PongNow: Angel Luis Naranjo Lopez

March 26, 2021

(by Steve Hopkins) This edition of the PongNow interview series was conducted in Spanish by Estefania Ramirios. The guest is Angel Luis Naranjo Lopez, a rising star who has already accumulated considerable international experience playing for the Puerto Rican National Team. See the Spanish Language interview with English text in the video below. _________________________ […]

USATT’s T2 Season 2: Friend over Pech

March 26, 2021

(by Steve Hopkins) USA Table Tennis’s T2 Challenge Series moved to Ohio this week as Chance Friend took on Seth Pech at the Samson Dubina Club in Ohio. This season of the T2 Challenge Series sill visit six cities as 32 players battle in a team format. See more about the Thursday Night Live T2 […]

Coaching Tip on Mentality by Crystal Wang

March 23, 2021

(By Crystal Wang) Having a set of tactics and plans on how to play an opponent is very important going into a match but having a good mentality both before and during the match is just equally as crucial. Especially towards the deciding points, it is more about the battle of mentalities rather than skills […]

Coaching Tip of the Week: Rally Down Faster & Quicker Players

March 22, 2021

(By Larry Hodges) When faced with faster, quicker opponents, many players try to match them in speed, and end up losing because of too many unforced errors. Instead, ask yourself if it is realistic to play at the opponent’s pace. You might decide you can do so for perhaps the first shot in a rally, […]

German League: Final Four Playoffs Finally Set

March 22, 2021

(by Steve Hopkins) After a league hiatus for the Middle East Hub Events, the final matches in the German Bundesliga were played this weekend and the final four are now set. Dusseldorf secured their top seed over a month ago, but they coasted to a 3-1 win in their final match anyway. The win may […]

Tenergy 19: A Non-Pro Review

March 22, 2021

(by Steve Hopkins) I recently had opportunity to try Butterfly Tenergy 19, I’ve been playing with Butterfly Tenergy and Dignics rubbers for some time. Most recently I have had Dignics 09c on my forehand and Dignics 05 on my backhand. There are some interesting differences with this rubber and I’m going to try to relay […]

WAB Club Feature: Ly Table Tennis Academy

March 21, 2021

WAB Club Feature: Ly Table Tennis Academy (by Steve Hopkins) Located in the LaSalle borough of Montreal, in the south-west portion of the Island of Montreal along the Saint Lawrence river, is the Ly Table Tennis Academy. LYTTA has 8 quality tables and is aimed at players of all levels. The club is designed with […]

PongNow: Sheila O’Dougherty

March 20, 2021

(by Steve Hopkins) The PongNow Interview Series – talking table tennis with some of the best players and personalities in the sport. This week’s guest is Hall of Fame member Sheila O’Dougherty – a three time collegiate champion, US Team Member, and long-time contributor to the sport. _________________________ PongNOW Interview are powered by Butterfly. […]

Action in Doha Continues: Olympic Qualification Events

March 20, 2021

(by Steve Hopkins, photo ITTF/Remy Gros) After the WTT Events concluded in Doha Saturday, there was a quick overnight shift. The black flooring, tall black backdrops, modern neon lighting, projected video messaging, and the signature black-topped tables with their neon blue edge and center lines were all removed. By Sunday morning, the venue’s facelift allowed […]

Ask The Experts: Jun Gao No. 380

March 20, 2021

Butterfly Table Tennis Question and Answer Question: I’m a very defensive player, and I utilize a lot of backspin, and try to be pinpoint accurate with placement of the ball. What rubbers and blades would you recommend? I was looking and I like the Cypress T-Max S blade, and the Dignics 09C rubber. Any recommendation […]