Ask The Experts: Jörg Bitzigeio, No. 183
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Question:

Blade: Butterfly Power 7
Forehand: Tenergy 05
Backhand: Tenergy 05

I am now about a 1500 player and play well against competitive players. Why do i have difficulty playing regular neighborhood “ping pong” players?

Answer: 

This Ask the Experts question was answered by Jörg Bitzigeio. He is the High Performance Director of USATT.Coach Bitzigeio’s response is as follows:

Hi Richard,

 Thanks for your request, you ask an interesting question and I have heard this kind of “problem” already several times. Sure, it would be easier to answer it more individually by seeing you playing, but I can give you some ideas based on my experience here.

 One reason could be that by improving, your technical skills have advanced to a higher level and it feels “easier”, or let’s say more comfortable for you to play against opponents on a higher level because their strokes have a higher quality and are more regular. The lower level players are often not able to play that consistent and because of this their balls are coming more random, and for this reason, you may be finding a bit more difficult.

 Another reason could that you have higher expectations now from yourself and when you meet lower players, this also causes more pressure on you.

 Be positive and you will get adjusted!

 Greetings,

Jörg