(By Larry Hodges ) Many players rally very well in drills, but not so much in matches. Once they get into a match, they not only lose consistency, but they also rally like a drill, hitting the ball right back at the opponent rather than trying to win the point with placement. Here is a […]
The Grinding Mentality – How to Play It and Against It
The Grinding Mentality – How to Play It and Against It (By Larry Hodges) The Grinder is a style of play, or really a mentality, where your single-minded focus is on not making any mistakes, and not giving the opponent any easy shots. This often means trying to stretch out rallies as long as possible, […]
Top Ten Things to Remember in Doubles
Top Ten Things to Remember in Doubles (By Larry Hodges, tabletenniscoaching.com/blog) Most players play doubles as if it were just a version of singles, but that’s a mistake. Doubles is actually far more complicated since there are two players on each side, so there are four different playing styles interacting, plus all the movement as […]
If You Can’t Do It Without a Ball, How Can You Do It With the Ball?
If You Can’t Do It Without a Ball, How Can You Do It With the Ball? (By Larry Hodges) Shadow-practice is when you practice a stroke without the ball. It’s the best way to develop proper technique and streamline your strokes, especially with help from a coach or experienced player. You do need to combine […]
Every Point is the Biggest Point of Your Life
Every Point is the Biggest Point of Your Life (By Larry Hodges) What’s the most important point in table tennis? The next one. It’s that simple. And yet players constantly fret over the previous point, the one that’s over and never to be replayed. As far as you are concerned the next point is for […]
Coaching tip of the week: Style Disadvantage or Tactical Problem?
Coaching tip of the week: Style Disadvantage or Tactical Problem? (By Larry Hodges) Many players do not know the difference between a style disadvantage and a tactical problem. My experience is that style disadvantages are relatively rare, as any sufficiently advanced player has developed enough shots to reach his level so that he can compete […]
Coaching tip of the week: Punish Passivity
Coaching tip of the week: Punish Passivity (By Larry Hodges) If you play an opponent who plays passively, he’s basically daring you to take your best shot. Take the dare! But first – what is your best shot? The problem passive players face is that a good tactical thinker knows what his best shot is […]
Use Your Weaknesses or They Will Always Be Weaknesses
Use Your Weaknesses or They Will Always Be Weaknesses (By Larry Hodges) Suppose, for example, you have a strong forehand loop against backspin, but your backhand loop against backspin isn’t so good. Then you probably use the forehand every chance you can, and avoid using the backhand loop. Result? You continue to have a strong […]
Don’t Try So Hard When Ending the Point
Don’t Try So Hard When Ending the Point (By Larry Hodges) When you put everything into a shot, you lose control and consistency. You often lose power as well as you can’t really time all your muscles together at 100%, and instead end up with a spastic shot that’s difficult to control. Watch the top […]
Coaching tip of the week: Heavy and No-Spin Pushes
Coaching tip of the week: Heavy and No-Spin Pushes (By Larry Hodges) A good, quick, well-placed, heavy, low, deep push is valuable at all levels, even the world-class level. So develop all aspects of that shot, especially against backspin or no-spin serves. But there’s another weapon that many forget, and that’s the no-spin push. Against […]
Thankful for Wins: Chicago Has Flawless Week 7
November 27, 2025
(by: Major League Table Tennis) Emmanuel Lebesson and Lily Zhang make history in Hollywood, FL 🐊 Chicago Wind (8-4)… Read More
Relax Your Shoulder
November 26, 2025
Basic exercises: Pushing and powerful first ball attack – Robot plays heavy backspin to long Forehand, Jhon plays… Read More
Yu Di – Backhand Loop from underspin
November 26, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Yu Di is focusing on the Backhand Loop from underspin… Read More
More Weight on the Right Leg
November 24, 2025
Basic exercises: Pushing and powerful first ball attack – Robot plays heavy backspin to long BH, Jhon plays… Read More
Do You Want to Be a Smart Table Tennis Player?
November 24, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) It’s a two-step process. Focus on both steps, and it’ll happen. First, think about the… Read More
Kou Lei – Forehand Looping the Flip
November 24, 2025
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Kou Lei is working with his student on Forehand Looping… Read More
WAB CLUB FEATURE: Ly Table Tennis Academy
November 23, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The Ly Table Tennis Academy in Montreal has been home to many members of the… Read More
ITTF World Youth Championships: Early Action
November 23, 2025
(By Steve Hopkins, photo USATT) Today was the first day of action at the ITTF World Youth Championships in… 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.