I started playing Table Tennis during the pandemic. I always knew it as “ping pong” but table tennis is an Olympic sport with very strict rules. Ping pong is that fun game you play in a bar with friends, and you are relaxed about the rules.
I took up this sport in my 50’s, and as I’m not a very athletic person (more of a sofa radish than a hyperactive leek) it was daunting. The learning curve was a cliff. I felt slow, and awkward.(I still feel slow and awkward, but at least now, I’m Okay with that.) I felt when I went to the club to play, none of the more experienced players wanted to be stuck with a beginner like me.
I decided that the only way to get better was to get some lessons. My reasoning was that I didn’t have any background in racquet and ball sports. I couldn’t rely on that. My teacher was able to provide me with valuable advice on the type of paddle, and the rubber, and teach me the proper techniques.
Check recreation and senior centers for table tennis clubs. Word of mouth can lead to clubs and recreation leagues. It’s important to find places to play, and to play other people.
TIP: When selecting a teacher, make sure that this person has experience coaching adults.
Kids and adults learn differently. A good coach adapts to their player. Most importantly record your lessons, and review them periodically.
I learned about pushing, and hitting, and looping. About footwork. About balance. And about spin. My brain was filled until it was ready to burst. There was so much. It was too much. Because when I went and played against other players, it was like I learned nothing at all.
TIP: Be patient. It takes about a year (or more) of training to see outcomes.
Table tennis is a complicated game requiring superb reflexes. It is played at the speed of light, and requires the lightning speed strategic thinking of a Chess Grandmaster. You are not going to improve nearly as quickly as you think you should. And that’s Okay. It’s important to keep going. Don’t give up. Enjoy your journey.
TIP: Be brave.
Table tennis is not a game for the timid. Even defensive style players, need to learn and recognize when during a game they need to attack. But bravery is not just about during play, it’s about deciding whether or not to compete in tournaments.
For players in the USA, the sport is governed by the USATT organization. This august body sets rules of the game, and tournaments, and more importantly tracks a player’s ratings. The lower the rating, the less skilled a player is. The higher the rating, the more skilled a player is. Do yourself a favor, become a member, and sign up for a sanctioned tournament in your state. Omnipong is the website where you can find upcoming tournaments, scheduled by state.
I’ve heard players state that they weren’t “good enough” to compete in a tournament. To that I say, fiddlesticks. You need tournament practice. So what if you are crushed by the cutest little 8-year-old wearing pigtails. Go out there, and PLAY!
TIP: You can’t avoid playing kids, so don’t try. Play your best. You are providing them with good experience.
Table tennis is filled with super kids. And don’t be put off by their cuteness. If you manage to beat them once, know that their learning curve is so fast, that they will surpass your abilities with ease. Don’t get upset. Get over yourself. You are the adult after all.
TIP: Don’t compare your progress with others.
We are all different. We have different skills, different fitness levels, and different health levels. Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s a waste of energy, and accomplishes nothing.
TIP: Have fun!
Don’t forget to have fun. For me, table tennis is my happy place. It’s a great sport. It keeps me physically active, and provides me with hours of stress relief, and it gives me a great social outlet.
