(by Larry Hodges) It’s important to play to all three spots – wide forehand, wide backhand, and the middle (the mid-point between the opponent’s forehand and backhand, roughly their playing elbow). But often players inadvertently only play to two of them, and opponents, either consciously or (more often) subconsciously pick up on this and so […]
CAD 1.37
Your Account
Down the Line Training
(by Larry Hodges) There are two reasons for practicing down-the-line shots. First, because in games you want to use the whole table so the opponent has to cover the whole table, and to do that you need to be able to play wide in both directions, crosscourt and down the line. Second, to quote USTT […]
What to Do in the First Game
(by Larry Hodges) The simple answer to this question, for most people, is obvious: WIN!. But there are really four things you should be doing in that first game. First, you want to force your game on your opponent. This means both finding ways to set up your shots and getting those shots going. If […]
Smother the Table When Blocking
(by Larry Hodges) The best advice I ever received about blocking was to think of it as “Smothering the table.” I don’t remember who told me this, but the advice really works. The point is that blocking should be a quick shot, and to do that, you have to stay close to the table, i.e. […]
Focus on Placement to Win and Increase Consistency
(by Larry Hodges) Placement is key to winning, in two ways. First, if you place the ball where your opponent is weakest, you put him in the weakest position possible. That’s obvious. Second, it’s not just picking the right placement, but placing it in the most extreme way. This is especially true when playing to […]
Shadow Practice for Fitness and Improvement
(by Larry Hodges) Many players use running to get in shape for table tennis and other activities, or simply for health reasons. There’s nothing wrong with that. But you get the same thing if you shadow practice your footwork for the same amount of time, plus you develop the footwork technique and the specific muscles […]
Forehand or Backhand Receive in Doubles
(by Larry Hodges) (Excerpt from Table Tennis Doubles for Champions by Larry Hodges. April is Doubles Month!) Historically, most players received with their forehands. This made it easier to forehand loop any serve that went even slightly long. (Some players, even back then, were better with backhand loops and so received backhand, but they were a […]
Serve or Receive First in Doubles?
(by Larry Hodges) (Excerpt from Table Tennis Doubles for Champions by Larry Hodges. April is Doubles Month!) In both singles and doubles, I usually advise players to choose to receive first, if they win the choice at the start of the match. This is the time when a player is most likely to miss easy shots—he […]
How to Play Doubles with a Much Stronger or Weaker Player
(by Larry Hodges) (Excerpt from Table Tennis Doubles for Champions by Larry Hodges. April is Doubles Month!) What are the best tactics for a lopsided team, where one player is much stronger than the other? (This often happens in rating or mixed doubles.) Many believe that a more balanced team has an advantage over a more […]
Top Ten Things to Remember in Doubles
(by Larry Hodges) (Excerpt from Table Tennis Doubles for Champions by Larry Hodges. April is Doubles Month!) Signal serves. Let your partner know what’s coming! Sometimes the server’s partner signals the serves since he’s the one who has to follow them up. Typically, signal under the table by pointing a finger down for backspin, thumb up […]
How Can I Ask a Question?
August 11, 2025
Robot plays topspin to Forehand. Play one Forehand topspin from mid distance to Forehand (slower, spinnier and higher… Read More
Down the Line Deception
August 11, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) Nearly all players reflexively set up to cover against the crosscourt shot. They are ready… Read More
Geovanni Coello – Transition Variation Drills
August 11, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Geovanny Coello https://youtu.be/LwBF6E3eaxE Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis… Read More
Final Four in Yokohama: Chuqin, Harimoto, Moregard, and Jha
August 10, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Kanak Jha spread excitement through the building with his upset win in the first of… Read More
Simeon Martin – Stroke Chemistry Variation
August 10, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Simeon Martin is executing two types of Stroke Chemistry drills.… Read More
WAB CLUB FEATURE: Crush Table Tennis
August 10, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) Located in the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut, CRUSH Table Tennis operates out of a spacious… Read More
Kanak Wow – Jha advances to Semifinals in Yokohama
August 9, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Kanak Jha served beautifully, and his consistent rallies and shot-making made him the… Read More
De Nodrest is Surprise Winner in “Spokane I”
August 9, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Leo De Nodrest entered the first Spokane WTT Feeder Series event (“Spokane 1”)… Read More
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.
