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Table of Contents

• Sporting Thoughts

• World News

• Training

  • Effective Training Duration, Skill Focus, and Impr …

    • Coaches View

  • Return of Serve: Tips for Neutralizing the Serve a …

    • Player Profile

    • Drill Of The Week

    • Video Of The Week

    • Players Stories

    • How Did We Do?

    • Subscribe

    • Free Mobile App

 World News 

Results and Events around the world

World Table Tennis

The tour is now in Frankfurt with a WTT Champions event and we have already seen some shock results!

International Table Tennis Federation

Great event was held in Paraguay: The World Hopes Challenge 2024. Involving promising juniors from around the world.

European Table Tennis Union

Catch up on all the news and events around Europe.

Table Tennis England

Get all the news and events roundup across the UK.

We will in future editions be featuring different events and table tennis associations across the planet.

If you would like to have your country , association or event featured in this section please email [email protected]

 Training 

Training effectively in table tennis involves not just time commitment but strategic focus. Here’s a guide to how long you should train for different skills and how to maintain concentration for consistent improvement.

1. Training Durations by Skill Type

• Basic Strokes (Forehand and Backhand Drive): Beginners should allocate 30-45 minutes per session focusing on these fundamental strokes. Intermediate players can maintain them with 15-20 minutes of warm-up, shifting more time to advanced techniques.

• Footwork Drills: Footwork is key for positioning. Dedicate 30 minutes in each session. Drills like side-to-side shuffles and multi-ball training help improve agility and positioning.

• Spin Techniques (Topspin and Backspin): Allocate 45 minutes to 1 hour to perfect different spins. Practicing with varying speeds and angles sharpens your ability to read and respond to spin.

• Serve and Return Practice: This critical part of the game needs 30 minutes focused solely on mastering different types of serves (e.g., pendulum, reverse, side-spin) and returning them effectively.

• Match Simulation: Spend 1-1.5 hours simulating real matches. This part of the practice helps apply all skills under game conditions, enhancing decision-making and mental fortitude.

2. Maintaining Focus During Training

Maintaining focus is as essential as physical practice. Here’s how to sustain concentration:

• Structured Sessions: Break your session into blocks. For example, dedicate 15 minutes to one skill, then switch to another. This variation keeps training fresh and prevents mental fatigue.

• Set Goals: Every training session should have a clear objective. Whether it’s improving the consistency of your forehand loop or reducing unforced errors in rallies, targeted goals give you a sense of purpose.

• Mindfulness and Visualization: Spend 5-10 minutes before training to visualize successful play or use breathing exercises to stay present. This practice reduces pre-practice stress and improves mental clarity.

• Quality Over Quantity: Avoid endless, unfocused repetitions. Practicing one stroke 100 times with perfect technique is more valuable than 500 hasty, inconsistent hits. Train at a pace that allows you to stay attentive to form and adjust as needed.

3. Strategies for Continuous Improvement

• Feedback Loop: Regularly film your practice sessions or train with a partner who can provide constructive feedback. Reflecting on this input helps refine techniques and eliminate bad habits.

• Stay Adaptable: Stagnation occurs when training routines become monotonous. Change your practice drills periodically to challenge different aspects of your game.

• Physical Conditioning: Incorporate fitness and agility exercises, such as ladder drills and plyometrics, outside of table tennis practice to improve stamina and speed.

• Rest and Recovery: Don’t underestimate the importance of rest. Muscle recovery and mental breaks are crucial for allowing the brain and body to assimilate new skills and build muscle memory.

Conclusion

Improvement in table tennis isn’t only about putting in hours; it’s about targeted, high-quality training with periods of rest to maximize gains. By diversifying your drills, setting clear goals, staying mentally sharp, and seeking feedback, you create a sustainable pathway for progress. Commit to a structured approach and watch your skills sharpen over time.

 Coaches View 

Returning serves effectively is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of table tennis.

A strong return can take control away from the server, allowing you to dictate the rally. Here’s how to improve your return of serve and turn the tide in your favor.

1. Understanding the Spin

Read the Opponent's Serve: A crucial step to returning effectively is learning to read the spin. Servers use different wrist movements, bat angles, and follow-through’s to impart spin. Train your eyes to notice:

• Topspin: The ball will have a higher bounce and may shoot forward after hitting your side.

• Backspin: The ball will have a lower trajectory and may drop quickly.

• Side-spin: The ball curves sideways and may shift unexpectedly after hitting your bat.

Practice Spin Identification: Spend time practicing with a partner who can serve with a variety of spins. This helps condition your reflexes and strengthens your ability to read subtle changes in the serve.

2. Adjusting Your Bat Angle

Proper bat angle adjustment is essential for neutralizing spin. Here’s a basic guide:

• Topspin: Angle your bat slightly down to control the high bounce and return the ball with a block or counter-hit.

• Backspin: Open your bat angle a little more to lift the ball over the net, using a push or flick.

• Side-spin: Angle your bat in the opposite direction of the spin to counteract the curve and keep control over the return.

Tip: Use a light grip on your bat to allow quick adjustments during the rally.

3. Positioning and Timing

Position yourself correctly to stay prepared for any type of serve. Stand close enough to the table to react quickly but far enough to give yourself space to adjust.

Maintain Balance: Stay low with knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart. This stance enhances agility and allows you to shift your weight smoothly to handle serves from any angle.

Early Contact Point: For optimal control, aim to hit the ball early, right at the peak of its bounce. This reduces the time the spin has to take effect and gives you better precision in your return.

4. Returning with Purpose

Once you’ve managed the spin and made solid contact, returning with intention can put you in an offensive position:

• Aggressive Flicks: Use a quick wrist action to return short serves with a flick. This keeps the ball low and difficult for your opponent to counter.

• Deep Pushes: For serves with heavy backspin, push deep to the corners. This limits your opponent’s attack options and may force them to play a defensive shot.

• Sidespin Block: If the serve has significant side-spin, return it by using a stroke that redirects the ball toward an open space on the opponent’s side of the table. This move disrupts their rhythm and positioning.

5. Mind Games and Strategy

The return isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Use these strategies to gain an edge:

• Mix It Up: Vary your returns to keep your opponent guessing. Alternating between short and deep returns disrupts their strategy and timing.

• Disguise Your Intention: Keep your body and bat positioning ambiguous until the last moment to avoid giving away your intended return.

• Control the Pace: If your opponent relies on a fast serve, slow down the game with a soft return. If they use a slower, spin-heavy serve, surprise them with a quick return.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

Dedicate practice time specifically for returning serves:

• Multi-Ball Drills: Have a partner serve different spins and speeds repetitively while you practice varied returns.

• Shadow Practice: Visualize serves and practice your bat movements and footwork without the ball. This mental rehearsal solidifies muscle memory and boosts reaction times.

• Feedback and Analysis: Record practice sessions to review your technique and identify weaknesses in your returns.

Conclusion

Improving your service returns is about blending reading (spin) skills, technical adjustments, and tactical decisions.

By understanding the spin, adjusting your bat and body positioning, and varying your return strategies, you’ll take the initial advantage away from the server and gain the upper hand in rallies.

Regular, targeted practice will enhance your confidence and turn this challenge into an opportunity to dominate the game.

A good practice is to play games with one person serving the whole time. This will enable you to focus on returns much more whilst still playing a competitive practice game.

 Player Profile 

Full Name: Truls Carl Eric Möregårdh

• Date of Birth: February 16, 2002

• Nationality: Swedish

• Playing Style: Right-handed, shakehand grip

• Equipment: Typically uses a combination of offensive rubber for forehand and backhand, optimized for his aggressive playing style.

• Current World Ranking (as of latest update): Consistently ranked within the top 10.

Early Life and Introduction to Table Tennis: Truls Möregårdh grew up in Hovmantorp, a small town in southern Sweden, where he began playing table tennis at the age of five. His early exposure to the sport came through family encouragement, as his parents noticed his innate coordination and quick reflexes. By the age of 10, Möregårdh was already competing in national junior circuits, showcasing a distinctive, fearless approach that would become his trademark.

Junior Career: Möregårdh’s rise through the junior ranks was marked by a series of notable achievements. By 14, he was already representing Sweden in youth international competitions, gaining attention for his explosive forehand and exceptional ability to counterattack from mid-distance. His performances at the European Youth Championships and ITTF Junior Circuit events underscored his potential, leading to early sponsorship deals and invitations to train with elite Swedish and European table tennis clubs.

Breakthrough into Professional Scene: Truls’s professional breakthrough came in his late teens when he began competing in the senior international circuit. One of his first significant achievements was at the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships in Houston, Texas, where he made an unprecedented run to the finals. In a gripping match, Möregårdh faced the reigning world champion and global table tennis icon, Fan Zhendong, showcasing tactical intelligence and relentless energy. Although he finished as runner-up, his silver medal was a historic achievement, making him the youngest Swedish male player to reach the final in over 30 years.

Playing Style and Strengths: Möregårdh is renowned for his aggressive playstyle that blends European offensive power with subtle Chinese-style touch and spin control. His game is characterized by:

• Powerful forehand loops capable of penetrating defenses.

• Dynamic backhand that facilitates quick, off-the-bounce counters.

• Unpredictable serves and deceptive service returns that frequently catch opponents off guard.

• Adaptable footwork allowing seamless transition between offense and defense.

Significant Achievements:

1.Olympic Games 2024 ( Paris): 2 Silver Medals – Winning a silver medal in the Men’s Singles after defeating the World number 1 and winning a silver in the Men’s Team event.

2 World Table Tennis Championships 2021 (Houston): Silver Medal – Became the first Swedish player since 1997 to reach the finals, facing off against Fan Zhendong.

3 European Championships: Möregårdh has consistently represented Sweden in both team and individual events, contributing to victories and high placements.

4 WTT Contender and Star Contender Series: Several deep runs in these international tournaments, securing key wins against top-tier competition like Ma Long and Timo Boll.

5 Swedish National Championships: Multiple titles showcasing his dominance at the domestic level.

Team Contributions: Möregårdh has played a crucial role in revitalizing Swedish table tennis, which has historically been a powerhouse but saw a dip in the 2000s. His participation in the European Team Championships has helped Sweden stay competitive against strong teams from Germany and China.

Challenges and Resilience: Despite his rapid ascent, Möregårdh has faced challenges, including adapting his training and technique to counter the powerful Chinese grip on world table tennis. He’s also worked extensively on improving consistency, a common issue among young, attack-focused players. His ability to learn from losses and adapt his style has been a significant factor in his steady climb up the rankings.

Personal Traits and Popularity: Truls Möregårdh is known for his lively personality and expressive demeanor on the table, endearing him to fans who appreciate not just technical skill but also showmanship. His open interactions on social media and candid interviews have solidified his place as one of the sport's most relatable stars.

Outlook and Future Prospects: As of 2024, Möregårdh is regarded as one of the leading faces of European table tennis, carrying the torch from Swedish legends like Jan-Ove Waldner and Jörgen Persson. With a well-rounded game, improving consistency, and mental fortitude, Möregårdh is poised to remain a top competitor for many more World Championships, Olympics, and other prestigious international events.

Summary: Truls Möregårdh represents the new wave of table tennis: young, audacious, and equipped with a hybrid of styles that challenge the status quo. His career trajectory signals not only a promising future for himself but also a resurgence of European competitiveness on the world stage.

 Training Drill Of The Week 

This training drill will help improve your BH flick, in and out movement and FH follow up.

Goal: To improve BH flick return, in and out recovery and follow up FH topspin down the line.

Coaching points:

1. Make sure you step forward for the BH flick , get your foot under the table

2. Get your head as close to the ball as possible for the BH flick

3. Keep your arm bent as you look to make contact with the ball

4. Look to make contact at top of the bounce.

5. Keep your wrist relaxed and pull it back as you go to strike the ball.

6. Look to make a quality brushing contact using the rubber on your bat to generate topspin and some sidespin as you come round the ball using your wrist.

7. After the BH flick make sure you recover back quickly into position for the FH follow up.

8. Make sure you turn your shoulders and rotate when playing the FH follow up down the line.

9. Play the FH down the line with good pace using rotation and fast arm movement on your stroke.

When doing this exercise you should start to feel this in your legs if you are moving in and out in the best way.

Video Of The Week 

 Players Stories 

In future editions we will be featuring stories from players all over the world.

If you have an inspiring , entertaining or informative story you would like to share then please send this to [email protected]

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I hope you have enjoyed this weeks edition

Have a great week of enjoyable table tennis!

See you next week

To your continuous improvement

Phil