(by Larry Hodges) Some of these are table tennis specific, others are more general – but they are all tips for travel to table tennis events. (Some are things you should do in advance of the tournament to help prepare.) Keep necessary stuff in carry-on bag when flying. Bags sometimes get lost. So try to […]
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The “No Net” Rule Against Heavy Backspin
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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
Posted on(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 […]
Shadow Practice Your Shots
June 22, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame If you spent five-ten minutes each day… Read More
Tashiya Piyadasa – Modified Random
June 22, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Tashiya Piyadasa is executing a Modified Random Drill https://youtu.be/zV0k5LcHRqw Stay “In… Read More
WAB CLUB FEATURE: Texas Table Tennis Training Center
June 21, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) The Texas Table Tennis Training Center (“TTT”) has about 50-60 regular members, as well as a… Read More
United States Smash Preview
June 21, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) The world’s absolute best are converging on American soil in just ten days, and this… Read More
Shunsuke Stuns in Slovenia
June 21, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins) Ljubijana was the host of this week's tour stop, as the WTT Star Contender series… Read More
🎥 Episode 11: Ask The Expert Live With Logan Rietz | How to Choose the Best Table Tennis Shoes
June 18, 2026
(by Bowmar Sports) Not sure which table tennis shoes are right for you? In this episode of Ask… Read More
Can Players Trained in the U.S. Compete With Chinese Players?
June 18, 2026
(by Coach Bob Chen) This is a question many people ask. Can a player trained in the United… Read More
Butterfly joins WTT Champions Yokohama 2026 as Official Equipment Partner
June 17, 2026
(By Butterfly Global) NEW TRAZOX TABLE TO DEBUT AS BUTTERFLY BECOMES OFFICIAL TABLE AND BALL PARTNER FOR WTT… Read More
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