Bounce: How Champions are Made

This is a book I have been reading: BOUNCE by Matthew Syed. Have not finished yet but I enjoy it so much that I want to share it!

Matthew Syed is an English Journalist and he was also a table tennis player. He was a 3 time Commonwealth Champion and was a 2 time Olympian. His book forces us to re-think about whether talent and success really goes hand in hand. (Not just in sport, but in other areas such as arts, business etc).

About the book: Click to watch the video :)

I would think this is a very good and well written book. It provide a lot of evidence to support what the author stand for his points. If I have a chance to read this book earlier like few years ago, I will not simply given up many interests that I had but was thought I shouldn't wasting time to pursue for. I would have tried for many things and who know I may have succeeded one of those and achieve my dream earlier.

Matt Syed's theory can be commonly applied in many different sports, especially in table tennis where the game is mainly emphasized on the coordination of hand and eye.

Important Positioning Tips – By Judy Hugh

When hitting a Forehand drive from the Forehand side (depending on whether you’re a righty or lefty):

• Turn body and point feet about 45 ° from the table
• Spread legs a little wider than shoulder-width apart
• Keep right foot slightly positioned behind left foot

When hitting a Forehand drive from the Backhand side (stepping around):

• Turn body and legs more perpendicular to the table than you would with a FH from the FH side
• Keep legs a little wider than shoulder-width apart

Note: as you move farther and farther to the backhand side (when trying to hit a forehand), the more perpendicular your body needs to be to the table.

When hitting a Backhand drive:

• Remember to keep feet spread a bit wider than shoulder-width
• Kept feet almost even with each other, with left foot slightly closer to the table
• This makes it much easier to transfer from a backhand to a forehand with the left foot in front instead of the right
• Stay about an arm’s length away from the table

In general:

• Stay on your toes ¾ allows you to move quicker
• Stay off your heels
• Always keep knees bent a little; don’t lock your knees (or elbows)
• Never allow your upper body to be standing completely upright
• Bend upper body slightly forward

by Judy Hugh

Profile

Judy has been playing table tennis for just about ten years now, and her proudest accomplishments include staying at the top of the Cadets/Juniors while she was eligible, and making the 2007 U.S. National Team, making semis of Women’s Singles and winning Women’s Doubles at the 2007 U.S. Nationals.

COUNTRY: UNITED STATES
Playing style: All-round attacker
Coach: Lily Yip
Blade: STIGA TUBE Aluminium Blade
Forehand rubber: STIGA Mendo MP Rubber
Backhand rubber: STIGA Magna Rubber

Some Fantastic Outdoor Table Tennis Tables

Here at outdoor table tennis tables I have put together an easy to navigate website where you will find all of the most popular table tennis table brands in one place. There is no flash or glitz here just exactly what you are looking for simply and quickly.

You will find brands such as the famously popular Butterfly, the impressive Stiga line, Prince, Kettler, and we must not forget the world class Killerspin all in one place.

If you are looking for great deals on these awesome tables then you have come to the right place. All of these products are live auctions from the ebay marketplace so you know that in all likelihood you could walk away with top of the line table for half the price that you would pay retail.

Butterfly Outdoor Home Rollaway
This is an example of the butterfly line of tables. As you can see it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and worth every penny.

STIGA Coronado Outdoor
What a beauty this is. If you are fortunate this one will be available for purchase. There is a reason Stiga is a top quality table tennis table manufacturer.

Prince Advantage Outdoor
Prince is also a fine manufacturer of quality mad table tennis tables. Take a look at this dandy. Simply makes me want to get out my paddles and play.

Kettler Outdoor 4
Kettler, the German manufacturer. They came through with this fine table. You can’t go wrong with a Kettler table tennis table.

Killerspin MyT-O Outdoor
Last but definitely not least is the Killerspin table tennis table. Now there is a table that is worthy of the olympics. You probably won’t find this exact table on the eBay marketplace but you just never can tell. I simply wanted to show how awesome these tables truly are.

What a line up of fantastic table tennis tables. While all of these are not outdoor table tennis tables, I am sure that you will find them in the mix. I hope that you find exactly the table that you are looking for and recommend this site to others.

JOOLA NOVA DX Outdoor Table Tennis Table

The JOOLA NOVA DX outdoor table tennis table is excellent value for cash which was produced for the use of outdoor recreational for family.

The entire table is reinforced with a 2 inch heavy gauge bonded steel undercarriage to maintain it steady throughout play and protect against bending. It also furnished with strong 2 inch bonded steel legs that aid maintain it level and provide you a strong, constant fun surface area.

The JOOLA NOVA DX outdoor table tennis table features an 6mm light weight aluminum composite table top, a thick 40mm apron to stop bending and flexible leg levelers that can be self-folded.

Similar to various other JOOLA tables, the assembly of this table is fairly quick. The table can be set up in under 20 mins most of the times, and whilst it can take a little fiddling about, it is no where near as difficult as other tables. Setting up hardly ever takes longer than 30 minutes in total.

Whilst the table is actually very durable, but still it is not best. Whilst the material is highly rated, it is not totally scratch proof. Most of the scrapes are happening on the surface and it is not likely to impact the tables quality.

This table can be put on yard or outdoor patios and you'll have a superb game for years to come. Individuals who have this table in their home are actually pleased with it and also are having lot of fun by playing ping pong with their friends and family. The JOOLA Nova DX at first glance is a newbies table, yet easily beats most beginner tables with all of its fantastic functions like the Butterfly tables.

This table is resilient and also protected as well as with the best care will certainly last for many years ahead. It is perfect for storing throughout the winter months and move outside during the warmer months to enjoy with friends as well as show off your abilities.

Sometimes the parts that shipped from the factory can be not too accurate as they should be. This can happen to the table as some people complaint that the 2-halves of the tables are not leveled, so you can see a noticeable dip from one side to the other. This is something that JOOLA can improve for the table and everything is going to be perfect.

If this table is not the table that you are looking, you can refer to this post where it got list out a lot of different outdoor table tennis tables for you.

The Best Ping Pong Paddle

One of the most asked question in ping pong or table tennis is “what is the best ping pong paddle?” Similar to my article regarding what the best ping pong table is, greatly depends on your play style. Some players think that by getting one that the current world champion uses, they will somehow become a better player. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.  You need to make sure that the one that you get fits your play style or it will make your game even worse.

Ping pong paddles also known as table tennis rackets, table tennis bats, ping pong rackets, ping pong bats, etc…is the same ping pong equipment regardless of what you call it.

First let’s look at the official International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rules when it comes to ping pong rackets.

The rules state that a ping pong paddle may be of any size, weight or shape, but the blade must be rigid and flat. Most rackets used however are close to around 6 inches (15cm) across and 10 inches (25cm) long including the ping pong handle.

A ping pong racket has two main parts – the blade which can be made of wood, carbon, or both and the larger part of the racket which is the area you hit the ball with.  This is also the area where you would glue the rubber sheet (unless you like to play old school and not use rubber sheets).

There are various handle types to choose from. You can pick a shake hand or western blade grip which has an anatomical, flared, or straight handle.



Or you can get the popular Asian paddles commonly known as the pen hold grip. The pen hold grip has two types, the Chinese and Japanese grip. Try them both and get a feel for which one you prefer. Either way, the one you like the most is the best one for you.

For beginners, I suggest going to your local sports store and buy a pre-made western and pen hold paddles. Play for a few days to find out which grip you prefer.  Once you’ve decided on the type of grip you like, you can then start looking into a customized one. A customized paddle is the only way to play if you’re serious about table tennis. If you only play occasionally with friends outside or in the garage, then a pre-made paddle should suffice.

The reason custom made types are better than pre-made types is due to the flexibility you have when building the ping pong paddle according to your play style. Assembling your paddle gives you a wide range of options. You can have a spinny rubber on one side and an anti-spin on the other. You can also use a fast blade and rubber combination for aggressive attack play. It’s almost like trying to assemble your own bike. You can pick the pieces that you like.

The main companies that create the best ping pong paddles, rubber, and equipment are Butterfly, Donic, Stiga, TSP, Killerspin, Yasaka, and Nittaku.  These companies have been around for a long time and are always researching and developing new table tennis technologies.

These companies have a rating on their products. They tell you if their product is offensive, defensive, or all-around.  You should find the product that best suits your play style. If you like to attack with your backhand, then get an offensive rubber for that side of your ping pong bat. If you like control, then you should get an all-around blade. Think of how you play ping pong and based on that, make the right product purchase that reflect the equipment rating.

By choosing the right rubber and blade combination that fits your play style, you will maximize your success in table tennis matches and find the best ping pong paddle for you.

China Great Table Tennis Player - Ma Lin

Ma Lin, one of the greatest table tennis players in recent history, has been quite consistent for the last 8 years, winning several tournaments. Currently, he is ranked number FOUR in table tennis by International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). He is also holding the rank of number one player in Asia and in his native land, China. In the last one year, he holds an incredible win average of 86.6%. However, Wang Liqin, his compatriot, is closely on the heels of Ma Lin with ranking points of 12,661 against Ma Lin’s 12,688 points. Wang Liqin went in to the final of the Men’s Singles event at the H.I.S. World Championships in Yokohama following a semi-final victory over Ma Lin in May 2009 in an epic struggle.

Ma Lin was born in the Shenyang Liaoning province in China on February 19, 1980. He started playing table tennis when he was jus six years old. At the age of 10, he managed to become a member of the provincial team. Four years later, in 1994, he was included in the Chinese national team. He was coached by Liu Guoliang, former World Champion. Guoliang saw the potential in the young boy and nurtured him.

Impeccable Records: Here is a peep-in at the outstanding record of Ma Lin. From February 2002 to April 2007, he has always been in the first 5 ranks in the world. He has been holding the first rank for 13 months in this period, while he was ranked second for 30 months.

Ma Lin won the World Cup for the first time in 2000. One of his major titles after that was the ITTF Pro Tour Singles Title in 2002. Later, he won a doubles title, partnering Chen Qi, in the Athens Olympic Games held in 2004. In 2006, he won the Singapore Open and Men’s World Cup. He was also the runner-up in 2006 Men’s World Championship.

When Ma Lin won the Liebherr Men’s World Cup in Paris on October 29, 2006, he became the only player in the world to have won it four times. He has won the Men’s World Cup in 2000, 2003, 2004, and 2006. No other player had won the World Cup for more than two times. He beat compatriot Wang Hao in a grueling seven-game battle in the 2006 finals. Ma Lin attributed his success to the training given by his coach, Liu Guoliang.

Ma Lin became the Olympic table tennis champion in the Men’s Singles event in the year 2008. MA overcame his compatriot Wang Hao in five games 11-9, 11-9, 6-11, 11-7, and 11-9. The twelve month reign of Ma Lin came to an end in December 2008, when he was beaten at the semi-final stage of the Men’s Singles event at the Volkswagen Pro Grand Finals, the man who had captured the title in Beijing in December 2007 was beaten by Ma Long.

Style of Grip: Ma Lin uses the penhold style of grip. Players using the penhold style normally have a weak backhand. To compensate for this, Ma Lin has practiced and developed the reverse backhand, which is an innovative stroke. This stroke enables him to utilize the underside of the blade. He also plays the standard backhand push very well. Thus, Ma Lin is able to employ three types of strokes. This helps him in overcoming even the toughest opponents.

Coach’s Word of Advice: According to Ma Lin’s coach, Liu Guoliang, Ma Lin is better off playing the game at a fast pace than a slow one. Normally, he advised Ma Lin to be very aggressive in his 3rd ball attacks so that he could control the pace of the game. When the first few points are won with such a tactic, automatically Ma Lin would gain in confidence and play the balance games with the same smooth tempo. Liu feels that in analytical powers and in the ability to vary his playing tactics, Ma Lin has very few equals in the world. He always told Ma Lin that he has to fight to hold his world number one ranking, instead of playing safe. This expert guidance and coaching had made Ma Lin the top-ranking player in the world.

Table Tennis Table Selection Guide

Top Thickness:  A table top should be 3/4" thick or more to be resistant to warpage. 1/2" and 5/8" thick tops are too thin to provide much resistance to warping. Tops less than 3/4" thick do not bounce consistently over the entire surface of the table. A too thin top will cause the ball to bounce too low in places and makes it difficult to play especially for children.

Table tennis table tops range from 1/2" to 1" thick. Generally the thicker the top the better if the material used is of the same quality.  A thicker top generally enhances the quality of a table tennis table. The quality of the material (particle board is used for almost all table tennis tables) used is also very important Some table tennis table tops are made of a high resin material that can have a higher resistance to warpage than regular particle board. The evenness of support under the top is also important in determining the bounce quality of a ping pong table.


Frame (chassis) Durability & Thickness:  Larger size legs are generally thought to improve durability; however a table with many connecting points within the chassis may have greater durability even though the legs and bracing may be thinner. A table tennis table like a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so a table tennis table with thick legs that are strong in appearance, without enough connections in the right places may not be as strong as a table tennis table with thinner higher quality connections that are placed in the optimum places.

Table Tennis Table Stability 

The table tennis tables commonly available through mass market retailers lack the proper design and support to allow the table to hold together very long before loosening and collapsing. Call us to go over your intended usage and we will help evaluate what table model would best work for you.

Table Tennis Table Warpage 

Warping of table tennis table tops is a common problem. There needs to be enough built-in resistance to warpage for your environment and usage. Call us to go over your intended usage and we will help you select the model that most suits your needs with the highest resistance to warping.

Country of manufacturing for Table Tennis Tables

Table tennis tables are made in many countries around the world. The relationship  between country of manufacturing and quality of table tennis tables is about the same as it is for other goods. Germany produces quality goods, and is also the home of the worlds largest professional table tennis league. Germany has a table tennis league that has over 800,000 participants. Germany as a result has manufacturing capability that allows it to produce many of the worlds finest table tennis tables.

Why buy from megaspin?

They have the best price on the best table tennis tables.  They have a wide variety of the best tables and they really know and will recommend a table for your usage that will last years for your usage at a great price.

They are located in the U.S. and they are not at all new at the table tennis table business. Many companies on the internet are new and not even located in the US. They have operated a table tennis mail order catalog business since then. 

Megaspin processes the warranties. If you have a problem with a product you have bought from them, you would contact them. They process warranties by contacting the manufacturers. It is still the manufacturers warranty, but they do the processing for you.

Many companies that sell table tennis tables are new at it. Sometimes they do not have any real presence in the U.S. Often shipment is made only through independent  warehouses.

Wood vs. Aluminum Encapsulated Table Tennis Tables

Wood: Most table tennis table tops are made entirely of wood. These should not be exposed to excessive humidity, moisture, or temperature extremes.

Aluminum:  The table tennis tables with aluminum encapsulation have a great resistance to moisture and warpage. These tables are suitable for outdoor patio usage.   The encapsulation process makes these tables warp proof.

Table tennis tables that are encapsulated in aluminum are wood table that are enclosed in aluminum, top, bottom, and sides. Aluminum encapsulated tops can delaminate if not properly designed and manufactured. A well designed and made table of this type can last for many years.  

 Features

Roll-Away & Storage Positions: Roll –Away table tennis tables usually have the halves of the table attached to a center frame with wheels allowing quick set-up and fold up for storage. It is important for long term chassis durability that the wheels on each side of the table have adequate connections between them to maintain stability. It is the wheels and whatever connects that will need to support the weight of the entire table tennis table when it is folded up for storage. Without adequate connections between the wheels, the legs and the whole chassis will loosen causing the legs to wobble and overall chassis to loosen. It is very important that the chassis have enough connections to provide an overall strength; some Roll-A-ways have 4 wheels on each side allowing each half to be rolled away separately.

Playback Demonstration

Playback feature: Some tables can be used by one player alone for practice by raising one half of the table to the storage position to be used as a practice backboard.  Some tables have a gap between the folded up side and the net when folded up for the playback. Such a gap will cause you to have to hit the ball hard enough to clear the gap which will cause the ball to go off the end a lot. With a gap the trajectory of your shots is limited also, and in many ways not like playing regular table tennis. Some tables will allow the folded up table half to fold flat against the net which will allow normal play. Children like the playback feature. A gap-less playback with a lighter weight (for easier fold up) can be a more useful table for a home with children.  

Stationary Net & Post: Many roll-away tables have net brackets permanently attached to the table frame for both playing and storage. This type makes setup a little faster, but is sometimes less adjustable and sturdy than separate net and post sets. However some permanent table tennis table net & posts are stronger and more adjustable than others.

Net Included: Most tables come with a net and post included.

Compact Storage: When not in use, these tables store in a smaller space, particularly important for some clubs, schools or recreational facilities storing multiple tables in limited storage space.

Leg Thickness: The thicker the legs, the more stable the table will be in terms of its tendency to remain ion place.

Casters: The larger the casters, the easier the table will be to move around. Dual wheel casters can make a table easier to roll.