Welcome to the ask the coach show where PingSkills answers your table tennis questions!

This week the show consists of:

 * The Joke of the Week

 * A discussion on Generalisation vs Specialisation

 * The Tip of the Week - Just be playing in 5 years!

 * 3 Questions

 * And a fun fact

What's Wrong With Me?

I am 73 and started table tennis 6 months ago . I am throwing everything into it but still loose to "ping Pongers" . I have studied the aggresive shots ,but am beaten by the safe and cautious players who simply :get it on the table: . Against a robot I play reasonable forearm and back hand loops , but when I play a person they sail into the net or out of bounds . Any suggestions?

Adjusting to Different Environment

I've been playing table tennis for 10 years and have competed in county tournaments and local leagues. However, since starting university, I’ve struggled to transfer my skills, and it frustrates me that even after being here for a few years, I still can’t adapt. The tables are much slower, and I can’t generate the same power. Shots that land back home just don’t land here, and I feel like I have less touch and control of the ball, making it harder to stay consistent. What can I do to fix this ?

Timing of Timeouts

When is the ideal time to take a timeout, and at which time of the game, like if you are down in the game 0-1 or 0-2 or 1-2 or 2-2 or up 1-0 or 2-1 or 2-0 as well? Which points should you take? When to use a towel break and when not to use it, as it can also break the rhythm?

Featured Links

PingPod #34 - Can You Escape the Ping Pong Zone?