Serve Return Simplified
 
 
There are 2 primary ways to read the spin – watch the racket and watch the bounce.  The pitfall that devastates most beginner/intermediate players is the timing.  When they don’t know the spin, they panic and trap the ball too quickly.  The correct move is to wait.  Wait.  If you couldn’t tell the spin from the contact point when your opponent touched the ball, then wait.  Let the ball rise, then even drop a bit before returning it. 
How does that make the return easier?  There are 5 ways…
 
 

In 2025, many people think that they learn best with videos instead of articles.  I somewhat disagree.  Reading, thinking deeply about the topic, picturing it in your mind, reheasing it, and continuing to remember it are some important aspects of learning.  So today, I wanted to share some of my favorite coaching articles with you.  Take an hour.  Take 2 hours.  Spend time reading and applying this info and I know that it will have a significant impact on your game this year!
 

 
Table Tennis Footwork
By Samson Dubina
 
 
Over and over and over again...

 
 
Hi Friends,
 

Learning Stages
 
Today, we want to show you the stages of learning a new skill. For illustrative purposes, we are going to use the backhand loop against backspin as an example for you today. This approach can be used for any stroke, such as pushing, flipping, looping, counter-looping, lobbing, chopping, smashing, and any other skill that you want to develop. Before beginning stage one, take a few minutes and assess your game for strengths, weaknesses, tendencies, and game patterns.
 
Backhand loop against backspin
 

 
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     Just like any other table tennis skills, developing a tactical mindset takes discipline.  As I work through the various styles over the coming weeks and teach you how to play against various opponents, I want you to understand that you too can think of your own tactics.  I’m not very smart, I’m just an average guy.  However, I do spend quality time thinking.  You too can develop this same discipline.

Info About Coach Chance Friend
-Written by Samson Dubina

Yes, the Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy closed in July 2023.  However, Coach Chance Friend still lives here in the area and is offering in-person lessons at his house!  Today, I want to tell you a little about Chance and why you should e-mail him today to sign up for a lesson.

 
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Hi Friends!