Site Products
Coach Stefan Feth

Ask The Experts: Stefan Feth, No: 67

Ask The Experts: Stefan Feth, No: 67
Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer

Blade: Ryu Seung Min Max
Forehand Rubber: Tenergy 05

Question: Hi,

I want to ask about fitness. is running necessary for table tennis? If yes, then how much kilometers in a day for professional player?
Please also suggest other exercises for improving fitness and footwork professionally.

Regards,
Zahid

Answer: Hi Zahid,

Thanks for your very good question.

Yes, running is absolutely necessary for table tennis players. I recommend 2-3 times a week medium intensity for at least 40-45 minutes without walking. Besides improving endurance, it will also help make your mental game stronger.

Since nowadays rallies can be more tiring, the pulse can go up quickly and the rest time is very short as the game needs to go on. With this mind, I recommend interval sprints 1-2 times a week.
For example, you could run 15 times from A to B for 10 seconds with 70% intensity and take a 10 second break in between, and run back for another 10 seconds. Once you finished your 15 runs of 10 seconds, take a 2 minute break and do the same 15 runs over again. Before doing these sprints, make sure you warm up with stretching and a low intensity 10-15 minutes jog.

Lastly, it is important to help your overall game to strengthen your core with stomach and back muscles as this part of the body is very critical as well as the strength in your legs.

Hope this helps and I wish you all the best.

Best,
Stefan Feth
US National Team & Olympic Coach
Coach @ WCTTA
www.tt-champions.com

Latest News

Playing Kids

July 8, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Let’s face it; they’re probably faster than you. They might have a coach working with… Read More

#2 A Skill That Is Likely To Score – Backhand Down The Line

July 7, 2025
[[Feature] [Special Feature] American Stars! Jha’s Strengths #2 A Skill That Is Likely To Score – Backhand Down… Read More

United States Smash: Tight Scores and a Big Upset in Early Action

July 7, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Action is underway in the main round of the United States Smash, the… Read More

MLTT Featured Team: Bay Area Blasters

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The Bay Area Blasters plan to blast through the upcoming Major League Table… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Calgary United Sports Table Tennis Association

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Established in 2002, Calgary United Sports Table Tennis Association (CUSTTA) is Alberta’s largest Table Tennis… Read More

Butterfly Players Shine at the 2025 US National Table Tennis Championships

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) The 2025 U.S. National Table Tennis Championships is one of the premiere annual… Read More

US Nationals Recap

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The US National Table Tennis Championships is in the books.  One of America’s premiere events… Read More

United States Smash: Qualifiers are Finished and the Main Draw Begins Today

July 6, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) Americans made waves in the qualifying rounds of the United States Smash, the… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.