Table tennis evolution could possibly be greater than any other sport?!
I don’t know for a fact if table tennis has evolved more than any other sport but it sure does feel like it.
Table Tennis History
Our game started with a wine bottle cork and some cigar boxes (primitive).
Today table tennis uses more variety of equipment than any other sport on the planet and has had countless rules and game-changing scenarios.
Many have their grips and yet most adapt to the ever-changing sport.
Modern table tennis game:
Today the game has super equipment technology, which allows players to spin the ball at Zero to 100revs per second. The ball can be hit with plenty of power and speeds.
Table tennis evolution has caused many issues for the sport.
If you don’t play you won’t understand the spin, you will see a few long-lasting rallies and dismiss those who seemingly miss the odd easy looking shot.
Modern technique advancements:
Backhand flick: allows us to override spin and produce enough sidespin/topspin to take control of the ball
Backhand: the backhand is a weapon used much more in today’s game and without it, it’s virtually impossible to be a world class player.
Forehand topspin: due to speed modern top players play this stroke almost square now. They bend the playing hand knee, loading the leg with ground power. The waist can twist via this drop stance and this giving the player more time as opposed to bringing the playing hand leg slightly backwards (off square stance). This is of course mainly used close to the table to create efficiency in movement due to lack of time.
What does the future of table tennis look like?
No one truly knows but if you study the past and today’s game you will see how the game has evolved. This evolution can give you better insights into how the game will be shaped in years to come.
Develop modern strokes as a foundation for your game but be open-minded to adapt your game. This is because a change in table tennis may happen at any given moment.
Written by Eli Baraty eBaTT (Eli Baraty Academy of Table Tennis) Coach Me Table Tennis – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Instagram: _elibaraty Twitter: @elibaraty FB: Coach Me Table Tennis – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – W: www.coachmetabletennis.com M: 07900401144
Have you ever asked yourself, how important is a table tennis rally?
We all love having a long table tennis rally and of course, winning the big rallies is like an injection of adrenaline.
Table Tennis Rallies
An average table tennis rally is between 4-5 strokes and each stroke is played from 0.2 to 0.5 of a second, in simple terms approximately 2 strokes per second. If you take these stats into account you must ask yourself, how important is it train long rallies in the practice hall? 1 in ten points you will have a long-lasting rally (between 8-15 strokes).
Ping Pong Championships at Ally Pally
How should we train?
I think when building fundamentals the focus should be on building solid foundations which evolve around regular and consistent exercises. Once your stroke play has solid foundations then the key focus should be on the first 4-6 balls. Naturally, you should be giving extra attention to the serve and return then third fourth and fifth ball. Developing these key shots will enable you to deliver high-quality shots from the offset and sway most games in your favour.
Interesting table tennis stats
If you take an average Professional Table Tennis Match (best of seven) you will notice that the match lasts around 50min. In that time the actual rally play is on average 4min and 10sec. This means less than 10% of the match is actual gameplay. Every rally starts slow and speeds up (should we implement off the table training with slow to fast training sessions?)
The first ball:
People say the most important shot in table tennis is your serve, I say I agree but I also disagree. The first shot is the most important whether it be your server or return. These two shots start a rally and one without the other won’t complete a winning game. Therefore I would practice both with similar importance, the only difference is the service can be developed solely and you are in full control of the spin, speed and placement.
Can I be a world class player without big rally play?
If you want to be a world class player, I believe it can be achieved without having wonderful rally skills but there will be times when you’re required to rally beyond 6 balls. If you fail to develop a good rally base you will be exposed eventually. If you watch Ma Lin, he was a great example of serve and return, he was capable of playing long and good rallies but would much rather avoid long rallies due to a weaker backhand wing.
Key learning:
Develop the fundamentals to enable long rallies but ultimately develop your serve and return then 3rd and 5th. After that, you can focus on developing your rally play. if you don’t have those fundamentals you won’t reach the rally plays even though you may be good at them.
The modern table tennis game seems to have forgotten about the forehand flick!
Table tennis like any sport which has a core selection of shots and skills and each element requires an increased level of value.
Backhand Flick:
The backhand flick’s value has increased greatly over the past 5-10 years. Today we see almost every top player using the backhand flick from all sections of the table. Players such as Dima and Harimoto try to flick with their backhands on every possible occasion. But is this the best option? Or is it hampering results that may be achieved with less usage of the backhand flick?
Backhand flick issues:
Having watched Harimoto and Dima very closely over the years I’ve noticed the backhand flick gives them advantages over most! The issue is it also has a downside. When playing left-handers the backhand flick becomes a lot harder to execute. This is because where left-handers serve from. They serve wide to a right-handers forehand side and can execute a fast and long serve down the line (to the backhand). Now if you commit and flick with you’re backhand to a lefty’s backhand you’ll receive a fast and short, whipping counter topspin. If you flick to his/her forehand you’ll surely receive a big booming forehand. Which is why often lefties have the upper hand against Dima and Hari.
Forehand Flick
What you train you will have, what you don’t practice you won’t have!
Harimoto and Dima both suffer from their forehand flicks and most returns with the forehand. Simply because they so very rarely use it and I imagine don’t practice the FH return often enough. Harimoto was exposed in the Junior Olympics a few days ago against Wang a lefty from China. It’s clear the Harimoto is a world-class player but to be a true champion in today’s game you need to cover most holes. And if you do have weaknesses then they must be very small!
Flicking ratio: Twenty or thirty years ago, most would be returning services with approximately 70% with FH. Today it’s the opposite if not even more of a higher percentage in favour of the backhand return.
My opinion:
If you want to be a major title winner you require a good forehand return alongside the backhand. I focus on an approximate ratio of 60% backhand and 40% forehand. This gives my players strength on both wings. Of course, this ratio sways from one to the other depending on the player. Taking into account what they feel comfortable playing with, their style of play and footwork capabilities.
A short video giving a tip on the banana flick – click here
The lesson: Balance is the secret in success, too much or too little of one thing is never good.
What is your opinion, when using smartphones in table tennis tournaments or in the training hall?
10 years ago, the most you could do with your phone was; call someone, take a picture and play snakes. Today your phone is like a computer in your hands…
Smart Phones:
Table Tennis vs Smartphones
The ability to play games, email, phone, text, surf the net and entertain friends on social media has given most of us access to entertainment at any time.
The problem:
Having access to virtually anything on the planet at a flick of a finger has its pros and cons.
When you enter a table tennis hall or tournament, take a minute to look around, you will find many players on their phones if they are off the table. Unfortunately, people nowadays are tapping away on their phones constantly and this occurs before, during and after a table tennis event or training.
Every sport requires focus:
In order to tap into peak performance, your mind has to be clear. You must hone your attention towards the goal and outcome you require. Our minds are super powerful and because of this, most of us fail to use it efficiently!
Success comes via control over your mind and body.
Put it away: If you don’t put your phone away when training or in a competition your results will be affected (FACT). Constantly looking and playing on your phone takes away your concentration. If you are able to focus on the event only, then you will amplify your results. Distraction: We all like to have a look at social media and check if we have any messages or calls. Here’s an example of what you are doing, try to ride a bike while looking to the left or right the whole time. You’ll be able to ride the bike but sooner or later you will have an accident. When we play or train, our focus should be on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
Promoting your success or failure:
It’s a pleasure when you’re doing well and naturally, you wish to share your success. It can also work the other way, if you lose or have had poor results, it’s nice to gain support and words of wisdom from your social network. But Unfortunately, publishing your footsteps prior, during and after table tennis is a clear sign that your focus is spread out. Let others post for you on your behalf or wait until your training or event has completely finished. Once ended, then allow yourself to express your thoughts and feelings on social media and other forms of communication.
Focus and Time:
We live in an age of instant gratification and that often distracts us from achieving greatness.
In order to achieve something great special and to be truly proud of, you need focus alongside quality time. When you focus on something and spend plenty of time on that task, then you can hold your head up high.
*Take control over your body and mind and focus on what you truly want to achieve.
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Written By Eli Baraty
eBaTT (Eli Baraty Academy of Table Tennis)
Coach Me Table Tennis
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Eli Baraty
Table Tennis seems to target two age categories, youth and senior (Vetts) players.
Junior Table Tennis (8-18yrs)
At a young age, there is lots of coaching and plenty of systems in place catering for juniors;
– Private and group coaching
– Breakfast, lunch and after school clubs (some schools). A good number of schools have both in and outdoor tables.
– Plenty of tournaments, locally and nationally
– Many young groups (social)
– Systems aiding development and progression (clubs, coaching, events & tournaments)
Adult Table Tennis (18-40yrs)
Once you’re out of the junior ranks, table tennis seems to desert you, somewhat. Naturally, at 18 many things change; University, jobs, driving, sex, clubs, drinking, social life and general life.
Should these life-changing scenarios affect your table tennis?
Of course, change will have an effect on present scenarios but without a support system, the effect is much greater.
Senior Table Tennis (40 years plus)
Aged 40 plus many seem to have a renaissance in table tennis. People start to use table tennis to regain their health and fitness. Many miss the sport and due to more stable lifestyles, they are able to reestablish their passion.
Access back into the sport includes:
– Local leagues
– VETT tournaments
– Social table tennis scene
– Financially able to pay for a group or personal coaching
What can be done to cater for players at the most crucial stage of their playing career?
Tournaments: for players aged 18-30. This will provide a bespoke feel for players in that age group. It will also encourage participation via a social scene.
National Team: Have two or three more National teams (England A, B and C). Each team comprises of 4 players. This means even if you’re no.12 in your country you could be selected for representation at international events. France has this system and it provides hope and drives for late bloomers.
Incentives:
– Sponsorship, companies provide small sponsorship for aspiring players
– Grants, financial aid towards training and coaching
– Special Under 25’s league’s, can be implemented to give young adults more encouragement, towards continued play, inside table tennis. Better formatted local leagues
England Table Tennis Youth
such as (Davis Cup for example).
– Club roles; assistant coach, sparring partner, admin, etc.
With the will and correct systems in place, there are ways of catering for everyone in our sport…
Those that don’t truly know me, I’m a person always looking to share and develop table tennis.“Emma from PongBosshas a few articles on improving your table tennis and other related articles on her website, check it out by clicking here.
The backhand flick has become one of the most used shots in table tennis.
I could be wrong but I believe Dimitrij Ovtcharov, is the main person who took this shot into the masses.
Peter Kobel
Peter Korbel was known for creating the Banana or Chiquita flick but Dima made the backhand flick a shot used a lot more and many cases executed anywhere on the table.
Strawberry flick
Today, we see most top players look to return short serves with their backhands. Whether it be the Chiquita flick or a normal backhand flick. Recently a new flick has come to play, the “strawberry flick”. The is a shot which technically starts in the same position as the Banana/Chiquita flick (high elbow) but is executed in an opposite movement to the Chiquita flick.
Change of name:
I’m unsure as to how the flick got the name “strawberry” but I would like to see a better name given. I think it’s important for our game to look and be portrayed in a professional manner. Banana and Strawberry sounds more like a fruit salad than an Olympic Sport.
I want us to refer to this newly introduced shot as the “Boomerang backhand flick” unless you guys can suggest something better?
How to execute the inside out flick.
1. Step into the table, keep your body facing in the direction of a normal or Chiquita flick. This enhances the effectiveness of the shot by deceiving your opponent via your body language.
2. Have your elbow nice and high to enable good shot execution.
3. Rotate your elbow and wrist in the opposite movement of a Chiquita flick. Wrap your wrist around the ball, injecting plenty of side spin (choice of top or back-side spin) depending on ball contact point.
Personally, I love being creative and finding new concepts inside table tennis. Believe it or not, the Boomerang flick has been around for many years. But now it has been taken to a whole new level due to the versatility and collaboration of the Chiquita flick.
The disguise between both shots is extremely effective and I urge all players to incorporate this magical shot into their games.
Written by Eli Baraty
eBaTT (Eli Baraty Academy of Table Tennis) Coach Me Table Tennis – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
I want to make it clear that my views and opinions are based on what I know see and hear. I am not against anyone that includes TTE. All I wish to see is our sport flourish both domestically and internationally. Unfortunately, I believe table tennis in England is at a very fragile state currently!
TTE, have made many changes over the past few years. Noticeable changes include:
change of name and branding
– A new table tennis England school (Ackworth)
– New, high profile positions: national coaches, performance team and CEO
– New policies: EYS, Rankings, application for international representation, National Cup, and 9-13
– A New National Championships format
– Newley introduced National Cup format
The list goes on…
What does this mean?
On a positive note, it means we are willing to change. Without change we are staying still and in today’s world staying still is effectively going backwards.
On the flip side, too much change in a short space of time may cause instability which can disengage clubs, players and coaches causing deficiencies in the system.
I would like to touch on recent events,
England Table Tennis Players
EYC selection
I wrote a blog about this and made my feelings clear as to how important investing in our youth is.
I attended a TTE performance team roadshow, on the 24th of June in Darlington. EYC was brought up as a notable subject and unfortunately, the new performance team member said, “we stand by our decision and don’t feel we did anything wrong” (Taking one junior instead of a full squad).
TTE saying that they don’t feel they did anything wrong is a defensive position and unfortunately, all players and team performance was below expectations, (coming from TTE’s performance requirements, they stated players and teams should aim to reach last 16 stage. It may be worth asking is there anything TTE believe can be done to improve things?
It’s a shame for TTE not maximise exposure and experience for juniors. Surely the more exposure you give players, can only help in the future, TTE currently seems to have taken a very limited view on this.
Investment:
For me, having investments is a good thing (Performance Team) and also important that the clubs and TTE have a blended and shared approach to performance. The different systems should be supportive and complementary…..and not fighting each other.
System:
The performance representative said, no system produces world champions. And most world champions are made despite the system.
This is disappointingly negative from TTE. England has a pretty big population and with the right focus and support, we are able to produce some exceptional talent. However… a structured system must be implemented one produced by England’s leading coaches alongside external consultation from the worlds leading table tennis nations.
Private Meeting with the Performance team
I was contacted a month back, requesting to meet me in person and discuss current TTE’s vision. After a two hour meeting, it was clear that the focus was not on domestic table tennis. I wrote a heartfelt email to express my love for the sport and how I wish to grow and develop table tennis in England. Unfortunately, the reply I received seemed to ignore most of my outcry which was on behalf of all Table Tennis community and I naturally I felt disappointed.
“I will be inside the sport to the day I die” Something I expressed in my email and with respect to TTE I wish to see our sport flourish in the production of future World and Olympic Champions. I would also like to see our table tennis as a mainstream sport respected and appreciated. But I do feel to reach great heights a strong foundation must be built.
The list of issues is an endless blog and I don’t wish to dwell deeply into the negative side of things but I do wish to find solutions.
I am willing to work with TTE or anyone willing to find ways of making our sport successful. We need to help each other grow and find solutions with a willingness to listen and oblige, across the board
Clubs
Table tennis clubs are the key to our sports success. Communicate with the leading clubs, or up and coming clubs. Find out what they are doing how can you help and collaborate.
Coaches
We have some amazing coaches in England and I’ve worked with many of them. Each has a unique set of skills, again communicate and find ways of developing a healthy partnership. Why bring foreign coaches when you have leading coaches on your doorstep? Embrace our own and results will surely come the way you wish for them to be achieved.
Players
TTE must appreciate that not all players have the finance or ability to attend EYS on top of all other domestic TT not to mention camps, group and personal coaching, tournaments, and international camps and events. Find schemes of aiding young potential players and help parents support their child’s potential, don’t make TT an elitist sport.
National Coaches
NC should attend more tournaments regardless of how important or not they feel these events are. By watching the players in action, a clearer picture can be made and it would encourage players, coaches and parents, make everyone feel special and worthy. Find out who is developing and why? Provide a clear pathway or an alternative pathway…
Elitist sport
TT should never need to be an elitist sport. No player should ever be excluded from progression or development because of funding. In the grand scheme of things, providing support to those in need would be peanuts compared to the overall budget. TTE can priorities if need to be to help those in need. Ultimately we must find ways to provide for our youth regardless of financial backgrounds.
Tournaments
The whole national circuit needs reviewing and restructuring in many respects. The list is too long for me to go into but in simple terms numbers are dwindling across the board. That’s a clear sign that something is not right.
Finding a positive notion
Communication:
Credit to TTE for putting on a roadshow meeting but come on guys 1 hour does not allow for real communication to be expressed or covered.
We must focus on providing a more bespoke set of communication pathways.
Funding raising/sponsorship/aid schemes:
Have a designated person in this area as a fundraiser for development and opportunities.
Listen and do your best to implement:
TTE make it clear they are listening but they also make it seem as if they are uninterested and unwilling to budge from their chosen criteria’s. A willingness to listen and actually try to make amends would be greatly appreciated, by everyone.
Provide opportunities for knowledgeable and passionate people.
Do your best to hire passionate and knowledgeable people who are able and capable of implementing new policies which are forward thinking for; clubs, players and coaches.
I want to make one thing clear, I have a genuine love for table tennis. Most know this sport is my burning desire and one I wish to only uplift. I am not writing these blogs to upset anyone or disrespect TTE as an organisation.
I provide my views and opinions from personal experience, what I see, hear and feel. My sole objective is to find ways of providing the best possible service to all invested in table tennis.
I appreciate not everyone will agree with me or see eye to eye. But my heart tells me that it’s my duty to stand up for what I believe in.
I’d like to add one more thing if I was in TTE’s position I would listen to the clubs, coaches and players. The answers are there, all that’s required to do is listen and build on what’s working well and improve the not so good.
Let’s not view criticism as bad, but as an opportunity to understand and something to embrace, resolve and improve.
As a starting point, we can look at implementing an impartial deep-dive review that would get everything out in the open.
From this point, we can build a clear strategy and prioritise and focus on what we need to improve. At the same time, the table tennis community and TTE need to look at working together to implement the plan.
Written by Eli Baraty
eBaTT (Eli Baraty Academy of Table Tennis) Coach Me Table Tennis – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Who is better Ito Mima or Hirano Miu? and more importantly who has a greater chance of becoming a World or Olympic Champion?
Table tennis is, in fact, a huge sport and it’s a shame that many don’t know or fully understand the sheer scale of table tennis. There are certain elements in the game that overshadow other things. In this instance both Ito and Miu, I believe have not been given the attention or respect they fully deserve.
Tomokazu Harimoto
Most know that Harimoto is the most successful 15-year-old (Now) table tennis player to date. Something I’ve learnt potential greatness is not factual greatness and Harimoto will go down as the current best junior player of all time. But he’s nowhere near being the greatest player of all time. Where he will go from here is yet to be unfolded and we must enjoy his current pathway.
Miu Hirano and Ito Mima
Mima In Action
On the other side of the coin, there are two special young girls from the same country (Japan). These two spectacular young players have been overshadowed by Harimoto. Considerations include; women’s table tennis is not as popular. Harimoto is a lot more vocal, he is younger and his playing style is unique in the men’s game by using many flat, fast and hard shots.
Miu Hirano
Currently 18 years old ranked no.7 in the world and holds a world cup title alongside an Asian Championship singles title. Style:
Extremely close to the table, very short strokes and stands mid-table (like in tennis holding a ‘T’ ready position. Miu is extremely fast and uses her opponent’s power against them with short fast counter hits. Mainly uses one serve and does not seem comfortable with personal adaptation.
Potential:
I believe she will be a top 10 player for many years but a true world beater I’m not convinced, her style of play is limited and she struggles to contain heavy deep topspins to either wing. She also struggles with deep pushes to either wing and her personality I feel holds her potential back. She is reserved and shocked when she achieves something she didn’t believe could occur.
Ito Mima
Still, only 17 years old Ito, has a similar story to Harimoto. Mima burst onto the scene when she was aged 11 and has beaten players world ranked inside the top 50. Mima became the youngest female player ever to reach top 10 senior worlds ranked when she was aged 14. Style:
Versatile, with many variations of shots including both topspin and flat counter hits. Lovely variety of serves, physically strong and has an over-all dynamic gameplay. Ito prefers to stay close to the table and spread her players from side to side.
Potential:
I believe Mima can win a major if not a few major world titles. She has a winning mentality and seems willing to adapt and develop her game. due to her versatility, her progression line has slightly halted over the past year or two. Nevertheless, over the next few years, she will learn how and when to utilise her tools and then her performances will develop into new heights.
Japan,
There are three amazing young Japanese players all inside the top 10. Ishikawa is currently world no.4 but is 25 years old. Both Ito and Miu are still in their teens. I think this trio will challenge for a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games.
Whose better?
Miu has won bigger titles currently compared to Ito but Mima is ranked 2 places above Miu on the world ranking list.
Mima, in my mind, will overtake Miu’s current title list and in a few years may be challenging for the world no.1 spot.
Let time tell the story
Written by Eli Baraty
eBaTT (Eli Baraty Academy of Table Tennis) Coach Me Table Tennis – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Table tennis is one of the most dynamic sports on the planet requiring three key game elements: Table tennis speed, spin, power, who wins?
If you had to prioritise the three elements, which would be your top choice?
Let’s discuss all three elements, then I’ll place my personal order and leave you to ponder.
Xu Xin – Photo courtesy of Steve Rowe (Aerobic Table Tennis)
SPIN
Spin started playing a huge part in the game once technology kicked in and this began in the 1960’s. Many Champions were formed via the ability to produce lots of spins, through new high tech rubbers.
Nobuhiko Hasegawa: World Singles title, famous for his heavy topspin and high arching lob shots.
István Jónyer: World Singles title, famous for inventing the sidespin loop shot.
John Hilton: Famous for winning the European Singles Championships, using deceptive chop and float shots. John used a normal spin rubber and an anti-spin rubber on the other side. Both rubbers were coloured red (allowed back then) making it very hard to distinguish what spin was imparted on the ball.
Jan-Ove Waldner: Grand Slam Champion, famous for many shots including; the chop block, BH punch, hook and fade shots. The variety of spin shots, Jan-Ove possessed gave him the upper hand on most via adaption and continuous change at will.
At a young age or lower to advanced level of table tennis, Spin is by far the most effective element and skill.
Table Tennis Speed, Spin and Power, Who Wins?
Power
Early 2000’s power began to overwhelm spin. The ball was increased in size reducing spin and players like Ryu Seung Ming(2004 Olympic Champion) crunched every ball regardless of spin. Wang Liqin won the world singles titles 3 times, with his gigantic forehand topspin. Table tennis began to a new breed of stars focusing on hitting the ball harder, rather than spin focused. Table tennis has been dominated by power players for the past 20 years now.
Speed
Jean Phillipe Gatian, comes to mind when speed is the main focus. He won a world championship title using his lightning footwork. A few other examples include Desmond Douglas and Wang Tao, they both gave every player a run for their money because they took the ball super early. Nevertheless, back then speed was unable to contain speed and neither won a major title!
Are we seeing a new trend coming into play?
Spin was the major killer initially, but over the past 20 years power has taken command.
But…
I have been keeping a close eye on China vs Japan for the past 3 years and I’ve noticed a new trend which may be tomorrow’s winner.
Speed has not had the success compared to the other two elements but Harimoto is proving that speed does actually kill.
Harimoto, as we all know gone from strength to Strength and is still in his early teens. He has beaten the best players in the world including Zhang Jike, Fan Zhendong and the Dragon Ma Long. All three, Zhang , Fan and Ma are renowned for their awesome power and they have dominated table tennis over the past 5-10 years.
Harimoto seems to have found a chink in their armour, SPEED!
He played Ma Long two weeks ago and with all of Ma’s awesome power, it seemed nullified. Harimoto, did not give ML time to wind his big shots and even if he did Harimoto used it against ML. Ma Long, would rocket a ball and Harimoto would counter, firing ML’s power straight back at him. Furthermore, Harimoto used speed alongside good placement which saw him win many points by either wrong footing or disabling Ma Long.
Are we seeing a new powerhouse trend emerging?
I believe we are, and Harimoto, still a teenager is proving that speed does truly kill.
Table tennis speed, spin and power, who wins? My personal order:
At no.3 Spin, it had its day but can not live with power at pro level. But it is still king at lower, intermediate to advance level of play.
At no.2 Speed, today I believe power is still the dominant force but very soon I can see it changing and speed will be the new king
No.1 Power is a force not many can deny but speed likes to kill, so let’s see what will happen in the very near future!
My coaching theory and coaching methods:
First ball:Serve or return, the focus should be on high-quality spin and placement.
Second ball: 3rd and 5th ball, the focus should be on good placement alongside speed taking the ball early and putting your opponent on his/her back foot.
Your 3rd ball: 5th and 7th ball, focus on producing a powerful attacking ball with good placement and lots of energy on the ball.
For the first time in possibly 20 years, I did not watch or follow the English Table Tennis National Championships!
I sneaked a peak on some highlights from Saturday with Craig Bryant vs Alim and 1 or 2 other games but that was enough for me. I felt so ashamed and disassociated seeing the nation’s most prestigious event (for me) the worst Nationals to date!
How can we make it better?
Have a Qualification event: This would give every player in England an opportunity to play inside the nation’s no.1 event. It would provide shock results and make most players feel a part of the event. Implementing an open entry would lead to extra support towards the main event (the players, whether in or out would feel a part of the whole event). It would also open doors for players such as myself, who may decide, they wish to compete again but do not have a national ranking! Or better yet someone like Andrew Rushton who could still push most players inside the top 10 but is unable to play due to the new closed ranking system. Increase the main event numbers, by having 64 players in the draw and the top 16 ranked players gain automatic qualification. Opening the Nationals to every player would be a huge boost for everyone; players, spectators and the organisation.
Venue: I understand this year, it was easy to host the Nationals off the back of the World Cup but as many have said, “the nationals need to feel intimate”. For instance looking at the Ping Pong World Championships at Ally Pally which has a great vibe and family feel, maybe we should look at using that same venue?
Characters, Hype and Charisma: TTE, coaches or the players themselves need to develop some charisma. I’ve read some great stories about players like Chester Barnes how he attracted thousands to come and watch him because of his outbursts and vocal statements. I’m not saying have bad boys to draw in the crowd! I’m just saying it would be nice if we had charisma before and during an event to build hype. For example; Nicknames: (‘The Big Show’ – Chris Doran), TTE: publish some bold statements “World Class players will go head to head” Players: send out quotes “I will not drop a set this year”, Coaches; “My player has a new weapon to reveal”.
Crowds and fans: If you want bums on seats and there are many ways of going about it: 1) Advertise heavily, emails, leaflets sent to every club in England and put adverts on TT websites, newspapers etc. 2) Offer a deal to every qualified coach in England. E.g. a free ticket for the coach and a small discount for every player they bring or push to go, or commission based ticket sales. 3) Send tickets to every club in the country and give them a profit share margin for every ticket sold.
Make it an event: create fun activities for families, mid-game entertainment, food and beverages etc.
Coppabox Seats
Stay positive
I tried to stay away from the massive negative talk on social media as it really depressed me. I’m a huge believer in our sport. And seeing the most important National TT event in dier state, I felt obliged to offer my solution based ideas and thoughts. Whether TTE takes notice of the outcry from its players and my blog suggestions is beyond me. But at least I’ve done my bit in an attempt to help.
I hope this is a wake-up call for TTE if not it may prove fatal in the (not so long) foreseeable future.
Instagram: _elibaraty 
