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    Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:08am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAooFmlIKk

First, sorry about the poor quality and audio sync, I was using a poor camera phone :/

Now, this video was taken at the end of a very long, 4 1/2 hour playing session, so I was pretty exhausted.  Still, I tried my best to attack against a fairly solid defender who makes things complicated by varying spin and occasionally using his long pips backhand.  I can see that my footwork is pretty poor, even considering that I was tired, and my backhand is extremely inconsistent.  The forehand is a bit better, but also pretty inconsistent.  I lost this match in 5 games, but I rarely beat this guy anyway.  Anyhow, any suggestion is welcome!  Thanks.

I'm David, the guy in blue.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dragon kid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:38am
What is your friend's setup? does he has LP on his BH side?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thomasson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:43am
Originally posted by dragon kid dragon kid wrote:

What is your friend's setup? does he has LP on his BH side?
Still, I tried my best to attack against a fairly solid defender who makes things complicated by varying spin and occasionally using his long pips backhand.
Guess again?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tpgh2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:49am
backhand loop against underspin doesn't focus enough on spinning...so that's why you tank it into the net a few times.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Thomasson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:53am
Oh yeah and some advice, I would bend your knees more.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dragon kid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:53am
Originally posted by Thomasson Thomasson wrote:

Originally posted by dragon kid dragon kid wrote:

What is your friend's setup? does he has LP on his BH side?
Still, I tried my best to attack against a fairly solid defender who makes things complicated by varying spin and occasionally using his long pips backhand.
Guess again?
Oooohh... OK, now I see the post... I don't read the first post correctly, I clicked the link and wtch the video as soon as I read this thread before reading all the 1st post, my bad.. LOL
I even guessed the OP is the one in blue before reading his post LOL


Edited by dragon kid - 06/08/2011 at 10:05am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RyKnocks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:55am
Watched "most" of the video and here's my opinion.  Note: I'm not that great of a player nor am I in any position to give expert advice, but this is just from what I see.

1) Your service return needs work.  The ball is being returned a little too high in almost every return.  When chopping back, you gotta make more of a downward stab to keep the ball low.  The way I practice this is to dedicate entire games to just chopping/pushing/flicking back and trying to keep it low.

2) It almost seems like your wrist/grip is a little too straight and it may be why your returns are popping up so high.  Try bending your wrist downwards towards your pinky to get more of that pistol grip.

3) Your forehand looks a bit out of control and it looks like it stems from your foot work.  You tend to drift or lean backwards when you hit some of those forehand shots.  When you lean backward you take a lot of power out of your shot as opposed to driving forward.  Try to keep a wide and strong base and incorporate cleaner movement in your shots.

Try taking footage with a better camera so we can see how the ball is reacting on your shots.  It's a little hard to track at such a low frame rate.

Hope that helps!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dragon kid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 10:42am
IMO, RyKnocks made some valid point.
Your trouble in receiving serves and opening loops could be down to you not reading the spin right. You need to pay more attention to your opponent balls, the way he swings and contact it with his blade. If you are not sure you must be more patient and not rush your return. Keeping the wrist relax and loose during your serve return helps a lot too.
When you get your strokes going, you are very good :) - So you need to be more patient in the build up with your serve returns and maybe one or two touch strokes before opening up..
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gatorling Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 11:58am
Took a quick look
1.) you back off the table too early and too fast. leaves too many angles open and puts you into an awkward position. To me I would only intentionally back up when he is looping to counter loop. If you're just going to block them back then closer to the table is more economical.
2.) Your strokes  are waaaay too violent. It looks like you lack a lot of control, you just rip at the ball every time. You have great spin and speed but the ball placement is to the center of the table always.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TheRobot99 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 12:10pm
I'd like to know what you're using, David. Some setups just behave differently than others.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AcudaDave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 1:55pm

RyKnocks made some good points about your serve return and your FH.  I would also add the following:

1. serve returns need to use more wrist and less forearm.  You are just pushing the ball back without imparting much spin, therefore it's easy for your opponent to attack.  Try using less forearm and make sure you chop down on the ball like RyKnocks said.  I also noticed you returned his serves to almost the same place every time.  Try chopping/returning the ball more down the line to his FH sometimes as many PH players don't usually move to cover the FH side as well.
2. your FH stroke is overextended. Just follow through to your target, but don't carry your stroke too far past your target as you are not usually ready if he returns your shot. I noticed your FH stroke carried all the way through to your left shoulder sometimes. Make sure your FH stroke stops in front of you pointing to your target and not so far past this point as it takes too much time to recover.
3. Use more wrist on your serves to get more spin.
4. Play with more control when spinning and not trying to make a world class loop each time.
5. Use equipment that has good spin/control...make sure you're not using a super-fast blade and rubber.  I play with Off- blades that have good speed but have plenty of control, and I use rubbers that have more good spin/control as well. 
Good luck and hope you beat this guy next time.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RyKnocks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 3:01pm
Taking a closer look at your video I noticed some other things:

1) Develop a more controlled game rather than always swinging for the fences.  As long as you're keeping the ball on the table and not trying to blast it past your opponent at every opportunity, you'll win a lot more points.

2) As I and others have said, you're way out of control on your form and it's rippling through everything aspect of your game from tanking the ball into the net to losing balance.

3)  I constantly see your index finger pointing straight up the back of the paddle.  Is that how you normally hold it?  If so, lower it down so it's almost parallel to the bottom of your rubber.  You lose a lot of flexibility in your wrist when you have your finger pointing that straight up.

4)  The ball looks like it comes off your paddle super fast which may be adding to the constant pop ups on your service return.  What's your setup, Schlager Carbon with Max Tenergy? (lol jk)  Maybe you need something slower and more controllable than what you have.

It looks like you may need to find a coach or someone that will drill you and tame down your movements.  Again, practice on control and lowering the trajectory of your returns.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bonggoy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 4:55pm
Originally posted by AcudaDave AcudaDave wrote:

RyKnocks made some good points about your serve return and your FH.  I would also add the following:


1. serve returns need to use more wrist and less forearm.  You are just pushing the ball back without imparting much spin, therefore it's easy for your opponent to attack.  Try using less forearm and make sure you chop down on the ball like RyKnocks said.  I also noticed you returned his serves to almost the same place every time.  Try chopping/returning the ball more down the line to his FH sometimes as many PH players don't usually move to cover the FH side as well.



I disagree with this. Except when flicking, I was thought to push with your forearm. More wrist means less control.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ZJKandMLfan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 5:17pm
i hate to say this but i wud just like drop all match playing and practice basic things from the beginning like forehand counter to forehand counter, backhand counter to backhand counter with a partner because your basics are not strong enough for u to win games.

u hit some really nice shot sometimes and in order to keep that, you need to practice ur basic skill.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tpgh2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 5:32pm
for service return, it really depends on what you want to do with the ball. are you trying to return short or deep and fast? that will dictate whether or not you want to use forearm a lot or not, wrist a lot or not also.

when in doubt, use a loose arm and wrist and hope that your angle is right.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 6:32pm
)Thanks everyone for the comments, I can't multiquote so I'll just try to reply to everyone in one post

1) My set up is Galaxy T-11, H3Neo commercial on FH, and LKT Pro XT on backhand, both max(ttnpp didn't sell any other thickness).  It's too fast, but more importantly, too stiff for me right now with my FH combo.  The zero dwell time makes it difficult for me to perform controlled and slower loops, and I find it actually more effective to loop-drive so I can really engage the sponge.  Since I don't have a lot of money, I'm gonna try the Mercury II 36 degrees in a few days, and if that doesn't work, I might try a softer blade like the V-15.  I DO want the setup to be a bit too fast for me, so I can hopefully grow into it.

2) My previous setup was too heavy and would get my thumb swollen and wrist hurting like hell whenever I practiced backhands, so I really just started practicing and using backhand loops over the past 3 weeks.  I can do better against the opponent if I push more with my BH, but then I won't be able to improve my BH looping vs. backspin(as a matter of fact, my BH looping vs. topspin isn't any better either LOL).  As I'll mention later, training opportunities are rare for me, so all the matches I play are part-training, as in I'm not just looking to win.

3) Bending the knee would definitely help, I'm trying to improve that and keep myself lower, but it's a bit taxing on the legs and I always find myself getting lazy!

4) The opponent's serves are pretty deceptive, and it's very spinny, so when it's short and I don't have much time to read the trajectory of the ball, I tend to be safe and return it a bit high.  I don't know if using the wrist is a good idea, as it's very difficult to control and almost always ends up long.

5) I can't seem to find a training partner, so all the training I do is basically against a wall.  As you can imagine, it's pretty difficult to practice many things.  One of things is defense/blocking, and since I have no confidence whatsoever in my blocks, I back off the table quickly and try to find opportunities to counter-attack instead.  I'll definitely start making a more conscious effort to stay closer to the table from now on and try to use footwork and blocking more!

6) Due to the lack of training opportunities, I try to use the matches for training as well, and since it's more useful to train with shots that you're not as comfortable with, I tend to be more aggressive than I'm used to during matches.  I made a conscious effort to attempt very aggressive loops whenever I get the opportunity.  As mentioned by others, my control is not very good at all, and even when it doesn't miss the table it's often to the middle, at least for the opening loop.  I'll try to improve the FH placement and get my BH technique down for sure.

7) I try to return his services shorter, but it's difficult when he's serving long to my BH so often.  He knows my BH weakness and he knows I'll attack his service, often very effectively, if he serves long to my FH.  I'd really like to be able to attack his long serves with my BH, but even when I read it correctly, I still have a lot of trouble executing.  That'll take a lot more practice, and progress unfortunately will be slow since I'll have to do it against a wall :(

Once again, thanks for all the comments!


Edited by dingyibvs - 06/08/2011 at 6:36pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tpgh2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 6:38pm
where i florida do you live? i thought there were a few tt clubs over there..
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 6:43pm
Originally posted by tpgh2k tpgh2k wrote:

backhand loop against underspin doesn't focus enough on spinning...so that's why you tank it into the net a few times.

That's one of the things I've been wondering about, I've found it easier to loop using a more smashing motion than spinning, because I can't seem to generate enough speed with my BH to both counter the backspin AND giving it enough forward momentum to get over the net.  Even when it succeeds, the opponent seems to block the relatively slow ball easily.  That's especially true with this opponent, and sometimes he'd use his LP side to block and make me hesitate.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 6:47pm
Originally posted by tpgh2k tpgh2k wrote:

where i florida do you live? i thought there were a few tt clubs over there..

Miami, unfortunately all the TT clubs are in the Orlando/Tampa area :(  The only nearby big club is 30 miles away, with a $10 fee per session, so each visit will cost me about 20 bucks and at least an hour just driving back and forth.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tpgh2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 6:54pm
this was when i was using bryce speed fx. not the best bh rubber in the world for me. the spin was pretty crappy when i used it. you'll see how much emphasis i put on spin. this will help you get the dip you need. then you can put more speed on your shots later.




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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 7:29pm
Thanks man, I think I'm gonna incorporate my wrist movement into it then.  I try to do that with my BH vs. topspin shots, I think I need to adjust the timing and bat angle more rather than the stroke for BH vs. backspin shots.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote roundrobin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 7:30pm
Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAooFmlIKk

First, sorry about the poor quality and audio sync, I was using a poor camera phone :/

Now, this video was taken at the end of a very long, 4 1/2 hour playing session, so I was pretty exhausted.  Still, I tried my best to attack against a fairly solid defender who makes things complicated by varying spin and occasionally using his long pips backhand.  I can see that my footwork is pretty poor, even considering that I was tired, and my backhand is extremely inconsistent.  The forehand is a bit better, but also pretty inconsistent.  I lost this match in 5 games, but I rarely beat this guy anyway.  Anyhow, any suggestion is welcome!  Thanks.

I'm David, the guy in blue.


David,

You can improve without much more practice by simply controlling your strokes more precisely.  Smile
Instead of doing a big follow through on your attacks, you can concentrate on the first three inches of your racket's "fly path" after striking the ball.  Ask yourself:  Is your racket pointing to where you want the ball to go the first three inches after your hit?  If you can answer "yes" to this question consistently, you will achieve much better control and accuracy in your shots. 
The #1 problem that I am seeing in your game is a general lack of precision in your follow-through... You have to visualize in your mind each stroke's proper follow-through, so you can guide the ball to where you want it to go, whether it's forehand or backhand.  For your game, power is not as important as precision at this point.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 7:48pm
Originally posted by roundrobin roundrobin wrote:

Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKAooFmlIKk

First, sorry about the poor quality and audio sync, I was using a poor camera phone :/

Now, this video was taken at the end of a very long, 4 1/2 hour playing session, so I was pretty exhausted.  Still, I tried my best to attack against a fairly solid defender who makes things complicated by varying spin and occasionally using his long pips backhand.  I can see that my footwork is pretty poor, even considering that I was tired, and my backhand is extremely inconsistent.  The forehand is a bit better, but also pretty inconsistent.  I lost this match in 5 games, but I rarely beat this guy anyway.  Anyhow, any suggestion is welcome!  Thanks.

I'm David, the guy in blue.


David,

You can improve without much more practice by simply controlling your strokes more precisely.  Smile
Instead of doing a big follow through on your attacks, you can concentrate on the first three inches of your racket's "fly path" after striking the ball.  Ask yourself:  Is your racket pointing to where you want the ball to go the first three inches after your hit?  If you can answer "yes" to this question consistently, you will achieve much better control and accuracy in your shots. 
The #1 problem that I am seeing in your game is a general lack of precision in your follow-through... You have to visualize in your mind each stroke's proper follow-through, so you can guide the ball to where you want it to go, whether it's forehand or backhand.  For your game, power is not as important as precision at this point.

William

Thanks, that's very good advice, I'm gonna try to follow it.  Quite a few people have commented on my large, uncontrolled, and inconsistent swing, I think I developed that through my training, since the wall can't return strong loops.  I'm gonna pay attention to that so I can have both better control and quicker recovery for the next shot.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tpgh2k Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 7:57pm
the most of your power should be concentrated upon the point of impact. it helps with recovery as well as help with more control of your swing.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TheRobot99 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 8:13pm
Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

)Thanks everyone for the comments, I can't multiquote so I'll just try to reply to everyone in one post

1) My set up is Galaxy T-11, H3Neo commercial on FH, and LKT Pro XT on backhand, both max(ttnpp didn't sell any other thickness).  It's too fast, but more importantly, too stiff for me right now with my FH combo.  The zero dwell time makes it difficult for me to perform controlled and slower loops, and I find it actually more effective to loop-drive so I can really engage the sponge.  Since I don't have a lot of money, I'm gonna try the Mercury II 36 degrees in a few days, and if that doesn't work, I might try a softer blade like the V-15.  I DO want the setup to be a bit too fast for me, so I can hopefully grow into it.

A setup that's too fast will likely cause you to learn incorrect strokes as you will use an abbreviated motion to land the ball on the table. Combined with a Chinese-style rubber, your form will suffer a lot. A slower setup allows you to go full power on some shots and still get the table while giving you a lot more over-the-table control. I checked some reviews of this blade, and it doesn't seem to work with hard-sponged tacky rubbers like H2 Neo. You may want to change that.

2) My previous setup was too heavy and would get my thumb swollen and wrist hurting like hell whenever I practiced backhands, so I really just started practicing and using backhand loops over the past 3 weeks.  I can do better against the opponent if I push more with my BH, but then I won't be able to improve my BH looping vs. backspin(as a matter of fact, my BH looping vs. topspin isn't any better either LOL).  As I'll mention later, training opportunities are rare for me, so all the matches I play are part-training, as in I'm not just looking to win.

What was your previous setup?  By the way, it's much easier to loop backspin if it goes long on the table rather than trying to loop the short ones.

3) Bending the knee would definitely help, I'm trying to improve that and keep myself lower, but it's a bit taxing on the legs and I always find myself getting lazy!

Laziness is something we all fight lol. Also stay on the ball of your foot. You'll be more ready to move more often than not. Try and generate more of your power from your legs as well and that might help to add power to your shots AND reduce your recovery time on mid-power shots.

4) The opponent's serves are pretty deceptive, and it's very spinny, so when it's short and I don't have much time to read the trajectory of the ball, I tend to be safe and return it a bit high.  I don't know if using the wrist is a good idea, as it's very difficult to control and almost always ends up long.

This sounds like an issue of your ready position. Also, don't read the trajectory - read the motion and look and listen for the ball contact. Doing that will tell you what spin is on the ball allowing you to be more ready.

5) I can't seem to find a training partner, so all the training I do is basically against a wall.  As you can imagine, it's pretty difficult to practice many things.  One of things is defense/blocking, and since I have no confidence whatsoever in my blocks, I back off the table quickly and try to find opportunities to counter-attack instead.  I'll definitely start making a more conscious effort to stay closer to the table from now on and try to use footwork and blocking more!

Try shadow training. The only thing the wall is good for (in my opinion) is for breaking balls lol.
If you want to practice blocking, during warm up (before the game) try blocking some of your opponent's loops. You'll begin to develop a better feel for them. Also, relax your grip a bit on blocks to absorb some of the pace and spin. Be ready to cover or open up depending on the incoming shot.

6) Due to the lack of training opportunities, I try to use the matches for training as well, and since it's more useful to train with shots that you're not as comfortable with, I tend to be more aggressive than I'm used to during matches.  I made a conscious effort to attempt very aggressive loops whenever I get the opportunity.  As mentioned by others, my control is not very good at all, and even when it doesn't miss the table it's often to the middle, at least for the opening loop.  I'll try to improve the FH placement and get my BH technique down for sure.

The strokes for some shots are built off the strokes for other shots. The forehand loop is built off of the forehand drive, the backhand loop off the backhand drive, etc. Make sure the more basic strokes are grooved and comfortable before going for the power loops.

7) I try to return his services shorter, but it's difficult when he's serving long to my BH so often.  He knows my BH weakness and he knows I'll attack his service, often very effectively, if he serves long to my FH.  I'd really like to be able to attack his long serves with my BH, but even when I read it correctly, I still have a lot of trouble executing.  That'll take a lot more practice, and progress unfortunately will be slow since I'll have to do it against a wall :(

Timo Boll once said (and he's right since the Chinese do this as well lol) that all long serves should be attacked/looped. Same goes with the backhand. According to reviews (since I never used your BH rubber) your LKT Pro XT has a fairly high throw, but is slow so in fact, you should be able to flip the shorter balls and just cover and brush/hit for longer balls. Reviews also said that rubber is slow, so you may have to add power to get the ball moving on that wing.

Once again, thanks for all the comments!
Comments in bold.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RyKnocks Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 8:21pm
Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

)Thanks everyone for the comments, I can't multiquote so I'll just try to reply to everyone in one post

1) My set up is Galaxy T-11, H3Neo commercial on FH, and LKT Pro XT on backhand, both max(ttnpp didn't sell any other thickness).  It's too fast, but more importantly, too stiff for me right now with my FH combo.  The zero dwell time makes it difficult for me to perform controlled and slower loops, and I find it actually more effective to loop-drive so I can really engage the sponge.  Since I don't have a lot of money, I'm gonna try the Mercury II 36 degrees in a few days, and if that doesn't work, I might try a softer blade like the V-15.  I DO want the setup to be a bit too fast for me, so I can hopefully grow into it.

That setup is way too fast for you.  Also, I don't think you should get something that's too fast for you, otherwise you don't "grow" properly.  Maybe you should back down to a Galaxy W-6 or something equivalent.  Something that will allow you to feel the ball more.  Also, stick to 2.0mm or below rubbers for right now.

Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

2) My previous setup was too heavy and would get my thumb swollen and wrist hurting like hell whenever I practiced backhands, so I really just started practicing and using backhand loops over the past 3 weeks.  I can do better against the opponent if I push more with my BH, but then I won't be able to improve my BH looping vs. backspin(as a matter of fact, my BH looping vs. topspin isn't any better either LOL).  As I'll mention later, training opportunities are rare for me, so all the matches I play are part-training, as in I'm not just looking to win.

As I mentioned in previous posts, your grip could be improved a bit.  Your current grip (and bad form) is probably what's attributing to the swollen thumb and sore wrist.

Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

4) The opponent's serves are pretty deceptive, and it's very spinny, so when it's short and I don't have much time to read the trajectory of the ball, I tend to be safe and return it a bit high.  I don't know if using the wrist is a good idea, as it's very difficult to control and almost always ends up long.

It's probably hard to control because your current setup is so fast.  Again, back down to something a lot slower and geared more towards control and feel.  It's better to get comfortable with getting balls onto the table rather than having them fly past the edge.  With as little practice as you say you get, your opponent needs to be able to hit something back to you so you can practice hitting back.

Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

5) I can't seem to find a training partner, so all the training I do is basically against a wall.  As you can imagine, it's pretty difficult to practice many things.  One of things is defense/blocking, and since I have no confidence whatsoever in my blocks, I back off the table quickly and try to find opportunities to counter-attack instead.  I'll definitely start making a more conscious effort to stay closer to the table from now on and try to use footwork and blocking more!

Is it always a competition whenever you go to play?  I see another table there in the background.  Is there no time to ask someone to practice forehand or backhand rallies?

Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

6) Due to the lack of training opportunities, I try to use the matches for training as well, and since it's more useful to train with shots that you're not as comfortable with.

I totally disagree with this statement.  If it were true, we wouldn't need rallies to help us with our form, muscle memory, etc.  Again, ask someone to rally with you.  It's hard to "train" against a shot if it's not constantly given to you (i.e. Drill).  There's no way to figure out how to return a difficult shot or develop the muscle memory to return it, etc etc etc.  

So here are my two big tips for you
1) Get a slower setup (not V-15) and control your shots
2) Find a rally/training partner and figure out how to discipline your movement.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 8:46pm
Thanks robot, those are some great suggestions, I just read up a bit on shadow training and I'm gonna get started with that right away!  The wall can help with certain types of single shots, like medium-speed weak topspins and medium-speed strong backspins.  I actually use a glass wall, it's frictionless so I use that to get the spin I want back.  It's getting pretty useless though, but I need all the training I can get.

My previous setup was a premade DHS X4002(200 grams head heavy, H3Neo FH, 1.8mm G888 BH), those FH loop drives worked a lot better on it as the blade is pretty slow and flexible.  I just started doing those loop drives primarily again this past week, as I couldn't get used to my new setup before that and I used primarily brush-looping for the first two weeks(I think the H3N getting broken in and becoming softer helps too).  That actually got me better results against this guy, unsurprisingly I suppose given the better control.  However, my fav player is Ma Long and I want to play more aggressively than normal like him, so I still want to use the loop-drive very often.

Reading and returning serves is a big weakness of mine, I'll definitely be working on that as well.  I think I've gotte a bit better, as this guy use to ace me every other serve lol.  I've worked a little bit on a more aggressive short game, like flips and flicks and such, but I have so many weaknesses in my game that I've unfortunately had to neglect them a bit.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote TheRobot99 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:05pm
Originally posted by dingyibvs dingyibvs wrote:

Thanks robot, those are some great suggestions, I just read up a bit on shadow training and I'm gonna get started with that right away!  The wall can help with certain types of single shots, like medium-speed weak topspins and medium-speed strong backspins.  I actually use a glass wall, it's frictionless so I use that to get the spin I want back.  It's getting pretty useless though, but I need all the training I can get.

If you wanted to train your forehand topspin strokes (loops and drives) the wall will send you back backspin since it doesn't change the spin. I think a returnboard would be better, but even better is with another person.

My previous setup was a premade DHS X4002(200 grams head heavy, H3Neo FH, 1.8mm G888 BH), those FH loop drives worked a lot better on it as the blade is pretty slow and flexible.  I just started doing those loop drives primarily again this past week, as I couldn't get used to my new setup before that and I used primarily brush-looping for the first two weeks(I think the H3N getting broken in and becoming softer helps too).  That actually got me better results against this guy, unsurprisingly I suppose given the better control.  However, my fav player is Ma Long and I want to play more aggressively than normal like him, so I still want to use the loop-drive very often.

If you want to emulate Ma Long, you have to develop better touch and control and carbon doesn't let you do that. If you really want to copy what he does, just get slower, more controllable versions of what he's using. Instead of H3 Neo, get H3. Instead of the T64, maybe a medium speed tensor. Instead of the TB ALC, an all-wood might suit you better. And your current setup you can put away for when you are good enough for that. You'll get tons more control and touch and that's more important than being able to hit really fast. I'm sure Ma Long would agree that control is what allows him to be so aggressive.

Reading and returning serves is a big weakness of mine, I'll definitely be working on that as well.  I think I've gotte a bit better, as this guy use to ace me every other serve lol.  I've worked a little bit on a more aggressive short game, like flips and flicks and such, but I have so many weaknesses in my game that I've unfortunately had to neglect them a bit.

Work on the fundamentals and you'll see huge improvements in other areas.
Same as before. Comments in bold.


Edited by TheRobot99 - 06/08/2011 at 9:05pm
Ross Leidy Custom, DHS Hurricane III Neos, Nittaku Nodias

Xiom Fuga, Globe 999 National 39, Nittaku Nodias

JOOLA Torre All+, DHS Hurricane II #19 Sponge, Galaxy Moon 38

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:27pm
Thanks RyKnocks and robot.  I must say though that I'm a bit ambivalent regarding the speed of my equipment.  I think missing the table is only a detriment to my progress if I cared a lot about winning games, but since I treat all the matches as a training session, I'm OK with missing as long as I'm attempting a good formed shot.  Also, I feel like I'm more lazy with technique with a slower set up, and with a faster set up it forces me to be more precise.  It doesn't help me win games, at least with my current level of control, but I believe that it'll help me in the long run.  With that said, I do think that the lack of feeling from the blade can hurt my progress, so I'm willing to explore another option(hence the V-15 thought).  

As for my BH technique, I don't think that's the cause of my joint pains, I just tend to get those more often than other people.  I forgot to mention before, but my index finger doesn't point straight up during play, I have a very typical grip, I only let it relax in between points.

It's pretty much always competition where I play, a lack of table is usually not an issue(there are 3), a lack of people usually is Confused

Another thing that you can't notice on video is that my grip is a bit looser when hitting BH, but it's tighter when I'm hitting a FH shot.  This makes it a bit difficult for me to transition b/w BH and FH.  Can someone tell me if it's better to grip looser or tighter, so I can have the same grip on both sides?


Edited by dingyibvs - 06/08/2011 at 9:32pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote dingyibvs Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06/08/2011 at 9:35pm
BTW, part of my unwillingness to switch a blade is because I'm short on money too.  What do you guys think of the Friendship C-2 or C-3 all wood blade?  I can get those for under 15 bucks shipped, and they don't sound like they're too slow to let me get lazy, while they're probably a better pair with the H3N than my stiff as a brick T-11.  The overall stiffness of my FH side I think is a bit too much, it's especially evident during warmups when I want to slow things down a bit.
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