Robo-Pong the Table Tennis Robot @ Newgy.com

Photo and Tip of the Week

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Logan Michael Wetzel, 5, sports his table tennis hat and Decatur Open T-shirt. The hat, designed by mother Windy, was for a kindergarten assignment at Moulton Elementary School in Moulton, AL. The hat has 33 one-star table tennis balls and 2 keychain bats hot-glued to an old cap. The T-shirt was designed by Mike's dad (Michael Wetzel), co-director of the 2003 Decatur Open tournament.
Photo by Michael Wetzel (c)2003.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Too-Spinny Loops

By Carl Danner

 Can't handle that spin on your opponent's opening loop? If for some reason you can't push short, at least take the underspin off your push, which only adds to the topspin that comes back on a loop. Still missing? Try opening yourself, even if weakly, by topspinning every push you can. Directing these shots to your opponent's weaker wing will help.

Indeed, why play underspin at all against a tough looper? Adopt a topspin-only policy -- including serves -- and accept that while he will get to attack the ball somewhat, it will be with weaker spin, and from less comfortable positions. Sometimes it's not worth the trouble to try to stop your opponent from doing something he's very good at. Letting him go ahead, but on your terms, can create just the edge you need.