The “No Net” Rule Against Heavy Backspin

September 11, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) We’ve all done it – faced with attacking a heavy backspin, often deep on the table, you get nervous and try to weakly topspin it up, and it goes right into the net, plop. Often players get frustrated by this heavy backspin, saying or thinking, “It’s too heavy! I can’t lift it!” […]

Tactical Confidence

September 5, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) I’ve seen coaches give tactical advice that wasn’t particularly helpful in itself. And yet, it often paid off with the player confidently executing the so-so tactics – and winning. Why? Because it’s not always the tactics. Given confidently, these tactics, whether good or not, gives the player a plan, and that inspires […]

Nine Battles

August 28, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) How many years have you played before noticing that “Table Tennis” is just an anagram of “Nine Battles”? And it’s applicable to our sport. Here’s my list of the nine biggest opponents you battle with in a match. Your assignment is to think about each and figure out how best to deal […]

The Value of a Good Stiff Push

August 21, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) I once watched video of a top junior who’d just lost a close five-game match. He’s normally an aggressive player, but has a good, stiff push that often catches opponents off guard. He’s also comfortable blocking, so he can get away with letting the opponent attack first as long as he’s not […]

Shadow Replay

August 14, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) Over the many decades I’ve watched and learned about this sport, there are certain trends I see that stick out. This is one of the simplest, often the difference between fast-improving players and those who just stare at their rackets in frustration after missing a shot and continue to do so the […]

Sandpaper Open at the US Classic Nationals

August 12, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) Before we get to the last event of the US Classic Nationals, the Sandpaper Open, let’s take a moment to thank those who helped put the event together. · Special thanks goes to Tournament Director Steve Claflin, who put it all together. · Umpire Ning Cheng worked long hours, umpiring all the […]

Hardbat Women, Seniors, and Juniors at the US Classic Nationals

August 12, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) PHOTO: Action at the Austin Table Tennis Club, host of the 2023 US Classic Nationals. Junior Champion Bryce Milford on near right. Photo by Larry Hodges. Along with Hardbat and Sandpaper Open events here at the Classic Nationals at the Austin Table Tennis Club, there were three other events – Women, Seniors […]

Hardbat Open at the Classic Nationals

August 12, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) Twenty-five players took the plunge and played in the Hardbat Open event. With top-seeded Jimmy Butler seeded out, there were four groups of six, with the top two advancing. In the round robins, matches were best of five to 11. In the single elimination stage, it switched to best of three to […]

Sara Gulabani: the Batgirl and Batwoman of Hardbat

August 12, 2023

(by Larry Hodges) In an earlier article, I called AJ Carney and student Bryce Milford the Batman and Robin of table tennis. But AJ has another student, and she’s doubled-up on both – she’s Batgirl AND Batwoman! Sara Gulabani, 17, easily won Hardbat Women here at the Classic Nationals at the host Austin Table Tennis […]

Jian Zhuang – From Penhold to Shakehand to Champion

August 12, 2023

(by Larry Hodges, Photo Credit: Steve Claflin) Jian Zhuang, 65, started playing table tennis in Shanghai, China. He played in school and through college, but said he never really trained seriously at that time. In 1988 he came to the US as a graduate exchange student in electrical engineering. He spent about 25 years as […]