To buy MARK V, click on the image. I prefer MAX thickness.
It is
crucial that you choose a table tennis practice partner carefully, especially
if you are new to the game. Select someone with whom you have excellent
'chemistry'. The person should ideally be a BETTER player than you, or at least
have the same skill level as you. You don't want to practice with someone who
is not able to properly return your shots, or returns your shorts in a poor
fashion.
Once you
have selected your practice partner, you are on your way to get some really
good practice. Go for extended rallies ACROSS the diagonals of the table tennis
board. Practice across one diagonal for some time and then go for the other
diagonal. When rallying, restrain from going for fancy shots, because that may
disturb the rhythm.
After
practicing diagonally, start practicing along straight lines. Use the
right-hand section of the table, then the middle section, and finally the
left-hand section. Practicing along straight lines is much more difficult
because there is less space to control the ball.
After you
and your partner have finished the rallies using straightforward shots, go for
the fancier ones. Tell your partner that you want to practice topspin, and he
should block the shot. Then do the reverse, practice blocking the topspins of
your practice partner.
Next, go
for the chop. Both of you should be chopping the ball at your respective ends.
Tell your partner to flick the ball if he possibly can. If your chops at not up
to the mark, he should be able to flick it, if he is a good player. This is a
nice way to test the quality of your chops. Then ask him to chop the ball while
you try to flick it. This will test your ability to attack a chopped shot.
Flicking a chopped shot depends on the quality of the chop and the skill level
and you have with flicks.
Practice
for as much time as you like. Stop when you or your partner feels tired. After
you have rested for some time, and you still have time, play a match. This will
create the kind of friendly rivalry between you and your practice partner -
which is good for both of you. After all, you need to keep that spark of
interest intact and not get bored.
Practicing
with your partner will improve both your skill levels. If your partner happens
to have superior playing skills, you will quickly find evidence of this by your
inability to return his shots. This should not discourage you, in it should
encourage you. After all, you are getting more out of your partner than vice
versa. There will come a point when your return charts get better and better.
One fine day you might find that your partner is faltering. This is a sign that
your game is improving faster than your partner's and you are picking up some
really good table tennis. You will, in that case, be starting to win most of
the matches you play with your partner after the practice sessions.
