Site Products
Angie Tan

Table Tennis Amidst the Pandemic

(By Angie Tan)

In a time where a cough will attract hundreds of glares and a maskless face causes others to repel yards away from you, I managed to continue picking up my table tennis paddle and driving with all my might.

Despite not being able to practice with my coaches for a period of time, I was lucky to have a training partner, my sister Emily, who is around the same level as me and a supportive club, SVTTC, that allowed us to train by ourselves. With a club that is walking-distance from our house, my sister and I could walk to SVTTC and train with each other whenever we wanted.

The first practice with Emily during the pandemic was unforgettable. I no longer heard the bouncing of the balls and the squeaking of the shoes when I entered. The red carpet was also unusually clean with bright new duck tape along the edges and no plastic water bottles laying around. The paddle or water bottle or towel that people would occasionally forget to take home was gone. Most importantly, I couldn’t feel the tension in the air or smell the sweat that lingered – these small signs often reminded me of how hard others were working and pushed me to do the same. 

With no one to watch us and monitor our progress, the only thing that kept us on our toes was our anticipation for the next upcoming tournament. I’ll never forget the excitement and competitiveness that is felt during tournaments; they kindle my thirst for victory. Every dripping bead of sweat signaled that an extra point will be won during deuce. Every extra rally was a step closer to victory.

During the pandemic, there are no tournaments, but what remains is the passion for the sport. Despite the many mishaps, this pandemic has made me even more sure that table tennis is already part of my identity. Nothing can stop me from playing.

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.

Latest News

Back Up a Little Bit More

August 27, 2025
Robot plays short backspin ball to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin… Read More

My Road To The 2025 US National Champion by Sally Moyland

August 26, 2025
(by Sally Moyland) I was leading 3:1 in sets in the women’s single final at the US National… Read More

Take the Ball Off the Bounce

August 25, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Eleven Tips For Playing Against a Quicker Opponent

August 25, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) We’ve all had those matches where the opponent was just quicker, and we felt rushed… Read More

Jessie Xu – Valuable Learning Experience at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports) Jessie Xu recently returned from representing Canada at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in… Read More

Americans Shine at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The 2025 Junior Pan American Games wrapped up last week in Asunción, Paraguay, with solid… Read More

WAB CLUB FEATURE: Dynamic Table Tennis Academy

August 24, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) With their location East of Los Angeles in Chino Hills, the Dynamic Table Tennis Academy… Read More

Europe Smash: Moregard is the Maestro in Malmo

August 24, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins, photo WTT) Sweden’s best, Truls Moregard, fought his way into the Final on home soil… Read More
View All News

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.