by BTT
From December 13 to 15, a total of nine BTT members had a great time cheering for the Major League Table Tennis (MLTT), hosted at the Westchester Table Tennis Center (WTTC) in Pleasantville, New York, This event brought together elite table tennis players and passionate fans for a showcase of world-class talent and high-stakes action.
It’s our first time watching games live, serving as ball kids, meeting with our favorite players in person and connecting with other fans!
From Sam: On December 14th, I watched the first MLTT game in person. One of the reasons that I came is I wanted to see how the professionals play and how I can improve my game by watching them. I think MLTT is very important to kids like me, because it's like a mountain high out there, and it inspires us to keep climbing and reaching our dreams.
From James: …I believe that Major League Table Tennis will be a catalyst for the improvement of many players, but also a fun introduction into the professional world of ping pong to people who have less experience or have just started.
From Jerry, a recent BTT member:
I was very surprised by the professionalism of MLTT, it’s just like any other professional sports league in the United States. They have professional on site editors and a dedicated camera crew. I am really grateful for the founder of MLTT and I think they are doing amazing work.
The format of the event was also very creative. Because of the accessible nature of Table Tennis, there was a fan zone where fans could play after watching the pros do it! What other sports league can boast a fan zone like that? I saw young kids and old men enjoying themselves in the fan zone. However, I do think that they could do with a high level commentator on site like Adam Bobrow, perhaps, to explain the specific characteristics of each player and give the audience a little more context.
Overall, I thought MLTT was really well done and I am so excited for what it may bring in the future. Maybe table tennis will become a mainstream sport like basketball or baseball, and I can finally get taken seriously by my friends when I tell them I play “ping pong.”
From Emma: I was very excited to be a ball kid and be able to watch the professional players from a close. I really enjoyed watching MLTT because I got to see so many different playing styles. I also enjoyed watching it because I was hooked basically the entire time. Especially at the golden game, I could tell that everybody was really focused and intrigued, and the playing atmosphere became very tense. I overall enjoyed being a ball kid at MLTT.
From Ethan: Unlike many of my fellow members, I was not involved in table tennis before joining BTT. After joining BTT, I became a casual table tennis player. Major League Table Tennis is doing a great service in spreading awareness of table tennis around America by hosting tournaments for people to watch. Additionally, the clips they post on their YouTube channel provide an additional way for people to get introduced to table tennis.
From Wynn: I started playing table tennis a few years ago. What really sets this sport apart is the community. After attending a few tournaments, you start to get to know the other players, too. When I found Major League Table Tennis, my perspective shifted. As my studies picked up, I found I had less and less time for table tennis, but I am still able to stay connected with Major League. I love going to the events, seeing friends, and cheering for my favorite teams.
About events
On Friday, Dec 13, It was Seattle Spinners vs. Florida Crocs then Princeton Revolution vs. Texas Smash. On Saturday, Dec 14, It was Florida Crocs vs. Texas Smash then Princeton Revolution vs. Seattle Spinners. On Sunday, Dec 15, It was Texas Smash vs. Seattle Spinners then Princeton Revolution vs. Florida Crocs.
Meet the Teams
Seattle Spinners
The Seattle Spinners are one of the most dynamic teams in the MLTT, embodying the innovative and spirited culture of the Pacific Northwest. Known for their exceptional mastery of spin and control, the Spinners specialize in outplaying their opponents with technical precision and strategic brilliance.
This team combines seasoned veterans with promising young talents, creating a blend of experience and fresh energy. Their matches are often a showcase of tactical ingenuity, thrilling fans with unpredictable rallies and game-changing plays. The Seattle Spinners are not just competitors—they are entertainers, bringing passion and excitement to every game they play.
Florida Crocs
The Florida Crocs are a fierce and competitive team in the MLTT, representing the vibrant and bold spirit of the Sunshine State. Known for their aggressive playstyle and unrelenting determination, the Crocs thrive under pressure, often turning matches around with their powerful smashes and lightning-fast reflexes.
Their roster features a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, making them a balanced and unpredictable team. The Crocs are a fan favorite, not just for their thrilling performances but also for their ability to create electrifying moments on the table. True to their name, the Florida Crocs are always ready to strike when it matters most, making them a formidable force in the league.
Princeton Revolution
The Princeton Revolution is a standout team in the MLTT, representing the rich culture of excellence associated with Princeton. Known for their strategic depth and innovation, the Revolution combines the flair of rising stars with the wisdom of seasoned professionals. Their name reflects their mission: to revolutionize table tennis with a mix of creativity, precision, and teamwork.
With a strong base of supporters and a reputation for delivering high-energy performances, the Princeton Revolution is a formidable presence in the league. Whether defending their turf or taking on rivals on the road, this team embodies passion and dedication to the sport, making them a fan favorite to watch.
Texas Smash
The Texas Smash is a powerhouse team in the MLTT, representing the Lone Star State with pride and intensity. Known for their fast-paced and aggressive style of play, the Smash excels in delivering high-energy performances and dominating their opponents with precise smashes and relentless attacks.
Their roster features a dynamic mix of experienced players and rising talents who bring creativity and tactical brilliance to the table. With a fearless approach and a passion for entertaining the crowd, the Texas Smash embodies the bold and competitive spirit of Texas. They are always ready to make an impact, ensuring their matches are as thrilling as they are unpredictable.
About Westchester Table Tennis Center (WTTC)
Since its establishment in 2011, the WTTC has been a premier destination for table tennis in the United States. With its state-of-the-art facility featuring 21 professional-grade tables, the center has hosted countless national and international tournaments. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to developing talent, the WTTC has become a key player in growing the sport’s popularity. It has seen participation from Olympians, world champions, and rising stars, making it a fitting venue for the MLTT.
BTT members volunteered be ball kids and support the events: Emma Yang (4 hr); Rassi Zhou (4 hr); Peter Liu (4 hr); James Yang (3 hrs); Ethan Chan (3 hr); Sam Liu (3 hr); Willian Liu (3 hr); Wynn Zhou (3 hr); Jerry Zeng (3 hr)
BTT members volunteered to to summarize the activities: Peter Liu (2 hr); James Yang (2 hrs); Sam Liu (2 hr);Jerry Zeng (2 hr), Ethan Chan (2 hr), Wynn Zhou (2 hr); Emma Yang (1 hr).
by Jerry Zeng
December 24-26th 2024, BTT member, Jerry Zeng, from Joyous table tennis club, trained a group of people ages 10-48.
BTT Volunteered: Jerry Zeng: 12/24-26/2024, 4 hours per day, total 12 hours
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.
by BTT
From September to December 2024, BTT members, Emma Yang, David Su, Jason Mei, Peter Liu, Ishan Rangdal, Aaron Li and Anna Naumova volunteered to practice with other players at the MatchpointTTC's group training sections.
BTT Volunteered:
Emma Yang: 09-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 5 hours;
Ishan Rangdal: 09-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 5 hours;
Peter Liu: 09-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 5 hours;
Aaron Li: 10-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 4 hours;
David Su: 10-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 4 hours
Jason Mei: 11-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 3 hours
Anna Naumova: 11-12/2024, 0.5 hr per week, total 3 hours