Robo-Pong the Table Tennis Robot @ Newgy.com

Photo and Tip of the Week

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The USATT Board of Directors ... in Action!!! This was the Nov. 2-3, 2001 meeting at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Clockwise from near side: Vice Presidents Dennis Taylor, Barney D. Reed, George Brathwaite and Robert Mayer, Executive Vice President Jiing Wang, Executive Director Dwight Johnson, President Sheri Pittman, Secretary Tim Boggan, Treasurer Tong Lee, Foundation Representative Jimmy McClure, Group B Vice President Hank McCoullum, Olympic Player Rep Li Ai. Missing: Player Reps Todd Sweeris and Tawny Banh. (The minutes of this meeting, including motions and votes, are viewable by reading the minutes.)
Photo by Larry Hodges, copyright 2001.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Back Up Slightly When Opponent Backs Up

By Dr. Ping Pong

Suppose you’ve hit a quick, hard shot, and your opponent has moved five feet back to return the ball with a counterdrive or soft topspin. Many players stay right up at the table, and end up getting jammed, and forced to block or go for a wild, rushed shot against what should be an easy shot. Why does this happen? Imagine the trajectory of the ball. If an opponent hits the ball from farther from the table, the ball will have a longer trajectory, i.e. the top of the bounce on your side will be farther off the table than normal. To compensate, when your opponent backs up 2-3 steps, you have to back up slight as well, perhaps one step, or even half a step.