeing the racket clearly. For the
were taken at one strobe setting, while same reason, the left hand was some-
the photos of Eric Owens were taken with times wrapped in black cloth. To make
a similar (but not the same) setting. The the racket show up best, we wrapped it
amount of time between one exposure in white tape with only a small square of
and the next one remains constant. This rubber exposed on one side. By watching
allows you to compare racket accelera- for the small black square in the rackets
tion between two different strokes. The center, you can tell which side of the
longer the distance between two expo- racket was used for striking the ball and
sures of the racket, the faster the racket which was the nonstriking side.
ix
x About the Photographs
6
5
c b
1
2 a
3
INTRODUCTION
Robo-Pong table tennis robots were cre- Before starting a new lesson, make
ated for anyone who enjoys the game, sure you are consistent with the skills
regardless of age or level of skill, to play described in the preceding lesson. Be-
anytime you want. Your robot was de- ing consistent means you can correctly
signed with multiple purposes in mind: execute 50 of the described movements
for the beginner just learning to hit the in a row without missing (unless other-
ball, for serious players wanting to im- wise indicated) and you can place your
prove their games and win more often, return anywhere on the table. Strive to
for the professional as an always ready, keep your returns low over the net.
always challenging practice partner, and
for those who just want to have some This manual was initially written in
healthy fun or exercise. Our product fits 1992 for the first Newgy robot, Model
all these needs. It's a unique device that 1929. It was updated in 1996 for Robo-
provides hours of fun, exercise, play, and Pong 2000. The 2005 revision includes
practice for everyone. updates for the current Robo-Pong mod-
els, 540, 1040, and 2040. Although the
The Owners Manual provided with your 540 and 1040 can be set up anywhere
robot shows how to setup, operate, take on the table surface, for the purposes of
down, and troubleshoot the robot. This this book, it will be assumed that these
training manual goes one step further models are placed at the center of the
to show you how to get the most benefit table's endline, similar to where the 2040
from training on your robot. would be shooting from. Also, since the
500 series does not have oscillation, it
For ease of learning, this manual is will not be possible to use the 540 for
divided into lessons. A beginner will drills that involve oscillation.
probably want to learn only one lesson
at a time. A more experienced player may Table tennis has long been regarded as a
be able to take two or three lessons at sport for two people but you cant always
a time. Learn at your own rate, but do find a partner when you get the urge to
not skip lessons, unless specifically in- hit a few. Robo-Pong frees you from this
dicated. Each lesson builds on the one inconvenience. The joys and challenges
before, creating a solid foundation on of table tennis are now available to you
which the next lesson is based. morning, noon, and night. We know that
you will enjoy using your Newgy Robo-
Pong Table Tennis Robot.
xi
Chapter One
ROBOT SETUP & OPERATION
After setting up the robot according to tripping on it. Use a UL approved exten-
the detailed instructions in the Owners sion cord if necessary. Check Chart A or
Manual or video and before beginning to B on page 20 of your Owner's Manual for
play on the robot, check the following correct transformer specifications.
points to be sure your robot is set up
correctly. Figures and page numbers (5) Have you positioned the control
referred to in parentheses in this chap- box on the side of the table nearest your
ter are in your Robo-Pong 540/1040/ end? If right handed, place the controls
2040 Owners Manual (8/02 version). at your left corner. If left handed, place
the control box at the right corner. This
(1) Is the support flange of the robot will allow you to use your free hand to
body fitted securely onto the locating tab adjust the controls or turn the unit on or
and fastened in place with the wing-nuts off while continuing to return balls back
and clip washer? (See Fig. 17, pg. 13.) into the collection net with the racket in
your other hand. (See Fig. 15, pg. 12.)
(2) Do you have the collection net and
ball return trays unfolded and centered (6) Have you rotated the robot head
on the end of the table tennis table? Be so topspin is at the top and the cord
careful not to let the net get entangled to the head hangs freely, not wrapped
as you carefully let the trays down (2040 around the head? (See Fig. 7, pg. 8.)
only). For the 1040 & 540, is the robot po-
sitioned at the center of the table's endline (7) Have you loosened, then tightened
(see position 1, Fig. 15, pg. 12)? the angle adjustment knob on the robot
so the pointer is positioned to the letter
(3) Have you run the connector cable C? (See Fig. 5, pg. 7.)
from the robot to the control box? Its a
good idea to drape this cable over the net (8) Have you positioned the oscillator
post of your table to keep it off the floor, control levers at the number 3 and 4 po-
prevent damage from stepping on it, and sitions so the robot head is free to sweep
keep it from interfering with ball pickup. the entire width of the table (1040/2040
(See Step 5, pg. 2 and either Step 8, pg. only)? (See Fig. 9, pg. 9.)
3 or Step 6, pg. 4.)
(9) Have you placed enough balls into
(4) Have you plugged the pin of the the ball return trays or ball bucket? Op-
transformer into the control box and timum amount for 540 is 85, 1040 is 190,
connected the other end to an electrical and 2040 is 120 (40mm balls). Verify that
outlet? Please make sure the cord lies you are using Newgy balls or a USATT
flat on the floor to prevent anyone from or ITTF approved ball. Avoid unapproved
1
2 Robot Set-Up & Operation
balls as they can cause erratic ball feed the oscillator speed to 0 to stop
and ball bounce. As balls feed through the sweeping action (1040/2040
the unit, weed out and replace any balls only). For the 540, twist the robot
that are badly out of round, especially if until it is aimed at the middle of
they get stuck inside the robot. the forehand court.
If you suspect a ball is out of round and D. Turn the ball frequency knob to
you have a 2040, check the roundness by 3 to give yourself an easy shot at
inserting the ball in the corresponding medium speed to the middle of your
hole of a Ball Dam (see Ball Dams, pg. forehand court.
11). Once inserted, rotate the ball inside
the hole. It should have equal clearance After you are accustomed to these set-
through the hole on all surfaces and it tings, proceed to change the settings on
should barely fit through the hole without the control box to get the response you
binding. It may also be possible that a want. (One side note about suggested
ball is made too small. In this case, you control settingsall settings given are
will notice a considerable gap between estimates. Settings vary from robot to
the ball and the edge of the hole. robot so you may need to slightly adjust
settings from the ones suggested.)
NOTE: If using brand new balls in your
robot, be sure to wash the balls in soapy There are two instances when the set-
water before using. This removes the pow- ting of one control directly influences how
der that is on the surface of a new ball. another control is set. The first instance
Failure to do so normally results in balls is selecting the correct head angle. When
jamming and misfeeding. Dry the balls the robot is set to deliver the ball onto the
after washing and run them through the players side of the table first, decrease the
robot at top ball frequency to further rub head angle as the ball speed is increased
down the balls. to prevent the ball from being thrown off
the end of the table or delivered too high
(10) Are all the balls the same size (see Figures A and B, opposite page).
(either 38 or 40mm)? And are both Ball
Size Switches set to the corresponding When the robot is set to serve onto its side
setting (see Photos 1 & 2, pg. 10)? Be of the table first, the head angle should
sure not to mix ball sizes. be adjusted so the trajectory of the ball
is relatively flat and the ball stays low
(11) Adjust the knobs on the control to the net. The ball speed must be kept
box to these recommended settings. below 34; otherwise, the ball is deliv-
ered off the players end of the table (see
A. Turn ball speed to 2 and ball fre- Figures C & D, opposite page). If higher
quency and oscillator speed to 0. ball speeds are desired, you must set the
head angle so the ball is delivered onto
B. If power is off, turn power on. Then the players side of the table first.
turn the oscillator speed to 3, leav-
ing your finger and thumb on the The second instance is the setting of
knob (1040/2040 only). oscillator speed. When you adjust oscil-
lator speed, you need to consider the ball
C. When the robot head sweeps to the frequency and oscillator range settings.
middle of your forehand court, turn Before turning on the oscillator speed, set
Chapter One 3
the frequency and range controls to your nullifying most of the benefits of oscilla-
desired settings. Then experiment with tion (see Fig. F, next page).
the oscillator speed control to obtain good
spacing between two consecutive balls. Once your robot is set-up correctly, make
(See Fig. E, next page.) If the oscillator sure your playing space and equipment
speed is not set correctly, consecutive are also ready. For your own satisfaction
balls will land too close to one another, and enjoyment, please make sure your
robot head
robot head
robot head
robot head
playing area is clean and free of objects you have the optional Robo-Tote carry-
that table tennis balls can hide under or ing case, place your 2040 in the case to
inside of. Also be sure to allow yourself protect it from dust and dirt and make
plenty of room at your end of the table so it easier to transport. Robo-Pong was
you have a feeling of unrestricted move- designed to be easy to take down, store,
ment. You dont want to ram your racket and transport.
into the wall when you obliterate the ball
with your forehand smash! If you don't have a Robo-Tote, be careful
not to pick up the robot by the rubber
After you finish using the robot, for safety Tray Strap. It was designed to only hold
reasons, unplug the transformer to pre- the two trays together, not to support
vent damage by a sudden voltage surge the full weight of the robot. If you want
or lightening strike. When youre ready to carry the robot by the strap, order
to take the robot off the table, follow the the inexpensive Carrying Strap, which
take down instructions on pages 1617 is much sturdier and can support the
in your Owners Manual (2040 only). If weight of the robot.
1 1
2
This chapter is designed specifically rackets cannot produce the required fric-
for those persons who cant wait to get tion to use the strokes described in later
started playing with their new toy and chapters. These types of rackets limit
are notorious for not reading instruction your improvement and hinder proper
manuals or watching set-up videotapes. stroke development. Do yourself a BIG
Even if youre not ready to read the rest favorget yourself a good sponge rubber
of this training manual, please read racket, one that is ITTF approved.
this short chapter. It shows you how to
immediately start having fun with your Remember, the robot contains many
Robo-Pong. It describes a few basic steps balls. If you miss one, dont stop to pick
about how your new robot works and up that ball. Theres another one coming.
how to avoid the most common pitfalls If a ball rolls by your feet or lands on
when first getting started on the robot. the table directly in front of you, quickly
If you want to get started on a detailed, brush or kick it away so it will not distract
step-by-step program for learning better you from your practice.
table tennis, then skip this chapter and
start with Chapter Three, 10 Quick Tips Periodically, you will have to turn off the
For Better Table Tennis. robot and pick up balls from the floor and
reload them into the ball return trays
Please check that your robot is fully or ball bucket. The more balls you have
assembled, is set up correctly, and you loaded, the less often you will have to stop
understand how all the robot controls and pick up balls. Pong-Pal (see pg. 106)
work. All these topics are thoroughly is an accessory that makes ball pickup
covered in your Owners Manual. A quick and easy. It even works when balls
short set-up checklist that gives you roll under your table or other objects or
initial control settings appears in into other hard-to-reach places.
Chapter One (pages 14). Take a few
minutes now to go down the checklist Another accessory that is very handy is
to make sure the robot is ready if you the Ball Catch Net (see pg. 107), which
havent already done so. can be used with Robo-Pong 540 or 1040.
This net will catch your returns and fun-
The most important equipment choice is nel the balls into a collection bucket. Then
the racket. All strokes described in this it is a simple matter to pick up the bucket
manual are written for a sponge rubber and re-fill your robot with balls.
racket. Sponge is the rubber type used
by 99% of all top players and is tech- The most common mistake when first
nologically superior to all other types. using the robot is setting the controls too
Hard rubber, sandpaper, and plain wood high. Start at low settings and progres-
5
6 Quick Start
sively build up to higher ones. Increase the word backspin is at the top of the
the settings only after you can consis- ball opening. Begin by blocking the ball
tently return at least 50 balls in a row as before with the racket perpendicular
at the lower setting. to the table. Oops! The ball goes right
down into the table (Figure I, page 22). To
Now, with these initial comments out of remedy this, angle the leading racket face
the way, lets play! Recheck that you have up toward the ceiling and make contact
set the ball speed to 2, the spin control to with the lower surface of the ball (Figure
topspin, the head angle to C and that J, page 22). Unlike topspin, you must add
the robot head is directed to the middle of a small amount of forward movement to
your forehand court. Pick up your racket your racket to make your return clear the
(if you want more information about how net. Remember to keep the racket angle
to hold the racket, read Shakehands Grip, open throughout this forward pushing
pages 1718) and position yourself to use movement (see The Push, pages 4951).
a forehand for returning a ball in the
middle of your forehand court (the right Should you need more help in returning
court of a right-handed player). Turn the either topspin or backspin or you simply
ball frequency knob on the control box want to practice or perfect your style, this
to 3 and get ready! manual has very detailed and precise
instructions on all the basic table ten-
Hold your racket out, perpendicular to nis strokes, techniques, and theories in
the table, to meet the ball (Fig. G, pg. 22). subsequent chapters.
Without swinging at the ball, let the ball
bounce off the racket and watch what Your next exercise will be to repeat the
happensthe ball pops up high in the air. same steps as above for both topspin and
While continuing to use this block shot, backspin, but this time with the balls
experiment by angling the leading racket being delivered to the middle of your
face down toward the table. Keep clos- backhand court. Use your backhand
ing the racket angle until you make your and experiment with maintaining the
return go back low (approximately 23 correct racket angle as you stroke the ball.
inches) over the net (Fig. H, pg. 22). (See Backhand Counter, pages 4144 for
a topspin stroke, and The Push, pages
Experiment with the block shot until you 4951 for a backspin stroke.)
feel comfortable. Keeping the same angle
on the racket, start to gently stroke the As your skill increases, you can turn
ball by adding a small backswing and up the ball speed (youll usually have
follow through. Gradually build up until to adjust the head angle when you do
you have a smooth, steady, and consis- thissee Figures AD, page 3) and/or
tent counter stroke (see Forehand Counter, the ball frequency to match your new
pages 3334). If you start to miss regu- skill level. However, when the spin set-
larly, simply go back to your block shot, ting is backspin, maximum ball speed
set the proper angle with your racket and setting should be 3124 and maximum
begin easily stroking the ball again. ball feed setting should be 34. Higher
settings would be unrealistic, taking into
Once you get a feel for returning topspin, consideration that backspin makes the
try backspin. The idea is the same but the ball slow down and the usual pace for
rules have changed somewhat. Change backspin rallies in a real game is slow.
the spin by rotating the robot head so
Chapter Two 7
Once you can return both topspin and ones delivered to your backhand. This
backspin to either your forehand or back- is a great aerobic workout, so dont be
hand, youre ready to use the oscillator surprised if this wears you out in short
(1040/2040 only). Reset the spin setting order. Start with the oscillator range
to topspin and change the oscillator range restricted to only your forehand court
levers to positions 2 & 4 if youre right- (positions 1 & 4 for right-handers, 3 & 6
handed (3 & 5 for left-handers). Adjust for left-handers), expand to 34 table (2 & 4
the oscillator speed to 3, the ball speed for right-handers, 3 & 5 for left-handers),
to 2, and the ball frequency to 3. and finally to full table (positions 3 &
4). To find more challenging levels, turn
Notice that at these settings, the robot up the ball speed and/or frequency. Be
head sweeps from your forehand corner sure to adjust the oscillator speed each
to the middle of your backhand court. time you change the oscillator levers (see
Stand behind the end of the table just Figures E & F, pg. 4).
to the left of the center line if youre right
handed. (Left handers will need to sub- Your last quick-start exercise is to work
stitute right for left and left for right in all on your serve return. Select topspin or
subsequent directions. See pages 4546 backspin and either turn the oscillator
for more detail on the ready position.) on for random delivery or turn it off for
straight delivery (1040/2040 only). Ex-
When youre ready, turn the power switch periment with returning short serves and
on. Keep your eyes on the sweeping robot long serves by adjusting the ball speed
head so you can tell where the next ball and/or the head angle. When youre con-
will land. The balls will be randomly de- sistent at returning topspin and backspin
livered to both forehand and backhand. serves, add sidespin to the serve for a real
Be sure to return balls that land in your challenge. Start by adding just a little
forehand court with your forehand and sidespin to the topspin or backspin serve
use your backhand to return balls that that youre already proficient at return-
land in your backhand court. Be prepared ing. Do this by rotating the robot head
to move your feet so you can cover balls so the word topspin or backspin is
delivered to your extreme forehand corner not at top center, but rather, about 45
and then be able to move back to cover to the left or right of top center.
a ball to your backhand court.
To return a combination spin, angle the
When youre comfortable with this ex- racket either open or closed to compen-
ercise, expand the oscillator range by sate for the topspin or backspin and ei-
moving the oscillator levers to positions ther left or right to compensate for the
3 & 4, and the oscillator speed to 4. The sidespin. Experiment with your racket
robot will now sweep the entire table, from angle until you find the right combination
right corner to left corner. Adjust your (see Serve Receive, pages 7780).
position so youre behind the middle of
your backhand court. Again be sure to When you finish a practice session, stor-
return balls to your forehand court with ing the 2040 is very simple. Turn the
your forehand and balls to your backhand power switch off and unplug the trans-
court with your backhand. former cord from the power outlet. Pull
out the ball dams from their storage slots
A greater challenge is to use only your on the sides of the center trough, push the
forehand to return all balls, even the balls into the center trough, and insert
8 Quick Start
the ball dams into the slots at the top of as a carrying handle. If you want to carry
the center trough. Be sure all the balls the robot by this strap, get our Carrying
are contained within the center trough Strap (see pg. 107), which is made from
between the ball dams (see page 11 of nylon webbing and can support the full
the Owners Manual). weight of the robot. If you purchased the
optional Robo-Tote carrying case (see
Remove the control box from the table pg. 106), place the folded robot into the
and disconnect both cords. Roll up the case for easier and safer transport and
cords and place them on top of the balls storage. (See pages 1617 of the Owners
and in front of the robot body. Place the Manual for complete instructions.)
control box on its storage tab face-up
between the two front support legs, and For the 1040 or 540, take-down is equally
fold the support legs back towards the as easy, but the various parts do not
robot. Fold up the ball return trays and fold up into one neat package. If your
strap them together. Detach the left and ball bucket is filled with balls, I suggest
right net support tubes and place them you have a small box or tray handy to
in their storage holes at the top of the net hold the Control Box, Transformer and
support plate. All your robot components Connector Cable. If you purchased the
are together in one piece! optional Ball Catch Net II, it will fold up
into a compact triangular shape for easy
When lifting the robot be sure to put storage and handling.
one hand under the center trough and
firmly hold on to the net support tubes These quick start instructions are easy
with your other hand. Do not pick up and fun and will get you headed in the
the robot by the rubber Tray Strap that right direction. Read subsequent chap-
comes standard with the 2040. This ters for complete detailed instructions on
rubber strap is not designed to hold the strokes, spins, serves, training routines,
weight of the robot and can break if used fun games, and aerobic exercises.
Chapter Three
10 QUICK TIPS TO BETTER TABLE TENNIS
This chapter can be used in conjunc- (3) Use your whole body when you
tion with the two previous chapters for stroke your forehand. Be sure that
a complete quick-start program, or it can you rotate your hips and shoulders
be used as a primer for the remaining backwards during the backswing and
chapters that explore the following then forward into the ball as you stroke
topics in greater detail. These tips are your forehand. This motion is coordinated
universally accepted as standards that with a transfer of your body weight from
beginners must strive to learn and that the back foot to the front foot. The harder
experts strictly adhere to. you hit your forehand, the more forceful
your weight transfer must be. A common
(1) Know what spin is on the ball. The forehand mistake is to use only your arm
key to acquiring this important skill is to hit the ball, which severely limits your
to carefully watch the opponents racket power and consistency. (See Forehand
at the moment it makes contact with the Counter, pages 3334, Forehand Smash,
ball. If the opponent's racket moves from pages 3538, Forehand Drive, pages
low to high, the spin is topspin; from 5354, and Loops, pages 5566.)
high to low, backspin; from his/her left
to right, right sidespin; and from his/her (4) Maintain a good ready position.
right to left, left sidespin. A good ready position is balanced and
prepares your body to move instantly in
(2) Compensate for the spin with your any direction. Use it when preparing to
racket angle. If topspin, angle your lead- return serves and between strokes. The
ing racket face down and contact the ball basic sequence of a rally is as follows: (A)
above its center; if backspin, angle the put yourself in a good ready position, (B)
leading racket face up and contact the ball move to the ball with your feet, staying
below its center; if right sidespin, angle balanced, (C) stroke the ball, (D) return
the leading racket face to the right and to ready position, and (E) repeat B, C,
contact the ball to the left of its mid-line; and D until the rally ends. (See Ready
if left sidespin, angle the leading racket Position, pages 4546.)
face to the left and contact the ball to
the right of its mid-line. While holding (5) Train your strokes until they are
the racket at the suggested angle, stroke automatic. When first learning a new
gently forward. Only after you have de- skill, a lot of mental energy is used to for-
veloped a feel for the spin should you mulate a clear mental picture of how the
stroke the ball with more force. (See stroke looks and feels. Once this mental
Understanding Spin, pages 2125.) picture is relatively accurate, that skill
9
10 10 Quick Tips To Better Table Tennis
should be practiced repeatedly until you you will want to place the ball very high
no longer have to think about how to do over the net (and as close to the end of
it. This is your automatic stage. Your best the table as possible).
performance will come when you operate
on automatic and you do not analyze your (9) Practice more than you compete.
skill. You just let it happen. By practicing, I mean all the time you
spend developing your game by con-
(6) Use only your own racket. Its im- centrating on some aspect you want to
portant to get your own racket and then strengthen. The primary object during
to use it exclusively. Every racket has practice is to develop your game. On the
its own feel and playing characteristics, other hand, when you compete, your main
and you will benefit greatly by using only object should be to win, not to work on
one racket so youre not always trying to some part of your game. It is advisable
adapt to a different one. Also, take good to play practice games where the object
care of your racket; treat it with respect. is to blend in a new skill or tactic into a
Keep it in a case when youre not using match-like situation before you compete.
it. If youre using inverted sponge rub- The emphasis for these practice games is
ber (smooth surface), you should wash it still on development, not winning. And
with soap and water or a special racket when you do compete, even though your
cleaner after every use. main emphasis is on winning, you can
still learn a lot about your game (develop-
(7) Develop sidespin serves. Few be- ment) if you analyze your matches after
ginners use sidespin on their serves; they are over.
whereas, top players use sidespin on
almost every serve. Sidespin is almost (10) Join a table tennis club. To re-
always combined with either topspin or ally make progress with your game, its
backspin; pure sidespin is extremely rare important to find others with similar
in table tennis. Particularly useful is a desires and interact with them. A table
sidespin/backspin serve that is low to tennis club is the best place to do this.
the net and bounces twice on the other Most clubs have players of all different
side of the table. This type of serve will se- playing levels. Find someone of similar
verely limit your opponents serve return playing ability as yourself and make a
options. (See Serves, pages 6775.) commitment to each other to practice reg-
ularly. Periodically test your progress by
(8) Keep your returns low over the competing with players of higher ability.
net. In general, the lower over the net Furthermore, most clubs have a coach
you place your shots, the less angle your who can help speed up your development.
opponent can use and the harder it is To find a club in your area, contact USA
for him/her to hit it with power. The one Table Tennis (see page 104).
exception to this rule is if you use lobs,
Chapter Four
WHY USE A TABLE TENNIS ROBOT
A table tennis robot is simply a tool that What a Robot Does Better
can be used in one's pursuit of learning
this wonderful sport. A robot cannot, in First, let's list the robot's advantages:
and of itself, make you a great player.
Many other components are necessary (1) Non-threateningthe robot isnt try-
for a successful training program. These ing to beat you or make you look bad. This
components include: is especially important to those who are
first learning the sport or others who are
1. Coaching self-conscious about their abilities.
2. 1 on 1 practice partner
3. Serve practice (2) Consistencythe robot delivers balls
4. Training aids, including robots with the same type of speed, spin, and
5. Fitness Training placement. This makes it much easier to
6. Nutrition learn a new skill than if the ball's charac-
7. Sports Psychology teristics are constantly changing as they
8. Practice competition would with most human partners.
9. Tournament competition
10. Videotape analysis (3) Availabilitythe robot can be used
anytime, from a few minutes to hours
While it's possible to reach your full at a time. It may not always be possible
potential without every one of these to find a human partner or coach when
components, the more of these compo- you have the time to practice. The robot
nents you incorporate into your training is ready whenever you are!
program, the greater your potential for
improvement and the less time will be (4) Adjustabilitythe robot's controls
required to reach your goals. can be set for different playing levels.
It's very easy to adjust the robot to a
There are certain things a robot does level that will be challenging, no matter
better than a human and other things what your present skill level is. It may
a human does better or differently. Used not always be possible to find a human
intelligently, Robo-Pong can serve as an that has the skills to challenge you.
extremely useful aid to learning table ten-
nis skills. The trick is to take advantage (5) Accuracythe robot can precisely
of its strengths and vary its settings and aim the ball. If, for example, you aim
positioning to make it more humanlike. the robot to shoot a ball just over the
11
12 Why Use A Table Tennis Robot
net, there's a high probability that it will and one of the challenges in this sport
frequently hit the top of the net, for prac- is learning how to play against different
ticing against these awkward returns. A styles and ways of stroking the ball.
human is highly unlikely to have the
skills to repeatedly hit such a shot. (4) In a real game, a human will make it
as difficult as possible for you to return
(6) Durabilitythe robot can go a long the ball by disguising or changing spins,
time without stopping. It doesnt get tired speeds, and placements. With a robot,
or fatigued. The robot can keep going for on the other hand, it is much easier to
as long as you're up for the challenge. predict what shot is coming because you
are responsible for setting the controls.
(7) Measurabilitythe robot's settings While this makes it easier to learn a skill,
can function as a way to numerically it also can give the player a false sense
gauge your progress. To develop a skill, of confidence unless he/she understands
it's necessary to start slowly, say at a ball the differences between playing a robot
speed of 2 and ball frequency of 212. If af- and playing a human, particularly in a
ter practice, you can consistently handle competitive match.
a speed of 5 and frequency of 6, you can
measure your improvement based on the (5) A human can vary spin and speed
robot's settings. There's no similar way separately. Newgy robots use a single
to numerically measure your progress wheel to produce both speed and spin,
against a human partner. so they increase/decrease proportion-
ally to one another. E.g., a human can
What A Human Does Differently stroke the ball with heavy spin but very
little speed, or vice versa. With a Newgy
While training with a robot has many robot, however; as the speed increases/
advantages, there are certain things that decreases, so does the spin.
are different than when training with a
human being: Also, while not something the robot does
differently from a human, it's important
(1) Racket swing and ball contact visual to remember that training can ingrain
clues are missing. When a person hits a bad habits as easily as it does good habits.
ball, much information can be gathered Be sure to follow the instructions in this
from the swing and how the racket makes book or from a knowledgeable coach or
contact with the ball. The robot does offer player when you begin training, either
a few visual clues, but they are not the with a human or a robot.
same as in actual table tennis.
Using The Robot's Strengths And Mak-
(2) Single point ball projectionthe ro- ing It More Humanlike
bot delivers balls from one spot, unlike a
person who will return balls from many The key to getting the most out of your ro-
different angles, heights, and depths. bot training is to use the robot's strengths
to your advantage and learn how to de-
(3) A human can produce a wider variety sign your practice sessions so the skills
of shots than a robot can, particularly learned are similar to those needed to
mis-hit balls and unusual strokes. No two play against a human. Following are some
humans stroke the ball exactly the same useful tips for accomplishing this:
Chapter Four 13
(1) Use the robot to learn new skills. The sport is played at all speeds. Learn to slow
robot is more consistent than a human down when conditions dictate. Take the
and will accelerate learning that skill. pressure off for whilerelax and enjoy
the drills at a slower pace.
(2) Dont use the oscillator until a stroke
is consistent. Most lessons in this book (9) Use the robot for extremely long drills.
start with the ball being delivered to The robot is perfectly suited for long non-
one spot. Reasonable goals for judging stop drills of 20 minutes or more, which
consistency of that skill will be given. It's develop aerobic conditioning and improve
important to accomplish that goal before sport specific skills at the same time.
going on to the next step.
(10) The robot is available anytime you
(3) Once you're consistent using a par- are, even if you only have a few minutes
ticular stroke with the ball in one spot, to spare. Or perhaps you want to play
from that point forward, use the oscillator at a time when nobody is available. Play
when practicing that stroke. Exceptions whenever you canthe more you play,
can be made for brief warm-up periods the better you can get.
and drills where the ball is in one spot but
the player moves between each shot. (11) Practice serves every practice session.
Serves start every point in a real game.
(4) Use the robots accuracy to place Do not neglect this important aspect!
balls in a difficult location: e.g., balls
that barely come off the end of the table (12) Place the robot in various positions
or that are just over the top of the net around the table to better replicate shots
and occasionally hit it, etc.. that normally come from different angles,
heights from the floor, or distances from
(5) Be sure to practice both soft and hard the end of the table; e.g., chops. lobs,
versions of a stroke and be able to do forehand serve from backhand corner,
either at will. There's a lot more to this etc.. The Robo-Caddy is especially help-
sport than simply hitting the ball hard. ful in positioning the robot off-the-table
Soft touch shots, controlled placements, (see Positioning Your Robot And Controls
and changes of pace are all crucial ele- in your Owner's Manual).
ments to having a solid game.
(13) Strive to recover to a neutral position
(6) Always be gradual when increasing after every stroke. Set the frequency at a
Ball Speed or Frequency. In general, only rate that allows sufficient time for getting
go up about 12 a point at a time. If con- back into a good neutral position.
sistency falters, stay at that level until
consistency improves. (14) When practicing serve return, set
Ball Frequency at the lowest level to bet-
(7) Keep a log of your settings to track ter simulate the normal timing of serves.
your progress and for reference when re- There should be a slight pause after every
setting the controls. Sample log sheets return so that you can get back into your
are provided on pages 9697. normal serve return position.
(8) Go back to slower speeds and fre- (15) Occasionally increase the ball speed
quencies on occasion. Remember, this and frequency to uncomfortable levels
14 Why Use A Table Tennis Robot
to acclimate yourself to the pressures line and orange balls mean hit cross
of faster play. Do your best to maintain court. This forces you to wait for a visual
form for as long as possible, but stop clue before deciding what stroke to use.
when consistency drops dramatically. This is similar to waiting for the oppo-
nent to contact the ball before deciding
(16) Use caution when practicing hard- which stroke to use. Dyeing white balls
hit shots. If youre uncertain about the can create ball colors other than white
correct form, consult a qualified coach. and orange for developing even more
Injury can result from repetitive motions complex decision making skills.
that are ergonomically incorrect, espe-
cially if they are explosive actions. Stop (19) Experiment with new ways of strok-
at the first hint of injury. ing and serving the ball. Imitate skills of
top players or skills of other players that
(17) Dont ever think that just because are effective at winning points in a game.
you can execute a skill against a robot The robot wont laugh at your mistakes
that you can use that skill immediately or become impatient with your misses.
in a competitive match. A robot is not
trying to make you miss, a human is. (20) Try out Effortless Table Tennis. Not
Use multi-ball drills and one-on-one everyone likes competition. Some just
drills with a human partner to transi- enjoy the sport, learning new skills, and
tion between the robot and using those staying in shape. Instead of always trying
skills in an actual competitive match. to push yourself to go faster and harder,
slow down and try for perfection. Make
(18) Use different ball colors to strengthen yourself feel and control every nuance
decision-making skills. E.g., designate of a stroke. The goal is not so much to
orange balls to mean you smash the ball win games, but rather to enter the zone
and white balls to mean you counter the where strokes are effortless and youre
ball. Or white balls mean hit down-the- in tune with the ball.
Chapter Five
TABLE TENNIS EQUIPMENT
15
16 Table Tennis Equipment
ratings. Look for the ITTF logo on the rubber where it is infrequently struck.
rubber surface to ensure that the rubber If you need additional help, contact the
is manufactured to ITTF specifications. Newgy Customer Service Department.
Keep your rubber clean by washing with When purchasing a table, look for a
soap and water or special rubber cleaner smooth, even surface of at least 34 thick-
after every use and storing it in a pro- ness with a sturdy frame underneath.
tective case. Dirty rubber does not play Your net set should have sturdy end sup-
consistently. Dead rubber can sometimes ports with a net made of cord and a top
be temporarily restored by using Rubber string for adjusting the net tension. Since
Drive Cleaner (see pg. 107). the side nets of Robo-Pong 2040 attach
to your table net, having a good net set is
Although you may buy pre-assembled crucial to having the side nets function
rackets (blades with rubber already at- correctly. Cheap plastic nets and flimsy
tached), it's better to select the blade and net posts do not offer enough support for
rubber separately and have the supplier the attachment of the side nets.
glue the rubber onto the blade. This way,
you may replace the rubber without When setting up your table, give yourself
also replacing the blade. The rubber on plenty of playing room at the players end
most pre-assembled rackets is all but of the table. You need a lot of space so
impossible to remove. Rubber should your strokes will not be hampered and
be replaced when the tackiness of the to give yourself a sense of unrestricted
surface is noticeably different between movement. Also it is helpful to keep your
the center of the rubber where the ball playing area clean and free of objects
is frequently struck and the edge of the that balls can roll under or into.
Smooth,
Grippy
Rubber
Head Surface
or (Topsheet)
Face
Cellular
Sponge
Rubber
Throat
5-ply
Wood
Handle
Photo 1: Table Tennis Racket, Front Photo 2: Table Tennis Racket, Side
Typical table tennis racket with inverted rub- Typical table tennis racket with inverted rub-
ber, front view. ber, side view.
Chapter Six
THE SHAKEHANDS GRIP
While there are many ways to hold a and feel just a slight resistance while
racket, the shakehands grip is the most you maintain your grip. It is important
versatile and universally used of all grips. not to grip too tightly. Too tight of a grip
Therefore, I recommend using it for learn- causes excess tension in the arm. The
ing table tennis. If you have not used this excess tension will, in turn, slow down
grip, it may initially feel awkward. Please your strokes and make it harder to adjust
persevere, as this grip will permit you to the racket angle to compensate for vari-
develop all the strokes this manual will ous spins and angles. This is not to say,
discuss and illustrate. Other grips may however, that hand tension is constant,
hinder or limit your development. never changing. Hand tension should
increase just before ball contact on a
Lesson 1: Learning the Shakehands Grip hard hit shot and it may decrease on
soft touch shots or serves.
To use this grip, you essentially shake
hands with the racket. Fit the edge of Hold the racket so the edge of the racket
the blade snugly in the V of your hand is perpendicular to the floor and tilt your
between your thumb and forefinger. Grip wrist slightly down. The wrist should
the handle with your middle, ring, and remain in this downward tilt position
little fingers. Finally, place the forefinger throughout all your strokes. Do not force
flat on one side of the racket head close this downward tilt, but rather let the
to the bottom and the thumb sideways racket naturally fall into this position by
on the other side of the racket head. See relaxing the hand muscles. While were
Photos 3 and 4 on the next page. talking about the wrist, do not let the
wrist flop back and forth or up and down
Hold the racket with just enough tension as you stroke the ball. Letting the wrist
to keep it in place. Another person should flop is one of the most common causes
be able to take the racket out of your hand of mis-hit shots.
17
18 Shakehands Grip
Photo 3:
Shakehands Grip,
Forehand Side
Photo 4:
Shakehands Grip,
Backhand Side
Before attempting to learn a sport that Drill Three: Bounce the ball repeat-
involves hitting a ball with a racket or bat, edly on the racket, first with the fore-
it is a good idea to do some preliminary hand side, then with the backhand
hand-eye coordination drills. These drills side, alternating sides until 25 hits
must be mastered before any progress have been counted for each side with-
can be made. For a beginner these drills out missing or moving your feet.
should be practiced until perfected be-
fore hitting a moving ball. For someone If these drills are easy to do, you should be
who already plays, take a few minutes ready to learn the basic strokes. However,
to be sure you can do these drills. An if you have trouble with the basic strokes,
experienced player can do these drills more hand-eye coordination drills are
in a minute or two. called for. Several examples follow:
Should you find these drills too difficult Do any of the above listed drills but
at first, you may use special 44mm or move your feet by walking forward
foam ping pong balls or even inflated or backward, or sideways, either to
balloons. These move slower and allow the left or right.
for more control. Be sure you can do the
following three drills with a normal ping Bounce the ball on the floor using
pong ball before moving on, however. your racket to dribble the ball.
Lesson 2: Developing Basic Hand-Eye Hit the ball against a wall, let the ball
Coordination rebound off the floor, then strike it
again. (Just like practicing against
Drill One: Using the shakehands a wall in tennis). Aim for a target.
grip, bounce the ball repeatedly on
the forehand side of the racket (the Have a partner stand about 10 feet
side your thumb is on) fifty times away and hit the ball with your racket
without missing or moving the feet. so the ball strikes the floor midway
The bounce should be about 812 between you and your partner. Your
inches above the racket. See Photo partner will do the same. See if you
5 on the next page. can keep a rally going.
Drill Two: Same as Drill One, but Have a partner stand about 5 feet
bounce the ball on the backhand away and volley the ball back and
side of the racket (the side with your forth without letting the ball touch
forefinger). See Photo 6, next page. the ground.
19
20 Hand-Eye Coordination
More so than any other sport, table ten- first, bear with it and youll soon adjust
nis is a game of spin. In order to be suc- by following the suggestions and lessons
cessful at table tennis, you must learn later in this manual. Table tennis is much
about and understand the different types more exciting and dynamic when you
of spin and how to counteract the effects can produce your own spin and control
of these spins on your racket. your opponents spin.
There are two general ways to contact a The figures on pages 22 and 24 are simple
ball with a racket. The first is by using explanations of the four major types of
force; in other words, the racket is forced spinstopspin, backspin, right sidespin,
through the path of the ball in a manner and left sidespin. Each type of spin has
similar to hitting a baseball with a bat. two figures. The first figure shows what
The primary result of force is forward happens when a particular spin contacts
direction or speed. This is often the only a vertical, still racket. The second figure
way that beginners and novice players shows how to correct your racket angle
have learned to contact a ball. to compensate for the effect of the spin
on your racket.
The second way to contact a ball is by
using frictionto contact the ball with Topspin is normally produced by making
a brushing motion so the rubber grabs your racket travel from low to high while
the ball and makes the ball rotate. The brushing the upper surface of the ball.
primary result of striking the ball using Topspin has a dipping effect on the flight
friction is spin. The type of spin produced of the ball. For this reason, a ball car-
depends on the racket angle and the di- rying topspin can be hit with full force
rection the racket is traveling. because the spin will cause the ball to
dip down and hit the table instead of
Top players primarily use friction to con- going off the end of the table. When the
tact the ball. They apply spin to almost ball hits the table, the topspin grabs on
every shot, sometimes severe amounts the table surface, which both compounds
of spin. Robo-Pong simulates the play of the dipping effect and slightly increases
a top playerit produces spin on every ball speed. Topspin is considered to be
shot it delivers. Untrained players often offensive in most cases.
comment that the robots spin seems un-
usually strong. While this is true for an When topspin strikes a vertical racket,
untrained player, a trained, competitive the spin will grab on the rubber surface
player thinks the robots spin is quite and rebound upward, usually quite high
normal. So if the spin seems strong at and off the far end of the table. To correct
21
22 Understanding Spin
Opponent You
Opponent You
Opponent You
Opponent You
for topspin and make the ball go back more difficult and takes more energy to
low over the net, tilt the leading racket attack a ball with backspin because the
face down toward the table and contact ball has a tendency to go down. The lifting
the ball on its upper surface. The more action necessary to make the ball clear
topspin on the ball, the more the racket the net takes away from the amount of
needs to be tilted down. (See Figures G forward force you can apply when attack-
& H on the opposite page.) ing a backspin ball. In general, topspin is
easier to attack than backspin. If youre a
An important fact to remember about defensive player, backspin should be your
topspin is it takes almost no effort to spin of choice because it makes it harder
counteract its effect on the racket. You for your opponent to attack forcefully.
only need to angle the racket correctly.
The topspin will cause the ball to go back Right sidespin is created when your op-
across the net on its own. No force needs ponent brushes his racket across the ball
to be applied to your racket other than from your right to your left. This spin has
the effort it takes to tilt the racket. a curving effect on the flight of the ball.
After leaving your opponents racket, the
Backspin is generated by making your ball will momentarily hook to your left,
racket travel from high to low and brush- then curve to your right. When it hits the
ing the ball on its lower surface. Backspin table, the spin grabs, and the ball jumps
has a floating or rising effect on the ball. out and hooks to your right.
When the ball hits the table, the backspin
grabs on the table, slowing the ball and When right sidespin strikes a vertical
making it rise slightly. Its very difficult racket, the spin grabs onto the rubber
to use full force when doing a backspin and jumps quickly to your left. To correct
return because the harder you hit it, the for right sidespin, the leading racket face
more it rises and it tends to sail off the must be angled to the right and you must
far end of the table. Backspin is almost contact the ball on its left surface. (See
always considered defensive. Figures K & L on the next page.)
When backspin strikes a vertical racket, Left sidespin is produced when your op-
the spin grabs onto the rubber and the ponent brushes across the ball with his
ball rebounds almost straight down. The racket from your left to your right. Left
ball seems to die and lose all of its speed sidespin is exactly like right sidespin, but
and spin. To correct for backspin, and in reverse. Left sidespin hooks to your
make the ball go back low over the net, right, then curves to your left. When left
tilt the racket face up toward the ceiling sidespin hits a vertical racket, it rebounds
and contact the ball on its lower surface to the right. To correct for this spin, angle
while pushing the racket gently forward. your racket to the left and contact the
The more backspin, the more the racket ball on its right surface. (See Figures M
must be tilted up and the more towards & N on the next page.)
the bottom you must contact the ball. (See
Figures I & J on the opposite page.) Sidespins are seldom used in their pure
form in table tennis. Normally they are
Backspin is unlike topspin in that you combined with topspin or backspin to
must provide some forward momentum produce a combination spin such as right
to make your return clear the net. It is sidespin/topspin or left sidespin/back-
24 Understanding Spin
spin. Combining two spins produces the sary to contact the ball on its left upper
effects of both, but to a lesser degree than surface by tilting the racket down and
if they were in their pure forms. angling it to the right.
For example, a ball with right sidespin/ Understanding spin and its effects is cru-
topspin will both dip and curve to your cial to a players success in table tennis.
right as it comes toward you, particularly The player with greater mastery of spin
after it bounces on your side. To correct will almost always control the play. By
for this combination spin, it is neces- using spin, you can limit the responses
Figure K: Flight of Right Sidespin Ball Figure L: Correction for Right Sidespin
Right sidespin is produced by your opponents Since right sidespin causes the ball to re-
racket traveling from your right to your left. bound to the left when it strikes a vertical
Trajectory is curved. Ball hooks to your right racket, it is necessary to tilt the leading racket
after bouncing. Ball rebounds to your left after face to the right and contact the ball to the
striking a vertical racket. left of its middle.
Figure M: Flight of Left Sidespin Ball Figure N: Correction for Left Sidespin
Left sidespin is produced by your opponents Since left sidespin causes the ball to rebound
racket traveling from your left to your right. to the right when it strikes a vertical racket,
Trajectory is curved. Ball hooks to your left it is necessary to tilt the leading racket face
after bouncing. Ball rebounds to your right to the left and contact the ball to the right of
after striking a vertical racket. its middle.
Chapter Eight 25
of your opponent and make him/her play grippiness of their top surface. In
your game. Two important table tennis general, inverted rubber is grippier
skills to develop are: and will produce more spin than pips-
out rubbers. But even within these
(1) Be able to instantly judge the type and two broad categories of rubber, the
amount of spin on the ball. Deduce spin producing capabilities of rubber
the type of spin by carefully watching will vary widely. If in doubt, test the
the direction your opponents racket grippiness of an unknown rubber by
is traveling when it contacts the ball. rubbing a ball across its surface and
Deduce the amount of spin from the comparing it to your own rubber.
speed of your opponents racket at
contact and the type of rubber be- (2) Once you determine the type and
ing used. The faster your opponents amount of spin, be able to instantly
racket is going at contact and the finer adjust your racket angle to compen-
the graze of the ball, the more spin sate for the spins effect on the rubber.
that can be applied to the ball with The tension of your grip, the looseness
that particular rubber. of your wrist, the flexibility of your
forearm, and the position of your body
Rubbers vary in their ability to spin all play major roles in developing this
the ball primarily because of the important skill.
Chapter Nine
BASIC STROKES AND SKILLS
The basic strokes are the meat of the sport. control over this short stroke and are
The majority of your practice time should able to make the ball go in any direction
be spent on developing your strokes until that you choose, should you attempt to
they are grooved. You want to do them by perform a longer stroke. Again, when
automatic response; not thinking about first learning a stroke or skill, START
the individual components of the stroke, SLOWLY AND KEEP IT SIMPLE.
but rather feeling the entire motion. Once
basic strokes are grooved, your time with A few helpful suggestions when you prac-
the robot will be more fun and rewarding tice on the robot:
and you will be more successful against
your opponents in a real match. (1) The control settings given are esti-
mates. Exact settings may vary from
Robo-Pong is especially helpful in learn- robot to robot. It may be necessary to
ing, then grooving strokes. Learn the slightly adjust the settings from the
strokes and skills in the order listed. For ones suggested in this book.
quickest improvement, acquire consisten-
cy with each stroke or skill before starting (2) All photos and illustrations represent
the next. This book first discusses strokes a right handed player. If youre left
used to return topspin, then strokes used handed, substitute left for right and
to return backspin. Loops are covered right for left in all directions.
next as they are used for returning both
topspin and backspin. These chapters are (3) Periodically, you'll need to turn off the
followed by ones discussing serve, serve robot and pick up balls from the floor
receive, and footworkall the basic skills to reload them into the ball return
you need to play well. trays or ball bucket. The more balls
you have loaded, the less often you
The learning process is greatly assisted will have to stop and pick up balls.
when you start slowly and simply, then Pong-Pal (see pg. 106) is an accessory
gradually build up your speed, power, and that will make ball pickup quick and
touch as you become more skilled. A com- easy. It even works when balls roll
mon mistake of beginners is hitting the under your table or other objects.
ball too hard. Take your time and learn
consistency first, power second. (4) Remember that another ball is always
coming, so dont stop to pick up a ball
When you first attempt to hit the ball, that gets past you. If a ball rolls by
your stroke should be very small. Your your feet or lands on the table directly
racket should not travel more than 12 in front of you, quickly brush or kick
to 18 inches. Only after you have gained it away so it wont distract you.
27
28 Basic Strokes & Skills
(5) It is important to learn how to adjust (6) Keep a logbook with the date, skills
the robot to your skill level. Start with practiced, maximum settings you
the robot adjusted to the suggested were able to handle comfortably,
settings, or lower. When you acquire and number of strokes or patterns
consistency at these initial settings, you did without missing. By keep-
turn the ball frequency and/or ball ing a logbook such as this, you can
speed controls up slightly. Practice accurately gauge your progress by
at this higher speed until you feel looking at your previous maximum
comfortable and your strokes are settings and comparing those to your
consistent. Never turn the controls current maximums. Sample charts
up to a level that causes you to lose can be found on pages 96 & 97. One
good form. The idea is to increase the note about maximum settings: It's
difficulty in such small increments unrealistic to set the ball speed or
that you hardly notice any difference. ball frequency higher than 34 when
If a partner is available, have him/her practicing against backspin because
turn up the controls for you very slowly similar shots would never occur in a
until you begin to lose consistency. real game.
Chapter Ten
FOREHAND BLOCK
The first stroke to learn is the forehand Lesson 3: Forehand Block With No
block. It is called a block because you Foot Movement
want to block the path of the ball with
your racket. The block almost feels like no Now that you are ready to play against
stroke at all. You do not swing at the ball, the robot, pick up your racket and hold
but merely intercept the ball with your it with a shakehands grip and with the
racketalmost like a bunt in baseball. racket face perpendicular to the floor and
The block uses a balls speed and spin to the wrist tilted down. (Review Chapter
make your return go back over the net. Six, The Shakehands Grip, pages 1718,
The block does not add more speed or if necessary.) Position yourself very close
spin to the ball. It simply redirects the to the end of the table, just to the left
speed and spin back to your opponent. of the center line as shown in Photo 7.
It is used to return topspin. (Left-handers need to stand to the right
of the center line and will have to substi-
Intercept the ball with a still racket as the tute right for left and left for right in all
ball is rising and just before it reaches further instructions.) Take up a slightly
its peak. Angle the racket open or closed sideways stance so you can make contact
by rotating the forearm to make the ball with the ball to the side and slightly in
return low over the net. If your return is front of your body. Place about 60% of
too high, angle the racket more closed your weight on your back leg.
by tilting the face of the racket toward
the table. Conversely, if your return is With the robot controls set as suggested
too low and doesnt clear the net, angle on pages 1 & 2, turn your robot on. After
the racket more open by tilting the face waiting for the balls to load up, prepare
of the racket closer to vertical. to block the ball back across the net with
a still racket. DO NOT SWING AT THE
One common mistake for beginners, BALL. Merely intercept the ball just be-
when they are getting ready to hit a fore it reaches the peak of its trajectory
forehand, is to reach out and touch or after it has bounced on your side of the
lean on the table with their free hand. table. Experiment with tilting the racket
This is a direct violation of the rules and angle downward until you can consis-
will cause you to lose a point in a match. tently place the ball back in a cross court
So keep your free hand up and use it direction and low (approximately 23)
to counterbalance your racket hand, as over the net. Make the ball go back by
shown in Photo 7 on the next page. redirecting the balls speed and spin.
29
30 Forehand Block
Photo 7: Forehand
Block (Cross Court)
Do not add more speed to the ball with The next step is to alternate cross court
your stroke. Keep your wrist steady and blocks with down-the-line blocks. Prac-
tilted down. Do not allow it to flop around. tice until you successfully execute 25
Also keep your shoulders square to the patterns of one cross court block followed
floor and bend your knees. Move your by one down-the-line block. When you
racket very little throughout the stroke can do this, youre ready to add more
and keep it at the same height as the frequency and speed to your shots.
top of the ball bounce. Your goal is to
correctly execute 50 cross court blocks Turn the ball frequency off. Reset the
in a row without missing. ball speed setting to 331 2 so each ball
is delivered close to the end line on your
Once you have gained consistency at side of the table. Turn the ball frequency
blocking the ball back cross court and to 4 and practice cross court blocks until
low, bend your wrist backward slightly so you do 50 in a row without missing. Then
your return goes down-the-line, instead practice down-the-line blocks until you
of cross court. Practice this down-the- do 50 in a row. Finally, practice alter-
line block until you can consistently place nating cross court and down-the-line
the ball back low over the net. Your goal blocks until you successfully do 25 pat-
is to correctly execute 50 down-the-line terns without missing.
blocks without missing.
Chapter Ten 31
Turn the ball frequency off and reset the switch off, set the sweep control levers
ball speed to a higher setting. When you to the numbers 1 and 4 positions if you
turn the frequency control back on, adjust are right handed and to the numbers 3
to a setting higher than your previous and 6 positions if you are left handed. Set
setting. You do not necessarily have to the ball speed and frequency controls to
turn up the ball speed and frequency to 12 points below your maximum rate, as
the same level, although this is usually determined in the preceding lesson.
the case with the block. You may also
need to adjust the head angle to keep Turn the main switch on and adjust the
the ball on the table. When you turn the ball frequency to a comfortable level. The
ball speed higher than 34, you have to balls will be randomly fed to an area from
raise the head angle so the ball doesnt your forehand corner to the center line of
bounce on the robots side of the table the table. Adjust the oscillator speed set-
first. Rather, the ball is delivered so it ting and head angle as described on pages
first bounces on the players side. 24. Practice blocking the ball back cross
court with your forehand until you are
Repeat the same sequence of cross court consistent, then practice down-the-line
blocks, followed by down-the-line blocks, blocks, and finally alternate cross court
followed by alternating cross court and and down-the-line blocks, all with the
down-the-line blocks. It may be helpful ball moving to random positions at a slow
to back off from the table slightly as you speed. Once you complete this sequence
turn up the ball speed to allow more time at below maximum speed and frequency,
to position your racket correctly. gradually turn up the ball speed and
ball frequency controls until you reach
NOTE: As you build up the ball speed, the upper limits of your current ability
it becomes increasingly important not without losing consistency.
to swing at the ball. Be sure to attain
consistency at each step before proceed- It will help if you watch the robot head
ing to the next step. Keep increasing the to see which direction it is going to shoot
ball frequency and ball speed settings so you can move into position before the
until you have reached the limit of your ball is thrown. When moving sideways,
current ability and you begin to get er- it is important to move the feet to the
ratic in your ball control and placement. ball, not to reach and lunge for the ball
Make note of the settings when you have with the upper body. The torso should
reached your maximum limits. remain upright and bent slightly forward.
The shoulders should remain square to
Lesson 4: Forehand Block With Foot the floor and the racket kept at top-of-
Movement bounce height. Remember to move feet
first, stroke second. Avoid reaching for
When you have reached your current the ball. If you are having trouble mov-
maximum limits, you are ready to com- ing, you might want to shadow practice
bine movement with stroking. To add table tennis footwork (refer to Chapter
movement to the robot, with the power Twenty-One, Footwork, pages 8182).
Chapter Eleven
FOREHAND COUNTER
The forehand counter starts the same take your racket back by twisting your
as the forehand block in the last chap- waist and shoulders, and pulling back
ter. Your stance and position to the table your forearm (not the upper arm). Tim-
are the same and you contact the ball ing your swing with the oncoming ball,
to the side and slightly in front of your swing forward into the ball so you contact
body. You strike the ball at the top of its it at the top of its bounce. Remember to
bounce. Unlike the block, which is ex- swing primarily with your shoulders and
ecuted with a relatively still racket, the waist, not with your arm.
counter has a medium-sized backswing
and follow through. Do this by pulling Focus your eyes on the ball until just be-
your racket backward with your forearm fore contact. Keep your head steady and
and then pushing it forward and slightly dont let it turn as you twist your torso.
upward. Maintain the correct racket Time your twist so the ball goes cross
angle throughout the stroke. court. Twisting too soon or too quickly
makes the ball go wide to your left. Twist
Stroke the ball mainly with the forearm, too late, too slowly, or not enough, and the
using your elbow as a pivot point. Hold ball goes down-the-line instead of cross
your racket just below the height of the court. Keep your wrist straight and tilted
ball at the beginning of the stroke and down. Your shoulders must stay square to
finish with it at shoulder or head height. the floor throughout this twisting motion.
Stability in the stroke is achieved by To place the ball down-the-line, bend
making sure your racket is at or slightly your wrist slightly backward and time
above the level of your elbow at contact. your twist the same as you did when you
Contact the ball at the top of its bounce. placed the ball cross court.
At the end of the stroke, the tip of your
racket points forward or slightly to the Follow the same procedure as you did
left. Keep your wrist tilted down and do with the forehand block to develop a fore-
not let it flop back and forth. hand counter. First, at low speed and
frequency cross court, then down-the-
Lesson 5: Forehand Counter With No line, and finally alternating cross court
Foot Movement and down-the-line. Gradually turn up
ball speed and frequency until you have
Aim the robot so it shoots balls to the reached your upper limits. As you turn
middle of your forehand court and then up the frequency and/or speed, remember
turn off the oscillator. Starting at slow to do a complete stroke. Dont turn up
speed, forehand block the ball cross court. the speed to the point that you shorten
When you get a feel for the ball, take a your stroke. Your goal is 25 successful
quick step backward. At the same time counters in a row at each stage.
33
34 Forehand Counter
2 4
c d
b
3
1 a
Lesson 6: Forehand Counter With Foot forehand court. Then practice hitting the
Movement ball down-the-line, and finally alternate
between cross court and down-the-line.
Follow the same sequence as you did Gradually build up the ball speed and
with the forehand block. Move the sweep frequency. Be sure to move your feet and
control levers to the 1 and 4 positions for get into good position before stroking the
right-handers or to the 3 and 6 positions ball. Avoid reaching for the ball with your
for left-handers. Practice your forehand arm. Your goal is 25 successful counters
counter in a cross court direction with in a row at each stage.
the ball moving randomly within your
Chapter Twelve
FOREHAND SMASH
When youre proficient at the forehand When first learning to smash, start with
counter with foot movement at high fre- the robot delivering slow speed topspin
quency, its time for the most fun stroke balls that are 1824 inches high (sug-
in the gamethe forehand smash. The gested settingsball speed 21 2, head
forehand smash is really an extended, angle G). As you get better at smash-
more powerful version of the counter, just ing, gradually lower the height of the ball
as the counter was an extended, more and increase the ball speed until you can
powerful version of the block. smash a ball only 610 inches high.
35
36 Forehand Smash
and frequency and turn the machine on. and down-the-line). A further step would
Practice the forehand smash cross court, be to set oscillator levers to 3 & 4 and
then down-the-line, and finally alternate smash balls across the entire table.
between the two. Gradually build up the
ball speed and frequency and lower the Lesson 9: Combining Forehand Smash
height of the shot. With Counter And Block
Lesson 8: Forehand Smash With Foot On page 38 you will see the three strokes
Movement you have learned so farthe Block, the
Counter, and the Smash. In reality, these
Switch the oscillator control levers to po- are not three separate strokes, but three
sitions 1 & 4 if you are right handed or phases of the same stroke. Look closely at
to positions 3 & 6 if you are left handed. Photo 9 and you will see that the smash
Set the ball speed and head angle for an incorporates all of the components found
easy, medium high topspin ball to the in both the counter and the block. Like-
forehand. Keep the ball frequency slow, wise, the counter incorporates all the
about 34. Adjust the oscillator speed elements of the block.
as described on pages 24. Practice the
forehand smash with the ball moving The contact point (both in relation to
randomly within your forehand court. distance from the body and the flight
Place the ball cross court, then down- of the ball), racket angle, and the upper
the-line, and finally alternate between arm to forearm angle are all essentially
the two. Gradually increase ball speed the same. The biggest differences among
and frequency. Your goal is 15 successful these three strokes are stroke length,
smashes in a row at each stage. amount of weight shift, and degree of
racket acceleration.
The last step to learning the forehand
smash is to expand your range of move- The block has a very short swing with
ment. The forehand smash is designed to almost no backswing and very little fol-
finish off a point. Therefore, its important low through. The counter has a longer
to learn how to use the forehand smash swing with a definite backswing and fol-
across the entire table. low through. And the smash has a very
big swing with a much longer backswing
To practice this skill, set the sweep con- and follow through. The block has no
trol levers to positions 2 & 4 if youre weight shift from back leg to front, the
right handed (positions 3 & 6 if youre counter has a 6080% weight shift, and
left handed). The ball will be placed from the smash has an almost complete 100%
your forehand corner to the middle of weight shift. Racket acceleration varies
your backhand court. Turn on the ball from very little in the block, to moder-
frequency and adjust the oscillator speed ate acceleration in the counter, to very
as suggested on pages 24. When you explosive acceleration in the smash.
have it adjusted correctly, use your fore-
hand smash to return all ballsdo not In a game, the choice of which stroke to
use your backhand. Youll have to move use is normally dictated by the amount
quickly to cover this entire distance, and of time you have to get ready for the shot
this drill is an exhausting one even for and the amount of control you wish to
top players. Your goal is 15 consecutive maintain in the rally. If your opponent is
smashes in each direction (cross court attacking and you have little time to get
Chapter Twelve 37
6
5
1 c b
2 3 a
ready for a shot, the block is the correct Start by blocking the first ball, counter-
choice. It takes little time to execute and ing the second ball, then smashing the
the need for controlling your opponents third ball. Keep alternating from block to
power is at a premium. In an average counter to smash and back to block for
rally, where both players are jockeying approximately 5 minutes. After blocking,
for an opening, the counter is your best take a quick step backward before you ex-
choice because it is a blend of power and ecute your counter. Likewise, take a quick
control. When you get an easy slow ball, step forward before doing the block. Do
use the smash to end the point because this drill often and concentrate on keep-
you have plenty of time to get set and ing the contact point, racket angle, and
control is less of a factor. arm angle the same with each of these
strokes. The transition from one stroke to
To strengthen these three strokes and the next should feel smooth and almost
reduce the transitional time it takes to like youre practicing one stroke instead
go from one stroke to the next, do the of three different ones. The length of the
following drill. Set your robot to deliver stroke and the amount of power you are
a medium speed, medium height topspin generating should be the primary differ-
ball to the middle of your forehand court. ences among these three strokes.
6
6 5
4
5
2 4
c d
c b
b 2 3
3
1
The backhand block, like the forehand slightly by tilting the face of the racket
block, uses the speed and spin that is closer to vertical.
already on the ball to return the ball
back across the net. The biggest differ- Lesson 10: Backhand Block With No
ence between the backhand and forehand Foot Movement
block is the backhand block makes con-
tact with the ball directly in front of the Adjust the robot to deliver topspin shots
body; whereas, the forehand block makes to the middle of your backhand court
contact with the ball to the side and in at a slow pace and speed. Practice your
front of the body. The block is used to backhand block in the same manner
return topspin, especially fast topspin and in the same sequence as you did
strokes like loops or smashes. the forehand block. Start slowly with
no oscillation and blocking the ball
Stand about 12 inches in back of the cen- back cross court, then down-the-line,
ter of your backhand court (the left court and finally alternating shots in the two
as you face the table, for right-handers) directions. Gradually build up the ball
in a squared off stance as shown in Photo frequency and speed. Be sure that you
11 on the next page. Do not turn your can do, without missing, 50 cross court
body sideways. Position your body so the blocks, then 50 down-the-line blocks,
ball would hit you squarely in the center and finally 50 patterns of alternating
of your body if you did not hit the ball. cross court and down-the-line blocks.
Distribute your weight equally between
both legs. Tilt your upper body slightly Remember not to swing at the ball. Merely
forward so that your elbows hang down block the path of the ball with your racket
in front of the body. and let the balls speed and spin make
it rebound across the net. Experiment
Intercept the ball with a still racket as the with tilting the racket angle until you can
ball is rising and just before it reaches consistently place the ball back in the
its peak. Angle the racket open or closed desired direction and low over the net.
by rotating the forearm to make the ball
return low over the net. If your return Lesson 11: Backhand Block With Foot
is too high, you must angle the racket Movement
more closed by tilting the face of the
racket toward the table. Conversely, if When you have reached your current
your return is too low and doesnt clear maximum limits in Lesson 10, youre
the net, you must open the racket angle ready to combine movement with the
39
40 Backhand Block
backhand block. To add movement to the better to use a forehand stroke whenever
robot, turn the main switch off and move the ball lands in the forehand court.
the sweep control levers to positions 3 &
6 if youre right handed or 1 & 4 if youre Always move your body directly in front
left handed. Set the ball frequency and of the ball before the ball is thrown to-
ball speed controls to 12 points below wards you. Avoid reaching for the ball
your maximum rate, as determined in with your armMOVE YOUR FEET!
Lesson 10. Adjust the oscillator speed Keep your elbow out in front of your
setting as described on pages 24. body; don't let it hang at your side. It
helps to watch the robot head to see
The balls will be randomly delivered from which direction it is going to shoot so
the center line of the table to the backhand you can move into position before the
corner. Block the ball back cross court ball is thrown to you.
until you are consistent, then practice
down-the-line blocks, and finally al- Once you complete this sequence at
ternate cross court and down-the-line below maximum speed and frequency,
blocks, all with the ball moving to random gradually turn up the ball speed and
positions within your backhand court at ball frequency controls until you reach
slow speed. Never increase the oscillation the upper limit of your current ability
range to include the forehand courtit is without losing consistency.
Chapter Fourteen
BACKHAND COUNTER
The next stroke to develop is a backhand tip of the racket pointing forward or even
counter. I will describe two ways of doing slightly to the right (for right-handers)
this stroke as technique has changed in at the end of the stroke. Keep your wrist
recent years. The first description will held in the down position and do not let
be of the traditional method as shown it flop back and forth.
in Photo 12A. This method incorporates
a backswing, forward swing, and follow The second way to perform a backhand
through. The stance is almost square to counter is what I call the modern back-
the table or perhaps even slightly turned hand counter (see Photo 12B). It has
left. The traditional method would be fa- evolved to become a very efficient stroke,
vored for backhand oriented players or capable of controlling and counter-at-
when there is sufficient time and need to tacking even powerful topspin attacks.
take a larger, more powerful stroke. There is almost no backswing at allit
is primarily a forward motion. It excels
This stroke starts like the backhand at re-directing the energy (both speed
blockyour stance and position to the and spin) on the ball back to the oppo-
table are the same. Contact the ball as it nent. Also, it is executed from a forehand
is rising just before the top of its bounce stance; hence, it provides a quick transi-
about 1 to 112 feet in front of you. Un- tion from one side to the other and leaves
like the block, which is executed with the player in a foot position perfect for
a relatively still racket, the backhand using the forehand.
counter has a small backswing and a
longer follow through. Do this by pull- Another advantage is that the start of the
ing the racket back towards the left hip stroke is very similar to the ideal position
(about even with the elbow) and then for the backhand block. Therefore, the
pushing it forward and slightly upward. player has the option of controlling the
Be sure to keep the correct racket angle shot with a block, or at the last second,
throughout the stroke. adding a small backswing and longer fol-
low through to add more pace and power.
This stroke is done primarily with the The modern stroke would be favored by
forearm. The elbow and upper arm re- players wanting a speedy forehand to
main relatively stable and the forearm backhand transition and/or a quick
pivots around the elbow. Hold the racket backhand counter-attack, especially
slightly below the height of the ball at the against strong topspin.
beginning of the stroke and let it end just
above the height of the ball at the finish. The modern backhand counter starts by
An indication of a complete stroke is the pulling the racket over to the left and to
41
42 Backhand Counter
a height the same as or slightly higher Lesson 12: Backhand Counter With No
than the contact point with the ball. It Foot Movement
is not taken back very much at all. The
racket is always kept forward of the el- Develop a backhand counter following the
bow. As the ball bounces off the table, same procedure as all the other strokes.
the racket is pressed forward primarily First, at low speed and frequency cross
by pulling the elbow in while at the same court, then down-the-line, and finally
time turning the knuckles of the hand alternating cross court and down-the-
down. This results in the racket flopping line. Gradually build up the ball speed
over the top of the ball, producing topspin and ball frequency until you have reached
and forward speed. This flop is the most your upper limits. As you turn up the
important element of the stroke and can ball frequency and/or speed, remember
be seen in images 13 of Photo 12B. to do a complete stroke. Do not turn up
the speed or frequency to the point that
Although the weight shift for both strokes you start shortening your stroke. Your
is fairly small, the traditional stroke shifts goal for each phase of this lesson is 25
weight from the left leg to the right leg; consecutive counters in each direction.
whereas, the modern stroke transfers
weight from right to left. With the mod- Lesson 13: Backhand Counter With
ern stroke, the weight shift is always Foot Movement
from right to left for both forehand and
backhand (right handed players). Start with the ball moving randomly at
slow speed within your backhand court
So which backhand counter should you (sweep control levers at the number 1 &
use? My advice is to carefully consider 4 positions for right-handers, 3 & 6 for
your style and goals. If you predominately left-handers), then gradually increase
win points with your forehand, then the settings to maximum. Remember not
modern backhand is the obvious choice. to reach for the ball with your arm, but
If your ultimate goal is to compete at the rather move your feet so you are squarely
national or international levels, then the in front of the ball before you stroke it.
modern backhand is essential. On the
other hand, if you only desire to compete Lesson 14: Combining Backhand Coun-
recreationally and/or you win the ma- ter With Backhand Block
jority of points with your backhand, the
traditional backhand is the way to go. Similar like Lesson 9, it is important to
learn a smooth transition from block to
Photos 12A and 12B were taken under counter. When the opponent hits a pow-
different circumstances so it is difficult to erful shot, and/or you are in a less than
compare the actions. Due to the camera ideal position, the block is the correct
angle, it's hard to discern the forward mo- answer in almost all cases. When you're
tion or acceleration changes of the racket in good position and your opponent gives
in the modern variant. Also there is only you a slow to medium shot, the counter
one image of the ball, so it is harder to is normally the better stroke to choose.
ascertain the correct timing of the stroke If you get an easy ball to your backhand,
in relation to the flight of the ball. step out and smash it with your forehand
Chapter Fourteen 43
as you learned in Lesson 8. Although the transition from one to the other feels
a backhand smash can certainly be smooth and effortless. Keep alternating
learned it will not be discussed in this from block to counter and back to block
manual on basic skills. for approximately 5 minutes. Do this drill
often and concentrate on keeping the
To practice strengthening these two contact point and racket angle the same
strokes and reduce the transitional with each of these strokes. The transition
time it takes to go from one stroke to from one stroke to the next should feel
the next, do the following drill. Set your almost like youre practicing one stroke
robot to deliver a medium speed, medium instead of two different ones. The length
height topspin ball to the middle of your of the stroke and the amount of power
backhand court. Alternate one backhand used should be the primary differences
block with one backhand counter until between these two strokes.
6
5
3
2
c
b
1 a
4
3 2
1
Once you are proficient at forehand and (3) Upper body square to the table
backhand block and counter strokes, it and tilted slightly forward.
is time to learn how to combine forehand
and backhand strokes. Maintaining a (4) Arms hanging down with the
good ready position is the most impor- forearms bent at an approximate
tant aspect of combining strokes. A good 90 angle to the upper arms. This
ready position decreases reaction time, places the elbows slightly in front
permits easy movement in any direction, of the body, not against the sides
and assists in making a smooth, flowing of your body.
transition from one shot to the next.
(5) Knees bent according to your
Most of the drills described in this chap- height. A tall person needs to
ter require you to have good footwork. If bend his knees more than a short
you have trouble maintaining consistency person. Avoid standing up straight
when you have to move your feet, take with your knees locked.
time out to read Chapter Twenty-One
Footwork, pages 8182, and shadow (6) Racket pointed forward, not favor-
practice the footwork until you feel com- ing forehand or backhand.
fortable with that kind of movement.
(7) Head tilted up with your eyes fo-
Lesson 15: Ready Position cused on the ball.
To assume the ready position, look at (8) Entire body balanced and relaxed.
Photo 13 and keep your:
(9) Mind clear and in a state of alert
(1) Feet apart, at least shoulder width readiness, ready to jump start the
or wider. Your right foot is slightly body into action as soon as ball
further back than your left foot. speed, spin, and trajectory are
The taller you are the wider the perceived.
feet should be apart.
The basic sequence of a rally is as follows:
(2) Weight on the balls of your feet First, assume the ready position. Second,
with heels slightly off the ground judge the trajectory of the ball. Third,
and weight evenly distributed on move to the ball. Fourth, stroke the ball.
both feet. Fifth, return to the ready position.
45
46 Combining Forehand & Backhand
Photo 13:
Typical Ready
Position.
The ready position begins and ends every position, (6) shadow stroke a backhand
stroke and every rally. Practice this by: (1) counter, and (7) finish by reassuming
assuming the ready position, (2) taking a the ready position once again. As before,
quick two-step to the forehand (see Foot- repeat until it feels comfortable.
work, pgs. 8182, for example of two-step
footwork), (3) executing a shadow stroke Lesson 16: Combination Block Strokes
forehand counter, (4) taking a two-step With The Ready Position
back to your original position, and (5)
reassuming the ready position. Repeat To practice forehand and backhand com-
this action until it feels comfortable. binations, turn the robot off and set the
sweep control levers to the numbers 2
The next drill will be to repeat the same and 5 positions. The ball will land from
drill as in the preceding paragraph except the middle of your forehand court to the
you add a backhand counter. For this middle of your backhand court.
drill you would: (1) start in the ready
position, (2) take a quick two-step to the Assume the ready position just to the left
forehand, (3) shadow stroke a forehand of the center line. Make sure your racket
counter, (4) take a two-step back to your is pointed straight forward and that the
original position, (5) reassume the ready racket and your forearm align with the
Chapter Fifteen 47
center line of the table. Turn the robot of the table (oscillator lever positions 3
on at a slow speed and frequency and & 4) and repeat. Be sure to use a back-
practice a backhand block when the ball hand block whenever the ball lands in
lands to the left of the center line and a your backhand court and a forehand
forehand block when it lands to the right block whenever the ball lands in your
of the center line. (Left-handers should forehand court. Gradually build up ball
use a forehand for balls to the left of the speed and frequency. Your goal is 50 suc-
center line and a backhand for ones to the cessful blocks in a row at each stage.
right.) After each stroke, make sure you
assume the ready position before strok- Lesson 17: Combination Counter Strokes
ing the next shot. Do one drill by placing With The Ready Position
all blocks (both forehand and backhand)
cross court, and a second drill by placing Practice the drills described in the previ-
all blocks down-the-line. ous lesson, but use backhand and fore-
hand counters instead of blocks. Then
Gradually build up your speed, but be practice the drills using a backhand
careful not to go so fast that you forget counter when the ball lands to the left
to return to the ready position between of center and a forehand smash when it
strokes. Once you have reached your up- lands right of center. Remember, when-
per limits without losing good form, in- ever you start a new drill, start slowly,
crease the range of oscillation by chang- and gradually build up your speed.
ing the sweep control levers to positions
2 and 4, if youre right handed, and 3 The next drill will be to set the robot to
and 5, if youre left handed. deliver balls to the middle of the back-
hand court with no oscillation. Practice
At these settings the ball will land ran- hitting one backhand counter and then
domly from your forehand corner to the step out and hit one forehand counter.
middle of your backhand court. Repeat Keep alternating between the two strokes,
the above drills, but this time move when- placing the ball cross court at first, then
ever the ball goes to the wide forehand. down-the-line. Then practice hitting a
Again, do one drill placing all blocks backhand counter, followed by a forehand
cross court, and a second drill placing smash. Again, hit the ball cross court at
all blocks down-the-line. Start at slow first, then down-the-line. Your goal is 25
ball frequency and build up. Lastly, set successful counter/smash combinations
the oscillator to sweep the entire width in a row at each stage.
Chapter Sixteen
THE PUSH
All the previous drills have been per- The push is a relatively slow speed stroke
formed against topspin. Now you need to with only a small amount of gentle ac-
learn how to return backspin effectively. celeration. It is performed very close to, or
The easiest stroke to use to return a back- often, actually over the table. The point
spin shot is the push. The push, like the of contact is after the top of the bounce,
block, is a very simple and easy stroke. It as the ball is falling.
is, however, a very important part of the
game and must be mastered. Unlike the Lesson 18: Backhand Push
other strokes learned so far, which are
force strokes, the push is a friction stroke. To learn the push, change the spin set-
(See pg. 55 for an in-depth discussion ting of your robot to backspin. Decrease
on friction and force strokes.) the ball speed to 2, the ball frequency to
3, and turn the oscillator off when the
The push is typically used when the robot head lines up with the middle of
opponent gives you a backspin serve or your backhand court. The head angle
return that is so well placed that you should be set to C.
cannot attack it safely. The push is then
used to keep the ball in play until a better Turn the robot on and practice push-
opportunity for attacking comes along. ing with your backhand. Stroke mainly
The push should not be used to return with the forearm, keeping the elbow and
topspin as your return will likely be high upper arm relatively still. At first your
and easily attacked. returns will likely keep going into the
net because of the effect of the backspin
The main purpose of the push is not so (see pages 2123). Keep opening up your
much to win the point, but to return it racket angle and aim for the bottom of
accurately and safely. For this reason, the ball. Contact is light, almost like you
concentrate on developing good touch are trying to slice the bottom off the ball.
and control on your pushes, and forget If the ball keeps going into the net it may
about power and speed. be necessary to lift your elbow somewhat
as you make contact with the ball.
A push stroke is performed using an
open racket angle and contacting the When you get the ball to clear the net,
ball somewhere between the center and keep the push as low over the net as you
the bottom. Stroke motion is from high can. Dont push hard or fast. Rather, use
to low in a forward direction. This mo- a soft, guiding touch with your push so
tion and the open racket angle result in you can place it accurately. Regain the
applying your own backspin to the ball. ready position after each stroke.
49
50 The Push
b
6 e
c
d a
5
1,2 3 4
When you get the feel for the push, prac- placing your returns to all parts of the
tice until you can push 50 cross court, opposite end of the table.
50 down-the-line, and 25 patterns of
alternating cross court and down-the- Lesson 19: Forehand Push
line pushes without missing. Gradually
increase the frequency up to 4 and the The forehand push is the next stroke to
ball speed up to 3 (speeds and frequencies learn. Like the other forehand strokes,
higher than that are unlikely in a real contact the ball to the side of and slightly
game). After reaching your upper limit, in front of the body. Your stance is the
turn the unit off and set the sweep con- same as the backhand push and your
trol levers to sweep within the backhand weight is evenly distributed on both legs.
court. Practice your backhand push with Push the racket towards the bottom of
the ball moving around randomly and the ball by straightening the arm. At the
Chapter Sixteen 51
d e
c b
a
1 2 3 6
4 5
same time, take a small step forward with push 50 in a row cross court, then down-
your right leg, keeping your elbow close the-line, and finally, alternating cross
to your body until after ball contact. court and down-the-line. Increase the
frequency to 4 and the ball speed to 3.
The racket head should rotate around so Next, practice the push with the robot
it is pointing forward at the end of the set to sweep within the entire forehand
stroke. It may help to bend your upper court. Then change the control levers
body slightly toward your forehand and so the robot sweeps the entire table
dip your right shoulder so you can better and practice combining forehand and
see the bottom of the ball. Regain the backhand pushes. Recover to the ready
ready position between each stroke. position after each stroke and before
moving to the next stroke. Your goal is
Practice the forehand push at slow speed 50 consecutive pushes without missing
and frequency until you can consistently at each stage of this practice.
Chapter Seventeen
FOREHAND DRIVE
As your skills develop, you may want to to clear the net. The less racket speed
learn how to attack a backspin return in- there is at contact (such as when you're
stead of just pushing it back, particularly first learning the stroke or when you're
if you like to be offensive. The forehand being cautious in a match), the more
drive is one option for attacking backspin. open the paddle angle needs to be.
This stroke is similar to the forehand
smash with only minor differences. When This is not an easy stroke to learn, so
driving backspin, contact the ball with a dont get frustrated if it is difficult to ex-
more open racket angle and stroke more ecute with any consistency. It is OK to
upward than in the smash. At contact the temporarily skip over the next lesson if
racket face is almost perpendicular. you find it difficult to execute the forehand
drive with consistency. In this case, do
I use the term drive to describe a force at- the remaining lessons and come back to
tack against backspin; whereas, I use the Lesson 20 at the end.
term smash to describe a similar stroke
used to attack topspin. Other authors Lesson 20: Forehand Drive
may use drive to describe either stroke.
Also, the smash and drive differ from To learn this stroke, set the spin to
the loop (described in the next chapter) backspin, the speed to 2, the frequency
by stroke energy being directed primar- to 3, and turn the oscillator off when the
ily toward the central core of the ball (a robot head points to the middle of your
force stroke ) instead of toward the outer forehand court. Practice the forehand
shell of the ball (a friction stroke ). More drive first cross court, then down-the-
on this in the next chapter. line, and then alternate between the two
directions. Next, turn on the oscillator
When first learning the forehand drive and practice the forehand drive with the
against backspin, it may be difficult to get ball moving randomly inside your fore-
the ball to clear the net. This is because hand court, then your whole backhand
the backspin causes the ball to rebound court, and finally 34 of the whole table
downward when it grabs into your rub- from the middle of your backhand court
ber surface. To counteract this effect, it to your forehand corner. Lastly, combine
is necessary to stroke forcefully at high your forehand drive with the backhand
speed and/or open your racket angle push by setting the oscillator to sweep
even more, so you are actually striking the entire table and practice pushing on
the ball a little below center and driving your backhand side and driving on your
the racket up through the ball. This will forehand side. Your goal is 15 successful
provide the necessary lift to get the ball drives in a row at each stage.
53
54 Forehand Drive
Another good drill is to adjust the robot develops a variety of skills: a backhand
to shoot balls to your backhand and backspin defensive stroke (touch), a fore-
practice pushing a backhand followed hand topspin offensive stroke (power),
by stepping out and doing a forehand and footwork (quickness). Do this drill
drive from your backhand court. This using no oscillation, then gradually turn
is a particularly useful drill because it the ball frequency up to 4.
6 5
b a
1
2
When this book was originally written in incorporates a much wider range of
1992, loops were considered an advanced friction/force combinations than any
technique, so they were not included in other stroke. For ease of learning, loops
this book on basics. Nowadays (2006), are broken down into either a spin loop,
loops are considered an essential part where the emphasis is on heavy friction
of the game and need to be learned as contact, or a drive loop, where the em-
soon as possible. In modern table tennis, phasis is on a more forceful contact. In
strategy has evolved to where the first actuality, though, loops incorporate the
person to attack with a loop is usually the entire continuum of friction/force ratios
one who wins the point. The loop is now from about 95/5 to 25/75, resulting in a
the most important shot in the game. full range of ball speeds from very slow to
very fast, all carrying heavy topspin.
A loop is primarily a friction stroke. This
means that stroke energy is directed at Spin loops are about 5095% friction
the outer shell of the ball in a grazing and 505% force. Spin loops carry the
or brushing motion to make the ball ro- greatest amount of topspin. The stroke
tate. This contrasts to the counter, block, direction is about 4580 forward (see
smash, and drive that are considered Figure O, next page). Contact is typically
force strokes. Energy in force strokes is made with the ball as it is falling (points
directed at the inner core of the ball and D or E, Figure P, next page) and at or
results primarily in forward speed being just above the center of the ball. The
applied to the ball (same as hitting a spin loop seeks to maximize the friction
baseball with a bat). contact so the feeling on the rubber is a
soft brushing or skimming action with
All strokes are a blend of force and friction. primarily the topsheet of the rubber.
To help conceptualize how much force
or friction is necessary for a particular The drive loop is about 2550% friction
stroke, it is helpful to give percentages and 7550% force. This loop is designed
to these two components. For instance, a to end a point with explosive power. The
smash is typically about 95% force and stroke direction is about 1045 forward
5% friction. A push, on the other hand (See Figure O). Contact is almost always
is about 10% force and 90% friction. made at or very close to the top of the
bounce (point C, Figure P). The feeling
The primary purpose of a loop is to put of the racket contacting the ball is much
lots of topspin on the ball, therefore fric- harder than the spin loop as the ball is
tion is essential. But the loop is unique driven deep into the sponge layer and
among table tennis strokes in that it the hard feel of the wood is felt.
55
56 Loops
further. Spin loops are primarily used. You can see that the loop is a more com-
It's virtually impossible to drive loop plicated stroke than those described in
backspin balls, but for topspin balls, previous chapters. Learning to loop re-
depending upon the amount of spin quires many hours of practice. But once
and the distance from the table, it is you can execute this stroke consistently
still possible to drive loop certain balls. in a game, your playing level will take a
However, the spin loop is normally more big leap forward, so it's well worth it.
desirable in this situation.
The rest of this chapter is devoted to learn-
Point B represents a ball that's rising but ing spin loops, both forehand and back-
has not reached the top of its bounce. hand. Due to space requirements, drive
While it certainly is possible to loop balls loops will not specifically be discussed.
at this point (and it's becoming increas- Once you can consistently execute a good
ingly common in high level play), this spin loop, it is a natural progression of
is an advanced tactic and will not be skill to learn a drive loop.
discussed in this book on the basics.
Because backspin is typically accom-
To sum up this discussion on stroke angle, panied by slow ball speed, spin loops
the angle is decreased: (1) when the ball against backspin will be discussed first
is contacted close to the top of its bounce, followed by spin loops against topspin.
(2) as the amount of topspin increases or This order is important not only because
the amount of backspin decreases, and it's easier to learn a new stroke against
(3) as the ball height increases over net slower moving balls, but also because the
height. Conversely, the stroke angle is in- spin loop is regarded as an easier way
creased: (1) the further the ball falls from to attack backspin than the forehand
the top of its bounce, (2) as the amount
of backspin increases or the amount of
topspin decreases, and (3) as the ball Type of Racket Stroke
height decreases below net height. Please Loop Angle Angle
see Chart 1 for a comparison of how stroke
and racket angles change according to Spin Loop vs. Backspin 75 55
type of loop and spin. Drive Loop vs. Backspin 75 45
Spin Loop vs. Topspin 60 50
With all loops, high racket speed is es-
Drive Loop vs. Topspin 55 30
sential. Even with a spin loop that is ex-
ecuted with little forward speed (95%/5% Chart 1: Sample Racket and Stroke
friction/force), the actual racket speed is Angles For Various Loops
still very high. It is a different feel than
the other strokes learned so far. It's rather Notice how there is less difference in racket
peculiar that you can swing very fast at angle than in stroke angle for spin and drive
the ball, but the ball doesn't go flying off loops against the same spin. Also notice that
the end of the table. Also, with the other for loops of the same type, the stroke and
strokes, you can slow down when first racket angles for the loop against backspin
learning how the stroke and your body are always much sharper than for topspin.
feels during the motion. But with a loop, Data derived from informal analysis of sev-
slowing down racket speed would prevent eral photographs of loops against medium
you from learning to loop. high balls with light amounts of spin.
58 Loops
drive discussed in the previous chapter. your backhand side and looping on your
So by learning the spin loop against back- forehand side. Your goal is 25 successful
spin first, you will have a way to attack loops in a row at each stage.
backspin shots with either forehand or
backhand before you've learned the spin Next, adjust the robot to shoot balls to
loop against topspin. your backhand and practice pushing
a backhand followed by stepping out
Lesson 21: Forehand Spin Loop Against and doing a forehand loop from your
Backspin backhand court. Do this drill using no
oscillation, and gradually turn the ball
To learn this stroke (see Photo 17, next frequency up to 4.
page), set the spin to backspin, ball speed
to 2, ball frequency to 3, and turn the At any stage, once you can loop against
oscillator speed off when the robot head a ball with light backspin (ball speed 2),
points to the middle of your forehand you can choose to increase the amount
court. Adjust head angle to about C of backspin. With the robot in the serve
so the ball's second bounce is landing position, maximum ball speed setting is
between the center of the court and the about 3. Once you can handle a serve
end line. Practice the forehand loop cross at 3, then place the robot's head in the
court, then down-the-line, and then al- return position so the ball lands first on
ternate between the two directions. your side of the table. Go back to about
2 on the ball speed control and raise
Concentrate on creating a brushing con- the head angle to about F. Maximum
tact just above the center of the ball as ball speed for backspin will be about
the ball is falling. Do not use any wrist 31 2. As you increase the ball speed and
action until the stroke is learned without spin, your body action must become cor-
using the wrist. Use high racket speed. respondingly stronger and/or the stroke
Your racket speed must be fast enough and and racket angles steeper.
the stroke angle steep enough to overcome
the downward rebound of the backspin. Lesson 22: Backhand Spin Loop
A good quality inverted rubber that still Against Backspin
has a good grip is essential. Test by rub-
bing the ball across the rubber's surface. In some ways the backhand loop (see
If the ball slides during this test, clean Photo 18, page 60) is an easier stroke to
the rubber to restore the grip or replace learn than the forehand loop. If you've
the rubber with a new sheet. ever thrown a frisbee, you've already used
a similar motion. Now you've just got to
Next, practice with the placement of the start a little lower, aim a little higher and
ball changing. Turn on the oscillator and hit a moving object in between. And, of
practice the forehand spin loop with the course, be sure to keep a good grip on
ball moving randomly inside your fore- your paddle! You don't want it to go flying
hand court, then your whole backhand out of your hand away from you.
court, and finally 34 of the whole table
from the middle of your backhand court Just like a well-timed wrist snap can send
to your forehand corner. Combine your a frisbee rotating away from you at high
forehand spin loop with the backhand RPM's, the backhand loop incorporates a
push by setting the oscillator to sweep similar wrist snap to apply heavy RPM's
the entire table and practice pushing on in the form of topspin to the ball. Unlike
Chapter Eighteen 59
all the other strokes learned so far, the middle of your backhand court. Back-
backhand loop has the elbow of racket hand loop the first ball and then follow it
hand rotated out well in front of the body. by stepping over and forehand looping the
It's important to keep the elbow out in second ball. Keep alternating backhand
front of the body until the follow through and forehand loops until you can do at
pulls the elbow back to beside the body. least 15 sets without missing.
The elbow serves as a pivot point that
needs to be kept in front of the body so Lastly, set the oscillator levers to 3 & 4
the forearm can whip around it. and backhand loop any balls that land
in your backhand court and forehand
Learn the backhand loop using a similar loop any balls that land in your forehand
sequence as used in Lesson 21. Set the court. At first, loop all balls cross court,
robot to the same beginning settings then loop all balls down-the-line, and
but aim the robot to the middle of your finally direct your loops, in succession,
backhand court. Practice the backhand to the backhand corner, the middle of the
loop first cross court, then down-the-line, table, and then to the forehand corner,
and then alternate between the two. before repeating. This last drill provides
excellent practice for deciding whether to
Next, practice with the ball moving ran- use forehand or backhand, getting into
domly in your backhand court. Unlike proper position, executing a loop from a
the forehand, however, do not practice the variety of oncoming trajectories, and plac-
backhand loop with the oscillator range ing your shot to any part of the table.
set wider than within your backhand half
of the table. You do not want to get in Lesson 23: Forehand Spin Loop
the habit of taking a ball placed in your Against Topspin
forehand court with your backhand.
The forehand spin loop against topspin
Once you can loop the ball consistently is similar to the one against backspin.
with the ball moving around in the The primary differences are that the
backhand court, start combining the stroke and racket angles are less and
backhand loop with other strokes. Be- weight shift is more forward than upward.
gin with the ball aimed at the middle of The racket starts higher and ends lower
your backhand court with light backspin. than against backspin. The right leg is
Push one ball cross court, take a quick thrust forward at the knee instead of be-
hop backward and then do a backhand ing straightened and the torso remains
loop. Keep alternating these two strokes bent forward at the end of the stroke.
until the footwork feels smooth and you're
consistently able to execute both strokes When first learning the loop against
in succession. Then do this same drill, topspin, especially after having learned
but with the ball moving randomly within the loop against backspin, the ball has a
your backhand court. In real games this tendency to go flying high off the far end
is a potent one-two punchpush a ball of the table. The key to overcoming this
low cross court and follow-up with a tendency is to make sure your weight goes
backhand loop of the return push. more forward (and slightly down) and be
sure to cover the top of the ball with your
The next step is to combine the backhand racket. At first, it will likely feel strange
loop with the forehand loop. Once again, to have your racket travel forward and
start out with the robot aimed to the up while your body is going forward and
62 Loops
down. Against backspin, the torso, right doing a forehand loop. Do this drill using
shoulder, and legs are all straightened to no oscillation. Your goal is 25 successful
some degree, but against topspin, none loops in a row at each stage.
of them are. All of these body actions
contribute to lift, needed to counteract Similar to the lesson for forehand loop
the backspin that makes the ball rebound against backspin, once you can loop a
downward; whereas, against topspin, lift ball with light topspin (ball speed 11 2 ),
is unnecessary because topspin causes begin increasing the amount of spin.
the ball to rebound upward. With topspin, you may increase the ball
speed all the way to 10 as your loop be-
To learn this stroke (see Photo 19, page comes stronger. Back away further from
62), set the spin to topspin, the speed to the table as the speed is increased and
11 2, the frequency to 21 2, and turn the reduce the stroke and racket angles.
oscillator off when the robot head points
to the middle of your forehand court. Ad- Lesson 24: Backhand Spin Loop
just the head angle to about C. Practice Against Topspin
the forehand spin loop first cross court,
then down-the-line, and then alternate The backhand spin loop against topspin
between the two directions. Your goal is (see Photo 20, previous page) is remark-
25 consecutive good loops at each step. ably similar to the backhand spin loop
against backspin. The biggest differ-
Concentrate on creating a brushing con- ence is the higher starting point at the
tact close to the top of the ball as the ball right hip instead of between the legs for
is falling. Do not use wrist for forehand the looping backspin. This results in
loops against topspin. If you are having a the torso being bent less forward and
hard time getting the ball to come down therefore it's straightened less during
on the opposite side, you can let the ball the stroke. Of course, the racket and
drop further from the top of its bounce stroke angles are less, which explains
by backing away from the table. why the stroke typically ends at head
height for topspin instead of above the
Next, practice with the placement of the head for backspin.
ball changing. Turn on the oscillator and
practice the forehand spin loop with the A unique quality of the backhand loop,
ball moving randomly inside your fore- either against topspin or backspin, is
hand court, then your whole backhand that the weight shift and foot position
court, and finally 34 of the whole table are very flexible. This stroke can be done
from the middle of your backhand court by shifting the weight from either right
to your forehand corner. to left or left to right. Foot position can
vary from left foot forward, feet paral-
Now, combine your forehand spin loop lel to end line of the table, to right foot
with the backhand counter by setting the forward. Often times, the weight shift is
oscillator to sweep the entire table and accompanied by a small hop with both
practice countering on your backhand feet in the direction of the weight shift.
side and looping on your forehand side.
Next, adjust the robot to shoot balls to The deciding factor in determining which
your backhand and practice countering way to shift the weight is the position of
a backhand followed by stepping out and the incoming ball in relation to the start-
Chapter Eighteen 65
ing body position. If the ball is coming Lastly, set the oscillator levers to 3 & 4
towards the backhand corner, the left and backhand loop any balls that land
foot stays forward and the shift is from in your backhand court and forehand
right to left. If the ball is close to the loop any balls that land in your forehand
center line of the table, the right foot is court. At first, loop all balls cross court,
usually forward and the shift is from left then loop all balls down-the-line, and
to right. This would also be true for the finally direct your loops, in succession,
backhand loop against backspin. to the backhand corner, the middle of the
table, and then to the forehand corner,
An unusual exception to these rules is before repeating the pattern.
if the player is in an extreme backhand
position with the body alongside the Whenever you can loop consistently at
backhand sideline. In this position, the any stage, you can further challenge
left foot is forward, but the weight shift is yourself by increasing the topspin and
from left to right because this will move speed of the ball and/or increasing the
the body in the direction of the favored ball frequency. In a real game, topspin
backhand corner position where a return rallies can be quite fast so do increase
can be more easily covered. speed and frequency gradually so that
you become accustomed to a fast pace.
Learn the backhand loop against top-
spin using the same sequence as used Lesson 25: Spin Loops Against Varying
in Lesson 22. Set the robot to the same Spins
beginning settings, except use topspin in-
stead of backspin. Practice the backhand The last lesson in this chapter is to learn
loop cross court, then down-the-line, and how to vary your loop stroke to match
then alternate between the two. Your goal the type and severity of the spin on the
is 25 consecutive loops without a miss oncoming ball. This is an important les-
before proceeding to the next step. son because in a real game, you have to
be prepared for any type of spin. While
Next, practice with the ball moving ran- you can only select one type of spin at a
domly in your backhand court. Do not time on a Newgy robot, by going back and
practice the backhand loop with the os- forth between quick drills of topspin and
cillator range set wider than within your then backspin, you can learn to make
backhand half of the table. Be sure to the necessary adjustments quickly.
practice the correct weight shift and foot
position as explained above. The Pong-Master scoreboard is particu-
larly helpful in this regard. Set it for a 1
Once you can loop the ball consistently minute game but do not plug in the tar-
with the ball moving around in the back- gets. Pong-Master will automatically cut
hand court, begin to combine the back- off ball delivery at the end of 1 minute.
hand loop with other strokes. Start out Alternatively, you can also simply set a
with the robot aimed to the middle of your timer for 1 minutebut be sure to stop
backhand court. Backhand loop the first when the timer goes off!
ball and then step over and forehand loop
the second ball. Keep alternating back- The first drill will be to set the robot
hand and forehand loops until you can in the serve position to deliver a light
do at least 15 sets without missing. topspin ball to the middle of your fore-
66 Loops
hand court. Practice forehand looping for partner's backhand or all of your shots
one minute. Then stop, change the spin to to his forehand, but your partner can
backspin, and repeat the drill. Keep alter- randomly change the direction of his/her
nating between one minute drills against returns. To make the drill even harder,
topspin and then against backspin. both players can change direction ran-
domly. Start slowly and gradually work
You will likely find that upon switching up to game speed. Remember, you're
to backspin, your first few loops will not trying to help each other learn these
make it over the net. And when you switch skills, so cooperate with each other at
to topspin, your first loops will go flying this stage. You can slowly turn these
off the far end of the table. The object is to drills into competitive drills once the
keep switching back and forth until your skills are well-grooved.
first few loops land successfully.
Another good drill would be for your part-
Once you can do this on the forehand, switch ner to alternately serve long topspin and
to the backhand court and repeat with the backspin serves to you. Start with the
backhand loop. Then adjust the robot to forehand, then the backhand, and finally
oscillate over the whole table. Repeat the se- randomly. Your partner will need a bucket
quence of alternating topspin and backspin of balls close by (the Robo-Caddy, pg. 107,
drills, but now balls are delivered randomly is handy for this) and he/she does not
across the entire table. Forehand loop balls attempt to return your loops.
in the forehand court and backhand loop
balls in the backhand court. It's OK to use Progressing even further, your partner
the forehand for any balls that are close can stand beside the table close to the
to the center line in the backhand court. table's net, and hit balls directly to you.
Another drill is to alternate forehand and This is called multi-ball and was the
backhand loops with the ball being deliv- human precursor to Robo-Pong (Robo-
ered only to the backhand corner. Caddy serves as an excellent ball holder
for multi-ball also). Multi-ball is a bit
If you can adjust quickly using these 1 more flexible because spins, placement,
minute drills, then the next step is to do and speed can all be mixed up from shot
drills with a practice partner in which you to shot. The server can either bounce the
mix up topspin and backspin. A simple drill ball on the table first before striking it
illustrating this concept is to start with a or throw the ball directly into the racket.
backspin serve, have your partner push the The server then uses short, quick topspin
ball back long, use a loop against backspin and backspin strokes and times his/her
to attack that push, have your partner block delivery so that the next ball is delivered
the ball back, and continue using loops the instant you get back in a ready posi-
against topspin until the rally ends. tion. Many variations of multi-ball drills
are possible. Multi-ball practice serves as
At first do this drill with the ball always a good transitional step between learning
going cross court and then change to all a skill on a robot and using that skill in
shots going down-the-line. Past this stage, an actual competitive match.
you want to direct all of your shots to your
Chapter Nineteen
SERVES
The robot's net system is also handy when (4) The server cannot hide the ball
practicing serves. Turn the machine off from the receiver with any part
and put all the balls into a Robo-Caddy of the body or clothing. The free
(see page 107) or similar tray. Place the arm, after tossing up the ball,
tray at your end of the table and prac- must immediately be removed
tice serving into the robots net (owners from the space between the ball
with ball bucket robots can use the Ball and the net, including the net's
Catch Net II and Side Nets, see page 107). indefinite extension upward.
By using the collection net to catch your
serves, you wont have to pick up as many (5) The ball must first touch the
balls from the floor when youre ready to servers end of the table, pass
refill your serving tray. directly over or around the net
and its supports, then touch the
Before beginning to practice serves, lets receivers end of the table. In sin-
cover some of the most commonly mis- gles, the ball can touch anywhere
understood rules concerning the serve. on the server's or receiver's right
or left courts, but in doubles, the
(1) The ball must be placed in the ball must first touch the server's
stationary, open palm of the free right court and then the receiver's
hand. This means the hand must right court.
be momentarily still and the ball
placed in the open palm so that (6) If the ball touches the net or its
it is visible to the receiver. supports after having first landed
on the servers side of the table
(2) The ball must be thrown near ver- and then landing on the receivers
tically upwards at least 6 inches side of the table or touching the
and then struck as it is descending receivers racket without having
from the peak of its trajectory. touched anything else first, the
serve is a let and is served over.
(3) The ball must remain above the There is no limit to the number
level of the playing surface and of lets one can serve.
behind the server's end line from
the time the hand is stationary (7) Once the ball is tossed up, the ball
to the time ball contact is made. is in play and the point continues.
The ball does not; however, have to If the serve is stopped, even if there
remain between the two sidelines is no attempt to swing at the ball,
or their imaginary extensions. the point is lost. Likewise, a point
67
68 Serves
is lost if the server swings at the For all serves, you should be able to do
ball and does not contact the ball. both long and short versions. For long
Unlike (lawn) tennis, in table ten- serves make sure you drive the ball down
nis, there is no do-over if the serve onto the back half of the table on your
is stopped or second serve if the end (close to the endline). For short serves
first serve is missed. (that bounce twice on the opposite end
of the table), strike the ball with a soft
It is beyond the intent of this manual lifting motion so that its first bounce is
to cover all the different kinds of serves. on the front half of your end of the table
Indeed, a whole book could be written on (close to the table net).
the many types of serves that are possible.
We will divide our discussion into four Lesson 26: Ball Toss
types of basic serves: the backhand top-
spin serve, the forehand backspin serve, Before beginning to serve, you should
the backhand right sidespin serve, and practice the ball toss. Place the ball in
the forehand left sidespin serve. These the open, stationary palm of your left
are the serves I have found to be the hand. Your left forearm should be parallel
most effective and easily learned. When to the floor, your wrist straight, and the
serving, remember that you should pri- left hand about 810 inches in front of
marily use a friction contact and most the stomach (see Photo 21). Now practice
serves will use a wrist snap at contact tossing the ball up so it stays in line with
to increase racket speed and spin. the center of your body and rises at least
Chapter Nineteen 69
6 inches. Let your left hand return to its direct the ball down into the table near
starting position and the ball should fall the left corner on your side. Stop when
back down in your palm. Practice until the tip of the racket is pointing forward.
you can do this without missing. This short stroke can be seen in images
3 & 4 in Photo 22. After you are proficient
Lesson 27: Backhand Topspin Serve using this short stroke serve, you may
use the entire motion shown in Photo
Once you can consistently toss the ball 22 to increase the speed of the serve by
up straight and have it come back down taking a backswing and using a longer
into your hand, its time to learn the back- follow through.
hand topspin serve. Position yourself in
a slightly sideways stance facing to your Start slowly, serving the ball cross court,
left behind the left corner of the table as and build up your speed. Practice serving
shown in Photo 22. Now toss the ball up to all parts of the table but emphasize
and after allowing it to begin descend- a cross court serve that travels from
ing from its peak, push your racket into your left corner and lands deep in the
the ball with your right forearm. Before receivers left corner. Keep the serve low
impact close the racket angle enough to over the net. To this end, it will help if
70 Serves
you contact the ball just above the level Lesson 28: Forehand Backspin Serve
of the table. The higher above the table
you contact the ball, the higher it will The next serve to learn is the forehand
bounce and the less speed you can apply backspin serve. Take a sideways stance
to your serve. to the right about two feet in back of the
middle of your forehand court. Assume
Once you can execute this backhand top- the starting position for a forehand serve
spin serve confidently, practice assum- as shown in Photo 23. Toss the ball up
ing the ready position immediately after and at the same time pull the right
you finish your service follow through. forearm back and up to about shoulder
In particular, pull your right leg back height. As the ball descends, release the
around to assume the ready position, forearm and let the racket slice into the
instead of remaining in your left facing ball about halfway between its center
stance. You want to get into the proper and bottom. Continue to follow through
ready position rapidly in order to cover until the racket ends up in front of your
your exposed forehand corner. Make re- left hip. This motion feels very similar
turning to the ready position a part of to chopping a tree with a hatchet. As a
your service motion. Practice until you matter of fact, some players refer to this
can do 25 in a row without missing. serve as a chop serve.
Chapter Nineteen 71
After you get a feel for this serve, work Lesson 29: Backhand Right Sidespin Serve
on keeping it low to the net and short,
so it bounces twice on the other side of The third serve to learn is the backhand
the table. Strive to graze the ball very right sidespin serve. This serve will be
finely to produce good spin. To increase difficult to learn until you have mastered
the amount of spin, add wrist motion to the two previous serves. Assume the
the forearm snap. This serve is seldom starting position for a backhand serve
done fast and hard; but rather, slowly (Photo 21, page 68) behind the middle of
and well placed. Practice a return to your backhand court. Stand square to
ready position as part of your serve mo- the table. Now place your right forearm
tion. Practice until you can do 25 in a lightly across your left forearm so the
row without missing when you serve long racket is held to the left of the ball.
and 15 in a row when you serve short
(so the ball bounces at least twice on the Toss the ball up, and as it descends, pull
robots side of the table). your elbow to the right, causing the racket
72 Serves
to slash across the back of the ball on its pulling up on the elbow as you pull it
lower surface. Let your shoulders rotate to the right. Practice these serves while
as you pull the elbow to the right and striving to keep the ball low over the net.
then back. After you can perform this Produce maximum spin by finely grazing
serve with the racket already to the left across the ball at high speed. Be able to do
of the ball, practice starting this serve sidespin/backspin or sidespin/topspin
with the racket behind the ball as shown alternately with equal ease. After being
in Photo 21, and then take a backswing able to serve long and with good spin,
(sideswing?) as you toss the ball up. Us- work on keeping the serve short, so it will
ing a backswing will increase the amount bounce twice on the other side. A much
of spin you can generate. finer graze and touch will be required to
do so. When working on the short serve,
You need to work on two variations of this try to maintain the same amount of spin
serve. A combination sidespin/backspin as when you serve long. Practice until
serve, as shown in Photo 25, is produced you can do 25 in a row without missing
by keeping the elbow down as you pull it to when you serve long or 15 in a row when
the right. Combination sidespin/topspin, you serve short.
as shown in Photo 26, is produced by
Chapter Nineteen 73
Finally, practice your serves so that you By having at least 4-5 different serves
can serve to any location on the table. that you can deliver from the same ba-
Strive to start from the same basic serve sic starting position, you can keep your
position and make your serves look as opponent guessing what serve you will
similar to one another as possible. This use next. Always vary the spin, speed,
makes it harder on the opponent to an- and/or placement of the ball from one
ticipate your serve. For instance, your serve to the next.
first serve could be a short sidespin/
backspin serve down-the-line. The next Lesson 30: Forehand Left Sidespin Serve
serve could be a long sidespin/topspin
serve cross court, followed by a short The last serve to learn is the forehand
sidespin/topspin serve to the middle. A left sidespin serve. Your stance and posi-
fourth serve could be a long sidespin/ tion to the table are the same as for the
backspin serve down-the-line. forehand backspin serve (see Photo 23,
page 70). This time, however, instead of
Mixing up your services like this is placing the racket directly behind the
crucial to having a good service game. ball, start with the racket to the right
74 Serves
1 a
b
2 5 6
4 c
d
3
of the ball. It will also help if you hold Sidespin/topspin, as shown in Photo 28,
the racket mainly with your thumb and is produced by pulling the forearm up
forefinger and allow your other three just as contact is made. This may feel a
fingers to slip off the handle as shown bit awkward at first. Practice until you
in Image 1 of Photo 27. Toss the ball up, can do 25 in a row when you serve long
and as it descends, pull the right elbow or 15 in a row when you serve short.
to your side causing the racket to slash
across the back of the ball on its lower Also practice this serve cross court from
surface in a sideways direction. your backhand corner if you have a good
forehand. This sidespin will tend to make
As with the backhand right sidespin the serve return go toward your back-
service, you may combine topspin or hand and if you're already there waiting
backspin with the left sidespin. Photo to use your forehand, you'll often gain
27 shows the sidespin/backspin serve. the advantage early in the point.
Chapter Nineteen 75
1 a
6
2 b
5
c
3
4 d
In a real game, the type of serve you use like a slow paced game and/or you have a
depends a lot on the kind of return you good push or good loop against backspin,
would like to get. If you like to play a fast serve mostly the short forehand backspin
paced game with quick exchanges, use serve or short sidespin/backspin serves.
mainly a fast backhand topspin serve. Of course, if you discover a serve that
If you like to smash the ball, use short the opponent has trouble with, use that
sidespin/topspin serves in an attempt to serve more often, but not so much that
get the opponent to pop up the ball. If you the opponent gets used to it.
Chapter Twenty
SERVE RECEIVE
Perhaps the most difficult skill to master hand court. Practice your block first and
in table tennis is serve receive. You must then your counter or loop. Repeat the
be able to handle hundreds of different same learning pattern on the forehand
type of serves. Seldom will you encounter side, starting with a serve to the middle
the same serves from player to player. Not of the forehand court and returning it
only must you be able to get a serve back with a forehand block. Progress to a
but you must also be ready to attack an forehand counter and occasionally use
easy serve to wrest the initiative away a forehand smash or loop. Then turn
from the server. Fortunately, Robo-Pong on the oscillator to sweep inside of the
is an excellent aid to learning this impor- forehand court and practice forehand
tant skill. The robot is especially useful block, then counter, and occasionally a
in learning to return sidespin serves. forehand smash or loop.
Lesson 31: Returning Topspin Serves The last step is to have the robot sweep
the entire width of the table and practice
To practice returning serves, tilt the head combining forehand and backhand re-
of the robot down so it shoots onto its side turns. After you can consistently return
of the table (approximate head angle C). this serve, pressure yourself to attack
Turn the robot head to topspin. Set the whenever you are completely set. At all
ball speed to 3 and frequency to it low- stages of this training, be sure to return
est level. Turn off the oscillator when the to the ready position before each serve
robot head points to the middle of your is delivered. Pretend you are returning a
backhand court. Turn the power switch real serve from a live opponent and you
on, and practice using your backhand dont know what serve is coming next.
block to return the ball to all parts of the
table. In particular, work on placing your Lesson 32: Returning Backspin Serves
returns into either corner or angled wide
off the side of the table. Strive to keep Backspin services are the next to learn to
your returns low over the net. Progress return. Keep the same control settings as
to returning the serve with a backhand in Lesson 31, except turn the robot head
counter or loop instead of a block. Keep to backspin and aim the head to shoot
the frequency set to the lowest level balls to the middle of your backhand
possible to better simulate waiting for a court. Turn the robot on and practice re-
serve in a real game. Return to the ready turning the serve with a backhand push
position after each serve receive. to all parts of the table. Then turn the
oscillator on and practice a backhand
Next, turn on the oscillator so that it push return from anywhere inside the
shoots randomly inside your entire back- backhand court.
77
78 Serve Receive
Photo 29: Correct Racket Angle For Re- Photo 30: Correct Racket Angle For Re-
turning Left Sidespin/Topspin turning Right Sidespin/Topspin
Racket should be tilted both to the left and Racket should be tilted both to the right
down to return the ball straight down the and down to return the ball straight down
middle of the table. the middle of the table.
Repeat this on the forehand side using be short or long. Position yourself about
a forehand push and finally, set the os- two feet in back of the table. That way
cillator to sweep the entire width of the you will be in good position to return a
table and practice combining forehand long serve and all you have to do to re-
and backhand push returns. You may turn a short serve is take one good step
wish to throw in an occasional loop re- forward. In almost all cases it is better
turn if youve learned this skill. to be back and move forward rather than
be too close and have to move back.
Another good drill is to reduce the ball
speed to approximately 1112 so the ball Lesson 33: Returning Sidespin/Topspin
is served very short and close to the net. Serves
You will also need to adjust the head angle.
To return this short serve effectively, it After becoming proficient at returning
will be necessary to bend your knees straight topspin and backspin serves, it
deeply and take a long step with your is time to learn how to return these spins
right leg under the table. Let your upper when they are combined with side spin.
torso bend over the top of the table and Turn the robot head so the word topspin
then reach forward with your racket. Use is about 45 to the right of top center (as
mainly your forearm and wrist to stroke you face the robot). The robot will deliver
the ball and be sure to use the correct a serve with left sidespin/topspin. Set the
racket angle when making contact. In ball speed to 3 and aim the robot head
particular, work on dropping the push to the middle of your backhand court.
short on the other end of the table or
long to either corner or sideline. Turn on the machine and use a backhand
block or counter to return the ball. You
Remember to return to the ready position will notice the ball has a tendency to jump
after each stroke. Dont cheat by keeping off your racket to your right. Counter act
your body position up close to the table. this effect by aiming down-the-line. Now
Pretend like a person is serving to you even though you aim the ball down-the-
and you dont know whether the serve will line, the ball will go cross court because of
Chapter Twenty 79
Photo 31: Correct Angle For Returning Photo 32: Correct Angle For Returning
Left Sidespin/Backspin Right Sidespin/Backspin
Racket should be tilted both to the left and Racket should be tilted both to the right and
up to return the ball straight down the middle up to return the ball straight down the middle
of the table. Racket also must travel forward of the table. Racket also must travel forward
a small amount. a small amount.
the sidespin. Keep working until you can approximately 112. Be sure to return to
control the ball to make it go anywhere the ready position before each serve.
on the table. Contact the ball on its top
right surface by angling your racket to Turn the robot head so the word topspin
the left and down (see Photo 29) and then is 45 to the left of top center. The robot
moving your racket slightly sideways as will deliver right sidespin/topspin. Repeat
you make contact. Both these strategies the above sequence of steps to learn how
will help negate the effect of the sidespin. to return this serve. Contact the ball on
Also it helps to hold your racket softly so its top left surface by angling your racket
your wrist is free to make the necessary to the right and down (see Photo 30) and
adjustments to the racket angle. And keep moving your racket slightly sideways
your elbow close to your body to permit as you make contact. Start with your
better control of the stroke. backhand, then use your forehand, and
finally combine the two. If you become
After you are able to handle this kind of really good at this, increase the amount
serve, make the machine oscillate within of sidespin by turning the robot head so
the backhand court and practice some the word sidespin is closer to top center.
more. Then switch the machine to your In general, you will find it easier to return
forehand and practice your forehand re- left sidespin with your forehand and right
turn in a similar fashion, first without sidespin with your backhand.
oscillation, then with oscillation. For
variation, occasionally attempt a fore- Lesson 34: Returning Sidespin/
hand smash or loop return. The last Backspin Serves
step is to set the robot to oscillate over
the entire table and randomly return the To learn how to return sidespin/backspin,
serve with either forehand or backhand. turn the robot head so the word back-
Also practice returning short sidespin spin is 45 to the left of top center. The
serves by changing the ball speed to robot will now deliver a left sidespin/
80 Serve Receive
backspin serve. Work with this spin as a severely angled return. Sidespin helps
you did with the left sidespin/topspin pre- you to increase the possible angles on
viously, except use a push stroke instead your receives because of its tendency to
of a block or counter stroke. Contact the jump sideways off your racket.
bottom right surface of the ball by angling
your racket to the left and up (see Photo You can also improve the quality of your
31) and then move your racket slightly service receives by attacking serves.
sideways as you make contact. Then work Sidespin/topspin can often be attacked
on returning right sidespin/backspin by by rolling over the top of the ball with your
turning the robot head until the word racket, pushing the forearm forward, and
backspin is just to the right of top cen- pulling the elbow up as you contact the
ter. You will need to contact the bottom ball. You can also do this with sidespin/
left of the ball by angling your racket to backspin, although its considerably more
the right and up (see Photo 32) and then difficult. With sidespin/backspin, open
moving your racket slightly sideways as the racket before contact (like youre get-
you make contact with the ball. ting ready to push the ball) and keep your
elbow down as you thrust your forearm
As you get better at returning sidespin upward and forward.
serves, start working at placing your
returns instead of merely getting them Any serves that come long off the end of
back. Place your returns to areas of the the table are probably best attacked by
table from which it would be difficult for looping them. A loop's high racket speed
your opponent to attack. If you receive overcomes much of the spin on a serve,
a sidespin/backspin serve, see if you so you don't have to be as exact with your
can place your return short and low racket angle. A looped serve return often
just over the net. Or use the sidespin to gives the receiver control of the point and
your advantage by giving your opponent may win the point outright.
Chapter Twenty-One
FOOTWORK
This chapter is intended for those who your arms and hold them just in front
need assistance in moving to the ball. If of the body. Place your weight on the
you can perform a stroke well while keep- balls of your feet with your heels lightly
ing your feet in one spot, but you lose touching the ground. Keep your shoul-
consistency when you start practicing the ders parallel to the floor and centered
stroke with foot movement, then you need over your knees. Eliminate any up and
to improve your footwork. When learning down movement. Move the instant the
footwork, slowly shadow practice several opponent has committed to his shot, not
sets of the described footwork until you before. Move to where the ball will come
get the hang of it. Then combine footwork before starting your stroke. Avoid stroking
with a particular stroke or combination while movingmove first, stroke second.
of strokes using the robot to deliver balls Strive to never cross your feet.
to different points on the table.
For side-to-side movement, you have
Having proper footwork greatly assists three options (see Figure Q, next page).
in executing good strokes. With proper One-step footwork is normally used for
footwork, a player will move into good short distances, two-step for medium dis-
position and then execute his/her strokes tances, and three-step for long distances.
from a solid, balanced stance. This leads One-step footwork is very common when
to consistency, quickness, and being able moving left to cover a wide backhand. It is
to use full power. Without good footwork, performed by simply shifting your weight
a player will reach, lean, and hit the ball to your right leg and pushing your left
from an unbalanced position. Strokes foot further to the left. Vice versa if you
end up being jerky and erratic, more want to go to the right. A disadvantage of
like slaps than strokes. one-step footwork is that it can leave you
in a stretched out position if you have to
In table tennis, you wont have to cover a move more than a foot or two, making it
lot of ground, but you will have to move difficult to get ready for the next shot.
to a spot very quickly. Therefore, most
table tennis footwork consists of one or The two-step footwork is the most com-
two steps, usually fairly short. During all mon form of footwork. It is typically used
footwork, it is crucial to stay balanced. to get into forehand position for balls to
Always start your foot movement from your wide forehand or for balls that are
the balanced ready position shown in aimed directly at your body. To move to
Photo 13 on page 46. the right using two-step footwork, you
lean on your right leg, pull your left foot
When moving, keep your head up and the toward your right foot, then quickly shift
upper body tilted slightly forward. Bend your right foot to the right. You end up
81
82 Footwork
with your feet in the same relative posi- out wide on your backhand side to hit
tion as when you started the movement a forehand. It is very similar to the two-
except 23 feet further to the right. It is step except an additional small step is
a side-skipping type of movement. made before both feet are shifted. To
move right, take a small step with your
Three-step footwork is used to cover shots right foot to the right (6 to 8 inches),
hit deep to the forehand corner, angled shift your weight to your right leg, then
off the wide forehand sideline, or to step perform a two-step movement.
One-Step
Footwork
Two-Step
Footwork
Three-Step
Footwork
Chapter Twenty-Two
NEWGY FITNESS PROGRAM
Besides being a terrific aid in learning about 120 balls (in Robo-Pong 2040) for
and developing table tennis skills, Robo- best performance. The exercise program
Pong is perfect as a fitness trainer, even requires that you hit balls for a long, sus-
if your goal is not to develop table tennis tained period of time. You won't realize
skills. With the robot, you can set up a many of the benefits if you have to stop
fun exercise program that will improve and pick up balls every few minutes.
your cardiovascular fitness and muscu-
lar endurance. As long as you can hit the Most of the exercises in this chapter can-
ball back into the net and can move your not be done if you are using robots in
feet, you can get an excellent workout ball buckets (540 & 1040 models). You
with the robot. This exercise program will run out of balls before the exercise is
can help you improve coordination, lose completed. To do these drills with a ball
weight, and look fit and trim! bucket robot, you will need an assistant
to pick up the balls and reload the ball
If youre serious about the sport, being bucket to prevent the robot from run-
fit is essential to your ultimate success. ning out of balls. A Ball Catch Net and
Robot training is a great way to enhance set of Side Nets (see page 107) will help
your fitness level because it is sport spe- in quickly refilling your ball bucket.
cific. Instead of improving your aerobic
and anaerobic conditioning by running, Fitness Basics
for instance, you will develop the same
benefits by using table tennis movements. The Newgy Fitness Program is designed to
The big advantage is that you develop primarily develop cardiovascular fitness.
sport specific skills at the same time as Cardiovascular fitness is the bodys abil-
you develop your physical conditioning! ity for its heart and circulation system
to carry oxygen to the cells, for the cells
Note: Before beginning any exercise to process that oxygen, and for the blood
program, please consult with your to carry away carbon dioxide and other
personal health care professional, waste products over a sustained period
especially if you have recently had of time and physical activity. It is the
physical problems or surgery, or if foundation of all fitness programs.
you have been inactive or sedentary
for some time. The desired result of cardiovascular
training is to strengthen the heart to
Set-Up work more efficiently in delivering blood
and oxygen throughout the body. As your
Be sure you have plenty of balls loaded heart gets stronger, it pumps more blood
in your robot. We recommend the use of per beat. An easy indicator of the strength
83
84 Newgy Fitness Program
of your heart is to measure your heart when he elevates and sustains his THR
rate. The more cardiovascular fit you are, to between 126 and 153 beats per minute
the lower your resting heart rate is. (7085% of his MHR). Anaerobic condi-
tioning occurs when he keeps his THR
For an average adult, the resting heart between 153 and 180 beats per minute
rate is 7075 beats/minute with some (85% 100% of his MHR). Now take a few
sedentary individuals as high as 8085. minutes to figure your own MHR and
After training, the resting heart rate THR ranges by completing the formulas
should drop to around 6065, perhaps in Chart 2 on the next page.
even as low as 55. Besides your heart
having to beat several thousand times To recognize your different THR levels, a
less every day, youll be able to sustain heart rate monitor is recommended. The
activity longer without getting tired and best monitor for table tennis workouts
recover more quickly from exertion. would be a talking monitor, but these
are difficult to find anymore. The talking
To completely train your cardiovascular monitor verbally reports your heart rate
system, it is necessary to first train your every 2060 seconds (you choose the
aerobic energy pathway and then your interval) via a tiny set of earphones. This
anaerobic energy pathway. Your aerobic makes it ideal for table tennis where you
energy pathway provides energy to your need to keep your eye on the ball. The
body during long, sustained periods of other monitors use a wristwatch which
below maximal activity. The anaerobic require you to glance at the watch face to
pathway provides energy during short see your heart rate. This is not an easy
term, maximal bursts of activity. thing to do when you're constantly mov-
ing into position, striking a moving target,
The best results from cardiovascular and keeping your eyes on the ball.
training are achieved when you exer-
cise 1560 minutes a day and 35 days Without one of these monitors, you would
a week. Furthermore, its important to have to stop exercising to take your pulse,
train with consideration to your training which would lessen the benefits of your
heart rate (THR), which is a percentage exercise. When using either method;
of your maximum heart rate (MHR). however, become aware of how your body
feels while you are at a certain heart rate.
Determine your MHR by subtracting your Once you can accurately judge your heart
age from 220. To train aerobically, keep rate, all you need is a stopwatch or timer
your THR between 7085% of your MHR to keep track of your time.
and train for 1560 minutes nonstop. To
train anaerobically, keep your THR be- Two indicators of the correct THR for
tween 85100% of your MHR and train aerobic exercise are a steady, slow sweat
in 15 minute bursts of intense activ- and being able to carry on a conversa-
ity. Follow these short bursts by equal tion without shortness of breath. When
amounts of rest. Repeat these short breathing becomes difficult and thoughts
burst/rest cycles 412 times. of how much longer can I keep this up
occur, you are probably approaching an-
For example, to determine the MHR for aerobic conditioning. Youre definitely into
Bob, a 40 year old man, subtract 40 from anaerobic conditioning when you sweat
220 to get 180. Bob trains aerobically profusely and you feel hot, out of breath,
Chapter Twenty-Two 85
addressed by the use of stretching dur- When youre ready to begin, use an easy
ing warm-up and cool-down. Muscular forehand counter (see pages 3334) to
endurance will definitely be developed by return the ball. If you havent already
the repeated use of muscles in the legs, learned a forehand counter, just make
back, shoulders, and arms. sure that you take a controlled, easy
swing at the ball with your forehand and
Warm-Up that you use your whole upper body to
make the swing, not just your arm. As
The first part of the Newgy Fitness Pro- soon as you finish one stroke, quickly
gram is the warm-up. Proper warm-up is move your feet into position for the next
very important. Before vigorous exercise, shot and stroke again. Keep stroking and
get your blood pumping to the muscles moving until you feel youve reached the
and stretch the muscle fibers to encour- lower limit of your THR.
age freer and easier movement and help
prevent overextension of the muscles. If you have a heart monitor and the moni-
When stretching, take it easy. Stretching tor signals that youre within your THR,
should feel good and invigorate you. Dont start your stopwatch and keep stroking
bounce as you stretch; just maintain an and moving. If you dont have a heart
easy, continual stretch. monitor, then you will have to stop mo-
mentarily to take your pulse to see if it
If a stretch feels painful, STOP! Back up has risen to within your THR. When it
and do it again but dont stretch quite has risen to the proper rate, then imme-
so far. Breath slowly and regularly and diately start your stopwatch and resume
exhale your tensions away with each play. After youve done this a few times,
breath. Stretching is noncompetitive. It youll get a sense of when you are in your
is not necessary to stretch further each THR and you wont have to stop to take
time you workout. Forcing a stretch is your pulse. You may also choose to time
contradictory to your intended purpose. yourself to see how long it takes you to
Relax as you stretch and enjoy! reach your THR and then just add that
length of time to your workout.
The stretches shown on pages 88 & 89
should take approximately 1215 min- Your goal should be to keep stroking and
utes to do. If desired, use other stretches, moving for 15 straight minutes without
but be sure all major muscle groups (legs, stopping. Your heart rate should stay
arms, back, shoulders) are stretched. within the range of your aerobic THR
during the entire 15 minutes. If your
Aerobic Training heart rate falls below your THR, stroke
a little harder and/or turn up the ball
The next phase is aerobic training with frequency slightly. If youre starting to
the robot. Set your robot to deliver an push into your anaerobic range, stroke
easy topspin shot to your forehand about more easily and/or decrease the ball fre-
1518 inches high. Set the oscillator to 1 quency. Whatever you do, though, dont
& 4 for right-handers and 3 & 6 for left- stop moving those feet!
handers so balls are randomly delivered
inside your forehand court. Adjust fre- If you have trouble maintaining your
quency to 4 and oscillator speed so balls THR for 15 minutes, do what you can
are spaced far apart (see pages 24). and gradually work up to 15 minutes.
Chapter Twenty-Two 87
3 4
1
10 seconds/arm 10 seconds/side 10 seconds 20 seconds
5 6
7
15 seconds/side
25 seconds/leg
15 seconds/leg
8 10
9
30 Seconds 15 seconds
20 seconds each leg
Figure R: Stretches For Table Tennis
Note: From Stretching, 1980 by Bob and Jean Anderson. Shelter Publications, Bolinas, California. Distributed in
bookstores by Random House. Adapted with permission. For a free catalog, contact: (mail) Stretching, Inc., P. O.
Box 767, Palmer Lake, CO 80133, (phone) 800-333-1307, (fax) 719-481-9058, (e-mail) office@stretching.com,
(internet) www.stretching.com.
Chapter Twenty-Two 89
11
13
12
15 seconds/arm 20 seconds 10 seconds/leg
(Grab object with hand, lean back)
15
14
30 seconds
16
30 seconds
10 seconds/side
18
17 19
20 seconds/leg
22
20 21
20 seconds/side
Plan your workout and keep a diary to many misses will hit the table net and
track your progress. Set goals and give then roll off your end of the table, end-
yourself a fixed amount of time to reach ing up around your feet. When returning
those goals. If your overload criteria isnt topspin, on the other hand, misses often
measurable (like stroking the ball with go long off the robots end of the table
greater force), youll have to trust how it and are caught by the collection net or
feels and describe it by using a percentage end up on the floor away from your feet.
of maximum (such as forehand counter
at 60% maximum force ). A few of these drills may be too strenuous
for your current aerobic condition. If you
In these examples, Bob planned out cannot sustain a certain drill for longer
two 12 week programs with measurable than 15 minutes, postpone doing that
guideposts along the way. He also may drill until you have improved your aerobic
have included in his training program a condition. Besides improving these table
goal to lose 10 pounds or some other side tennis movements, additional benefit is
benefit of becoming fitter. gained when you work on placement by
aiming your returns to specific parts of
You do not necessarily have to plan out the table as you stroke the ball.
a 12 week program. A 4 week program
might be an easier chunk for you to bite All forehand counters and/or loops
off. You must make up your own plan, with balls delivered within your
individualizing it to your own unique forehand court (oscillator range 1
needs. Just be sure to use the principles of & 4; for left handers, 3 & 6).
overload, progression, and variation and
keep your heart rate within the ranges All forehand counters and/or loops
of your aerobic THR. with balls delivered within your back-
hand court (oscillator range 3 & 6;
Following is a list of different table tennis for left handers, 1 & 4).
drills you can do to exercise aerobically.
Try them all. Youll find some more inter- All forehand counters and/or loops
esting and easier to execute than others. with balls delivered from forehand
By selecting different drills, you can work corner to middle of backhand court
on many different parts of your game and (oscillator range 2 & 4; for left
keep your workouts interesting. handers, 3 & 5).
The following drills are performed with All forehand counters and/or loops
the robot set to topspin. You could do with balls delivered to all areas of
these same drills by changing the spin to the table (oscillator range 3 & 4).
backspin and substituting a drive, push,
or loop for a counter. The drive or loop will Alternate forehand and backhand
be a little more strenuous than a counter counters or loops with balls deliv-
and the push a little less strenuous. You ered to the backhand court (no oscil-
may find it more difficult to keep going lation).
for a long period of time when using
backspin because when you miss, the All forehand counters and/or loops
ball often does not make it back into the with balls delivered to middle of
collection net. When returning backspin, forehand court (no oscillation) and
Chapter Twenty-Two 91
There are three considerations to keep When you have built up your aerobic
in mind when using the robot for aero- energy pathway to a high level, you
bic training. One is to use the forehand may choose to work on your anaerobic
as much as possible. The forehand uses pathway. Dont work on your anaerobic
more muscles than the backhand and pathway until you have a solid aerobic
it is better form to use the forehand to foundation. You'll be ready for anaerobic
cover a large part of the table than the training when you can work out comfort-
backhand. Using only the forehand also ably at the upper limits of your aerobic
encourages you to move your feet before THR (8085% of MHR).
every stroke. Dont use a backhand while
training aerobically unless you are press- Anaerobic training is much tougher than
ing the upper limits of your aerobic THR aerobic training and many people skip
and you need to slow down for a few sec- it altogether. If youre using the Newgy
onds to reduce your heart rate. The other Fitness Program just as a way to stay
exception would be to do a drill specifi- in shape and you are not a competitive
cally calling for a backhand stroke. player, its not necessary to go any further.
But if you want to get in super shape or
The second is to use slow ball speed set- you want to attain peak performance in
tings on your robot. The faster the ball is a sport that consists of a series of short
92 Newgy Fitness Training
bursts of intense action, like table ten- Anaerobic workouts are tough, so work
nis, anaerobic training is a must. We will them into your schedule gradually. Al-
divide our anaerobic training into power ternate anaerobic workouts with aerobic
training and speed training. workouts. Never schedule more than two
anaerobic workouts per week and plan
For power training, it is necessary to have no more than 46 weeks of anaerobic
a reasonably accurate forehand smash training at a time. And make sure you
stroke (see pages 3538) or loop stroke are thoroughly warmed up before start-
(see pages 6164). Begin by doing one ing any anaerobic conditioning.
of the aerobic drills on the previous two
pages for about 5 minutes to completely When your body has strengthened to the
warm up and get a little sweat going. point you can do 6 repetitions of continu-
When youre ready to begin anaerobic ous smashing and resting of 5 minutes
training, set the robot to deliver a slow, each and at 8090% maximum effort, its
high topspin shot at slow frequency to time to go to the next phase. Phase two
the middle of your forehand court. has shorter but more intense workouts
followed by longer periods of rest.
Start your stopwatch and begin smashing
the ball at about 8090% maximum force. Your active component should last 1112
Be sure to take a good backswing and minutes with your rest component being
use your whole body, not just your arm. twice as long as your active one. You want
Quickly recover from one stroke in order to use 90100% of maximum force on
to be ready for the next stroke. Adjust the your smashes and your target heart rate
ball frequency to allow just enough time is 9095% maximum. You should be able
to do a complete, powerful stroke before to do 812 repetitions of work/rest.
the next ball is delivered.
If you want to press further, the last
Continue smashing for 25 minutes or phase is speed training. In this phase,
until you run out of breath. Stop, note your active component will be between
the elapsed time, and check to see if your 30 and 60 seconds and your rest com-
heart rate is within the lower ranges of ponent will be three times as long as the
your anaerobic THR (8590% of MHR). active segment. The force you use will
If it is at the desired level, rest for the be 7080% maximum and your target
same amount of time as you were able heart rate will be 95100% maximum.
to do continuous smashes. Then check You want to be able to do 1520 sets.
your heart rate to be sure it has recov-
ered to 125 or fewer beats per minute The big difference from power training
and continue your workout by doing 46 is that now you will turn up the ball
repetitions of smashing, followed by an frequency to the point where it definitely
equal amount of rest. feels uncomfortable and you know you
will be unable to keep pace with it for
Check your heart rate at the start and very long. You will also want to turn
end of each rest period and use the rest up the ball speed to about 5 and lower
period to pick up any balls that are on the head angle so a medium height and
the ground. Warning: Dont start the next speed shot is delivered to the middle of
active segment until your heart rate has your forehand court. Your strokes should
recovered to 125 or less. Stop if you can- have little backswing or follow through
not maintain good form. and you should concentrate on using a
Chapter Twenty-Two 93
nutritional supplement. My two excep- during, and after your workout. Do not
tions are that I take additional Vitamin C rely on feeling thirsty before drinking.
and Vitamin E mainly because so much Drink lots of water!
research supports the health benefits of
their antioxidant capabilities. Summary
I also believe its better to take natural Working out with the robot can be a fun
vitamins than synthetic ones. I recall an way to get in shape. The main idea to keep
experiment with seawater. In this experi- in mind at all times is to be successful.
ment, seawater was analyzed down to Start with wherever your present physi-
its tiniest component. The scientist then cal condition is. Accept it and commit to
mixed up a batch of synthetic seawater changing it a little at a time. Increase the
using all the components and in the same demands on yourself so gradually that
ratio as in natural seawater. When fish you hardly notice the change. Set it up
were placed in this artificial seawater, so there's no way to fail. Know that you
the fish died. Only after a small amount are going to win!
of real seawater was placed in the tank
did the fish live. This tells me there was Keep a diary so as the months go by, you
something in the real seawater that wasnt can look back and appreciate how much
in the artificial seawater. Something that progress youve made. Sample fitness
couldnt be identified, measured, and charts are included at the end of this
defined. So I believe it is with vitamins. chapter. Page 96 has a chart vertically
Natural vitamins have other, perhaps oriented and permits you to record a
still unidentified, substances or prop- whole months worth of entries. The chart
erties along with the main compound. on page 97 is oriented horizontally and
Synthetic vitamins, on the other hand, features more space for each entry but
come out of sterile vats and test tubes and only 3 weeks worth of entries. You should
dont have the accompanying synergistic copy one of these pages and include the
substances that natural vitamins do. copies as part of your fitness diary.
The importance of drinking plenty of When you do go overboard and press too
water cannot be stated enough. During much, its not failure. Youre merely push-
vigorous exercise your body can lose a ing at the limits of your current abilities.
quart or more in one hour, especially in No need to quit; just back up a bit and
hot weather. Such substantial fluid loss do it again, but this time a little slower.
can have a detrimental effect on your Given time and gradual progression, that
performance, and if fluid loss is severe, limit will disappear and a new one will
life threatening heat exhaustion or heat take its place. Good luck and stay fit!
stroke can result. Drink liberally before,
96 Newgy Fitness Program
% Body Fat, Begin ________ % Body Fat, End________ Age: _______ Max. Heart Rate (220-age) _______
Your multi-talented Robo-Pong can be needed (one on each side) to set up targets
fun and entertaining when you make up as they are knocked down. Also do not
games to play with it. Kids seem to enjoy use the side nets to permit easy access
just swatting at the ball and seeing how to the targets when setting them back up.
hard they can hit it with no regard to It would be fairest to give double or triple
whether the ball strikes the opposite side points for smaller targets so players are
of the table or not. This can be unsettling rewarded for knocking down the more
to adults, but the kids sure seem to have difficult to hit targets.
fun! For most people, however, a little
structure adds to the enjoyment of the Ring Around The Rosy
game. The following are a few suggestions
on playing games with the robot. And, of You need 2 or more players for this game.
course, all activities involving children Set up the robot to deliver an easy shot
should have parental supervision. to the middle of the table. Make sure
each player has a racket and line them
Target Practice up in single file off to the side of the table.
When ready to begin, Player 1 steps up
Cut out some cardboard objects of real to the table and turns on the robot. He/
life or comic book villains and add a she returns the shot across the net so it
little support to the back so they can strikes the opposite end of the table. Then
stand upright. Make up several targets he/she immediately moves out of the way
of various sizes from the size of a pack by turning away from line of players and
of gum to a DVD case. Set up the targets going to the end of the line. Player 2 steps
at various points on the robots side of up to return the next shot, and if suc-
the table. Gather all the players together, cessful, immediately moves out of the way
set the robot to deliver an easy shot to by circling around to the end of the line.
the middle of the table and take turns Player 3 must return the next shot and
knocking down the targets. so on, alternating players until everyone
has had a chance to return a ball.
You need to have one of the players act
as timekeeper. There are two ways to de- When someone misses, he/she is out and
termine a winner. One is whomever can the other players keep playing without
knock down a complete set of targets the him/her. Continue the game until theres
quickest. The second is to give each player only one person who hasnt missed any
one minute (or some other set amount of shots. He/she is the winner.
time) and see how many targets can be
knocked down in that amount of time. To make things more interesting, you
In this variation, two other players are can turn on the oscillator so the ball is
99
100 Fun Games To Play With The Robot
This game is like an electronic version The robot is awarded 1 point every few
of Target Practice. Its a fun, interactive seconds so that at the end of playing time,
game that develops stroke accuracy, con- the robot will have scored 21 points (or 11
sistency, and the ability to relax under if selected). The player races the robot to
pressure while at the same time having be the first to score 21 points by hitting
fun attempting to beat the robot. the targets. Get to 21 points first and you
win! Pong-Master will play you a victory
Pong-Master (see page 106) can inter- song. If the robot reaches 21 first, it chides
face with either Robo-Pong 2040 or 1040. you with an antagonistic ditty.
However, with the 1040, the game length
is limited to the number of balls in the If the player and robot each have 20
Ball Bucket and the Ball Frequency rate. points at the end of regulation time, the
For example, if you have 180 balls in the pressure mounts as sudden death begins.
robot and the frequency is set at 60 balls The game goes on (no time limit) until
per minute, a Pong-Master game cannot either the player or the robot is 2 points
be continued when the balls have emptied ahead, just like a real deuce game!
from the bucket at the 3 minute mark. To
overcome this limitation, you can have Beside the options you have to set the
an assistant reload balls into the bucket Pong-Master controls, you may also ad-
so the robot does not run out of balls. just the difficulty of a game by selecting
the type of shot Robo-Pong delivers. The
Pong-Master cannot be hooked up to the various parameters are the type of spin,
Robo-Pong 540 Control Box. It is possible ball speed, ball height, ball frequency,
to use Pong-Master with a 540, but you and turning oscillation on or off.
would not be able to use Pong-Master's
Chapter Twenty-Three 101
Backspin shots are the easiest to aim Robo-Pong and Pong-Master set up at
because the ball travels slowly and in a a fairly simple level. You go first to show
straight line. Topspin is a little more dif- how easy it is to win and how to play the
ficult because the ball can travel much game. Then everyone else takes a turn.
faster. Attempting to use the opposite Record everyones score. After everyone
spin of your return (i.e., topspinning a has had a turn, whoever got the best
backspin shot or backspinning a topspin score wins that round!
shot) will be very difficult. Sidespin is
the most difficult to return accurately After each round, handicap the bet-
because it causes the ball to jump side- ter players by making them play with
ways off your racket and is therefore hard smaller targets or with less time. Keep
to control and aim accurately. things moving by changing the robot
settings occasionally. Show your family
Ball speed and ball height are easier to or friends how to return different spins.
understand. The faster the speed of the If the players are getting good, turn up
ball, the harder it is to direct the ball to the ball speed and/or frequency. For a
a particular spot. The higher the ball is, real challenge, make the robot oscillate
up to shoulder height, the more possible while playing a Pong-Master game. The
angles you have to hit a target. variations are almost endless.
only two chances (games) to beat the If done right, the finals are exciting and
robot. Keep the robot and Pong-Master are sure to draw a crowd.
settings the same. Again, if they win, they
go on; if they lose, they drop out. Of course, the above settings and rules
of play are merely suggestions on how
Those making it to the third round play to setup and run a Pong-Master tourna-
against the small target and have only ment. The settings and rules should be
one practice game and one real game. flexible to accommodate the skill levels of
The best score wins. If there is a tie (each your contestants. The above rules were
contestant has the same score or in the formulated for tournament level players.
case of a deuce game, they both lost or For children or recreational players, you
won in deuce), go to a tiebreaker and may wish to allow more time per game,
increase the difficulty by speeding up award 2 points for each target hit, or even
the ball, turning on oscillation, or adding play an 11 point game. Just make sure
sidespin. As long as there is a tie, keep that the settings for each round are the
going to another game and increasing same for each contestant.
the difficulty until you have a champion!
This manual will greatly assist you in and placement, which is what typically
learning the basics of table tennis using happens when two un-trained humans
Robo-Pong as a teaching aid. While the get together to play this game.
use of the robot is probably the quickest
way to learn strokes and skills, it is not This is what I suggest: Learn a stroke on
in itself the complete answer. the robot until you feel very consistent
against a variety of spins, speeds, and
You still need to find a willing practice angles, practicing them one at a time.
partner and/or coach to use these same When you can handle a variety of dif-
strokes and skills against a live opponent. ferent returns from the robot, then start
This is particularly true with service working with your practice partner or
receive because although the robot can coach to work in controlled drills that
simulate most service spins, it cannot vary returns from shot to shot. These
simulate the deception and fake move- drills will help you learn how to modify
ments that a good server will use. each stroke to accommodate the type
of return. This is a skill that must be
Please remember that robot training is practiced in a controlled practice type
only a part of a total training program. environment. Do not mislead yourself to
Robot training, 1-on-1 training, multi- think that you can practice this skill in
ball training, fitness training, practice a game or other competitive environment
competition, tournaments, and having a where your focus should be on winning
good coach are all necessary for a com- points, not on developing a new skill.
plete training program. Using a robot
will indeed accelerate development of a Once you can modify your strokes on the
number of skills if used properly. fly to accommodate varying controlled
returns, then its time to start working the
The robots biggest strength is in devel- skill into practice games, where the object
oping strokes and footwork. For fastest is to use this skill as much as possible
improvement, particularly in the early in the game, win or lose. The last step
learning stages, it is very important to is using this skill in actual competition.
have a consistent ball to practice a new Skipping one of these steps will lead to
stroke against. This is exactly what the poor results. Real improvement takes not
robot affords. It would be extremely dif- only hard work, but working smart as
ficult to learn a new stroke if every ball well. Used wisely, Robo-Pong can greatly
had a different combination of spin, speed, accelerate your development.
103
104 Conclusion
A good source for additional table tennis find many articles by a variety of au-
information is USA Table Tennis, the of- thors on nearly every conceivable subject
ficial governing body for table tennis in regarding table tennis skills, coaching,
America. They publish USA Table Tennis and tips for using your robot. Many ar-
Magazine, which always contains several ticles contain video clips, photos, and/or
coaching articles and lots of other inter- graphics to help explain the subject mat-
esting information for the table tennis ter. Videos and books can also be ordered
aficionado. You can also obtain copies of from that web site.
table tennis rules and a listing of clubs
in your area. Contact them at: Have fun and enjoy learning table tennis
with Robo-Pong. If you have any ques-
USA Table Tennis tions concerning this manual, the robot,
One Olympic Plaza or any of our other equipment or services,
Colorado Springs, CO 80909 please contact us at:
www.usatt.org (web site)
usatt@usatt.org (E-mail) Newgy Industries, Inc.
(719) 866-4583 (phone) 805 Teal Dr.
(719) 632-6071 (fax) Gallatin, TN 37066, USA
www.newgy.com (web site)
There are many more skills and strokes newgy@newgy.com (E-mail)
to learn than are described in this man- (615) 452-6470 (phone)
ual. I highly suggest that you visit the (615) 230-9785 (fax)
Coaching Forum on the Newgy web site
(http://www.newgy.com/TTCommunity/ Play pong and live long!
CoachingForum.html). There you will
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larry Thoman is the General Manager Larry as their Head Pro from 19931995.
of Newgy Industries, the manufacturer He was instrumental in the inclusion of
of Robo-Pong. He has been involved in table tennis as a sport in the Tennes-
table tennis as a competitive player and see Sportsfest (a multi-sport state games
organizer for over 34 years. He is certified competition) and received a Certificate of
by USA Table Tennis as a Regional Level Appreciation in this regard from former
Certifying Coach and Tennessee Governor
Club Level Umpire. Ned McWherter. He
In 19821983, Larry founded the Volunteer
served as National Cup League, formerly
Coaching Director for the largest intercity
the USATT. He has table tennis league
been certified by the in the country, and
American Coaching was elected to be its
Effectiveness Program League Commissioner
(ACEP) as a Leader four times. He also
Level Instructor. The served as Commis-
1996 Olympics in At- sioner for the Sumner
lanta chose him to be County High School
their Assistant Man- Table Tennis League
ager of Training Sites three times.
for Table Tennis.
In 1979, Larry self-published a training
Larry has been the Tennessee State Mens manual for table tennis. He is author of
Singles Champion ten times and Doubles Newgy Robo-Pong Training Manual, which
Champion nine times and was ranked was copyrighted and published in 1992.
within the top 50 in the U. S.. While in col- He has contributed numerous coaching
lege, he was twice the Regional Collegiate articles, league summaries, and tourna-
Champion and was ranked 5th nationally ment reports to Table Tennis Topics, (now
in American colleges in 1977. called USA Table Tennis Magazine ) the
official magazine of USA Table Tennis You
As an organizer, he has directed over 50 may read more of his coaching advice at
sanctioned tournaments, is the founder the Coaching Forum of the Newgy web site
of the former Fortune Table Tennis Club (http://www.newgy.com/TTCommunity/
and the current Nashville Table Tennis CoachingForum.html).
Club. Newgy Table Tennis Center hired
105