My Coaching Experiences & Tips For You!

I’m known in my community to be the “ping pong guy” and many people often come to me wanting to get better to beat their colleagues or friends. I’ve coached different people from ages seven to forty seven, and I’ll share some of my experiences here. The common belief that kids learn things faster is indeed true when it comes to table tennis, but it might not be for the reasons you think. In fact, adults have an easier time picking up the sport since they have more developed muscles and motor skills. Some kids can barely reach over the table! But the kids always take what I tell them very seriously and always listen to what I say, eager to change and improve as fast as possible. Most of the people that ask me to coach them have already played before, and can usually at least hit the ball and move around a little bit. But this makes my job harder! Since almost everyone I coach hasn't received formal training before, their form is pretty bad (no offense) and I have to correct it. This is what separates the kids and the adults. A ten year old kid who has been playing around in his school for two months went from being able to hit ten forehands with me to being able to rally for over fifty in just four days. He listened attentively to what I had to say, and eagerly implemented the changes, even when I told him he had to give up his previous techniques and fix some of his bad habits. He came in with a confident mindset that he could do anything. I also played with one kid from my church, also around the same age. He was much less experienced and had developed an incorrect way of gripping the paddle (gripping it with his thumb on the side of the paddle) but quickly accepted change when I told him that was incorrect. We were doing the two points forehand multiball exercise in thirty minutes.

My experience with many of the adults is vastly different. They are less willing to accept change. When I tell them to change, they tell me that “they’ve always played like that,” and that “they were too old to change their old habits” and “just to hit with them.” I thought you wanted me to coach you! Adults have the misconception that because they’re so old, they can’t change their form anymore. This is ironic, because most of the adults I’ve coached haven’t even been playing for over 5 years. They are always concerned with hitting the ball and getting it over no matter what, even if it means pushing it with their paddle in the weirdest position. This is what I think is the main difference between the adults and kids, and why the kids improve so fast. Neuroplasticity is maintained even when you get older. You always have the opportunity to change and get better. Even if “you’ve always played like that,” you can start playing differently now!

Sometimes, you just need to be a kid, eager to learn, and willing to give up something you already have for something greater.

BTT Members at 2024 U.S. Open Table Tennis Championships

by BTT

Aaron, Anna, Emma and Rassi, four BTT members trained and mentored by MPTTC coaches, made their debut at the 2024 U.S. Open, held from December 16th to 21st at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This prestigious event has drawn 1,478 participants competing across 115 championship events, showcasing a mix of elite talent and emerging players from around the globe.

Competing in multiple events, BTT members met old friends, made new friends, showcased their skills, gained valuable experience, and enjoyed the exciting atmosphere of the city. Rassi, one of our honor members, had the unique opportunity to engage with the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Foundation and those special and innovative games during their first encounter. This experience was particularly memorable to BTT members, which emphasized fun, inclusivity, and the spirit of table tennis.

Below are their highlighted achievements:

• Anna Naumova advanced to the Top 16 in the U11 Girls' Singles category (48 total players).

• Anna Naumova & Rassi Zhou reached the Top 8 in the U11 Girls' Doubles category (12 total pairs).

• Rassi Zhou advanced to the Top 16 in the U1300 Junior category, excelling in a highly competitive field of 96 players.

• Rassi Zhou & Aaron Li advanced to the Top 16 in the U3100 Doubles category (32 total pairs).

• Emma Yang advanced to the semifinals in the U11 Girls' Singles category (48 total players); in the U11 Mixed Doubles category (20 total pairs), with Evan Dong from TTA; in the U13 Girls' Doubles category (9 total pairs) with Anya Shanbhag from HITTA. 

• Emma Yang, alongside her partner Anya Shanbhag from HITTA, claimed the Championship title in the U11 Girls' Doubles category, triumphing over a field of 12 pairs.

They also shared the experience in their own words:

From Rassi:

I’m ten years old and I’ve been playing table tennis for five years. I recently attended the US Open in Las Vegas, I played seven singles events and three doubles events. I felt that the US Open was very different from the tournaments I played in the past, playing this tournament gave me a sense of responsibility and independence.

During the US Open I participated in an event hosted by ITTF (international table tennis federation) foundation featuring rackets with different colors and textures. I feel this event helps non table tennis players experience table tennis in a fun way by using those special rackets. I hope in the future there are more events like this that feature fun and exciting experiences for everyone!

From Aaron:

This is the first time I’ve been to U.S open and I think it’s very special because it has sooooo many people with different styles and techniques. My favorite part was when I got to play opponents so much high than your level and it felt so good to play the dudes. My main goal was to just try and like do my thing and just play table tennis as best as I could so that’s my experience at THE US OPEN AT LAS VEGAS!!!!!

From Anna:

This year, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the US Open 2024. It felt like a dream come true to stand among some of the best players, all of us sharing the same passion for table tennis. But wow, it wasn’t easy - mentally or emotionally.

Every match was a challenge, not just because of the strong opponents, but also because of the battle in my own head. Focusing on every single game was so difficult. Sometimes, I’d get frustrated when things didn’t go my way, or I’d get too excited and lose control of my strategy. I realized quickly that table tennis is as much a mental game as it is about skill.

There were moments, though, when I managed to take control of my emotions. In those moments, I could think clearly, stay calm, and play my best. And when that happened, I won games. It felt amazing! Those wins weren’t just about the points; they were about proving to myself that I could do it.

But there’s still so much to learn. Emotional stability is something I know I need to work on for the future. I want to train not just my strokes and footwork but also my mind - to stay strong, focused, and calm no matter what happens during a match.

The US Open taught me so much about myself, and I’m already excited to keep growing as a player. One day, I hope to return to this stage stronger than ever!

From Emma:

This year was my first year at the US open. I was very excited and nervous at the same time. I was excited to meet all my friends and play against different people, but I was also nervous about losing rating, which I learned doesn’t really matter too much. I fought hard for my matches, and some of them I ended up winning while some of them I lost. In the end, I learned two main lessons. The first one was to always warm up well before playing, because when I was more warmed up I had more feeling which allowed me to perform better. I also learned to always stay focused during the match. Regardless of the score. I noticed that as long as my head was in the game, and I had feeling, I would be more likely to win. I learned a lot about Table Tennis through this tournament. It's not just about how fast you can move, or how accurately you can hit the ball. It’s about where to hit the ball and how, because in table tennis there are thousands of options of what to do. But only a few lead to success.

About the U.S. Open Table Tennis Championships 

The oldest and one of the most prestigious table tennis tournaments in the United States, dating back to 1934. Over the years, it has grown significantly, attracting top players from around the world and providing a platform for both amateur and professional athletes to showcase their skills.

Key Milestones:

• Early Years: The tournament began as a series of events organized by the New York Table Tennis Club and the American Ping Pong Association before being officially recognized by USA Table Tennis (USATT) in 1934.

• 1976: The tournament was formalized as the U.S. National Table Tennis Championships, often referred to as the U.S. Closed, which is a closed tournament only for U.S. citizens.

• Championship Highlights: Many legendary players, including world champions and Olympic medalists, have graced the tournament, delivering memorable performances.

• Emerging Talents: The U.S. Open has been a launching pad for young players to gain recognition and experience on a competitive stage.

• Diverse Categories: The championship features a wide range of events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and age-specific categories, catering to players of all levels and ages.

• The tournament is typically held in major cities across the United States, featuring state-of-the-art venues and attracting large audiences. The format includes round-robin stages followed by knockout rounds, ensuring a thrilling and competitive atmosphere.

• Live Streaming: Fans can watch key matches, including the semifinals and finals, through live streaming, offering an opportunity to witness high-stakes table tennis action.

About ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) Foundation: Empowering Change Through Table Tennis

The philanthropic arm of the ITTF, dedicated to leveraging table tennis as a tool for positive social change. Established in 2018, the foundation promotes inclusivity, equality, and development through various global initiatives and projects. It envisions a world where table tennis transcends boundaries, empowering individuals and communities. Its mission is to use the universal appeal of the sport to foster social cohesion, improve well-being, and create opportunities for marginalized populations. 

The ITTF Foundation has implemented projects in over 50 countries, benefiting thousands of individuals and communities. From providing equipment to remote regions to organizing inclusive tournaments, its work demonstrates the transformative power of table tennis.

• Promotes participation in table tennis regardless of age, gender, ability, or socioeconomic status.

• Advocates for gender equality and accessibility, especially for people with disabilities.

• Implements programs in underserved communities to improve access to sports and education.

• Provides resources, training, and infrastructure to foster local talent and community development.

• Encourages environmentally responsible practices within the table tennis community.

• Incorporates sustainable solutions into tournaments, training, and outreach projects.

• Uses table tennis to provide emotional and psychological support in areas affected by crises or disasters.

• Flagship Programs:

  • #TableTennisUnited: Supports grassroots initiatives worldwide by funding projects that use table tennis for social good.

  • Dream Building Program: Empowers communities through education and sports, offering long-term support to enhance quality of life.

  • World Table Tennis Day: Celebrates the sport’s global appeal annually by hosting events that promote unity and joy.

About Matchpoint Table Tennis Center (MPTTC) at Whippany, NJ

Matchpoint Table Tennis Center features a 5,000-square-foot facility equipped with 11 professional tournament tables. The center offers private and group training for all age groups, league play for various skill levels, and open play for recreational players.

About Table Tennis America (TTA) 

A state-of-the-art table tennis club located in Fremont, California. Known for its commitment to excellence, TTA serves as a hub for table tennis enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. TTA is also committed to promoting the growth of table tennis in the community. It welcomes players of all backgrounds and organizes events to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

About HITTA (Houston International Table Tennis Academy) 

A premier table tennis training center located in Houston, Texas. Through its dedication to coaching, training, and community-building, HITTA is committed to growing the sport of table tennis in Houston and beyond. The academy also focuses on youth development, helping young players reach their full potential while emphasizing sportsmanship and discipline. HITTA plays a significant role in advancing the sport of table tennis in Texas and the U.S. Its commitment to helping players of all ages and levels succeed makes it a cornerstone in the table tennis landscape.