Dear Students,
 
Effective immediately, there is one phrase that is now completely forbidden at the Samson Dubina Table Tennis Academy.  This phrase has been used way too often and I’m just sick of hearing it.  Here is the phrase…
  “I just need to practice more.”
 
Let me explain…
 

 
 
 
 
In the US, many tt players have limited training partners available.  You must ask yourself the question before each session, “Which drills should I be doing with this particular training partner?”
 

When doing drills with a training partner, choose drills that are game-like as well as drills that push your limits. If you are doing a basic backhand to backhand rally for one hour per day and averaging 50-100 balls each rally, then you probably aren’t pushing the limits.

 
 
 
 
Story #1
Fred dominated the match against Bob with a 3-0 win:  11-2, 11-8, 11-6.  In the last few points of the third game, Bob didn’t even try because he didn’t have an answer for Fred’s dominant forehand smash.  It was just so powerful that Fred hit winners about 80% of the time.  Bob’s only hope was when Fred missed.
 
 
_______
 
 
 
Story #2

 
 
 
 
Many of my previous articles have been geared toward beating loopers.  In this article, I would like to give advice to you (the looper) and talk about improvements that you need to make in order to reach the next level in your looping game.
 
 
 
If you are a beginner looper (0-1400 rated) and looking to make good progress this year.  I recommend taking the following steps:

 
 
 
 
 
Most top players agree that you must watch the approaching ball.  Then as you contact the ball, you must focus your attention on your opponent’s racket.  By watching the incoming ball, you will be able to make the last second adjustments.   Then, by watching your opponent’s racket, you will have a good idea of what stroke he will be using and where he generally intends to hit (even prior to him hitting the ball).  These concepts are very basic.
 

 
 
 
 
 
From the moment that you first walk-in the table tennis club, it is a good idea to be friendly and known as “Mr. Nice Guy.”  There are several reasons that I recommend that you take this approach.  First, you must realize that the club members are your training partners, not your enemies.  Don’t be so nit-picky complaining about Ron tossing the ball only five inches on his serve and Joe taking too long between points. 
 

 
 
 
 
When copying top athletes, it is very important to understand the elements that make a champion successful.  For example, Ma Long is the 2015 World champion BECAUSE OF his fast footwork and other strong aspects of his game.  Fang Bo is better than many top players BECAUSE OF his powerful forehand.  Zhang Jike won the last Olympics BECAUSE OF his strong mental game.  These are some of the elements that make champions great.