There really is something for everyone in this issue, not just coaches. Here's a few highlights:

• Larry Hodges argues that ratings can be a cancer on junior table tennis, and proposes some solutions to the problem. Actually, Larry's arguments apply just as well to anyone obsessed with protecting their rating at the expense of competing in events at their own level.
• Donn Olsen introduces the idea of unlearning when training, and discusses how use unlearning effectively. I hadn't thought much about this aspect of training before, so I'm going to put this to good use in my own training sessions.
• The idea of using targets in training young players is mentioned by Steve Hochman, a technique which is useful for players of all ages.

And yes, there's more good information inside the newsletter to look forward to. So what are you waiting for? Check it out!

Intrigued by his argument, I did a little research, and you can find my thoughts on whether the edge of the table tennis table is out of bounds here.

Is this true? Is it really OK to be a basement ping-pong player? Check out my thoughts and then feel free to add your opinion to the article.

Having analyzed world class play extensively, in his first article on returning serve (Note: this is a link to a .pdf file) Brett recommends copying the short backspin return technique of Chinese star Ma Lin, and the low bouncing backhand sidespin flick German heroes Timo Boll and Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Brett also outlines his method of teaching the short backspin return technique.

In his second article, Brett studies the importance of the short but fast serve, discusses why it is important, and suggests how best to practice this important stroke.

While Brett is discussing advanced techniques, players of all levels would benefit from reading Brett's thoughtful analysis of serve and serve return in the modern game.

But what about those ping-pong players who simply want to play for fun in their garage, family room or workplace, using their trusty Wal-Mart bats, but who would also like to play a bit better and beat their buddies more often?

If you are one of these players, then this Guide to Basement and Family Ping-Pong is for you. This guide is written by an advanced table tennis player for the ping-pong player who has only ever played for fun, who doesn't know the real difference between basement ping-pong and advanced table tennis (and who probably doesn't care!), but who still wants to improve his game and win more matches against his family, friends and work mates.

Seeing as the current test for the COR of table tennis balls is done by dropping the ball from 305mm, and then measuring the height of the bounce (which is not as easy at it sounds - try it sometime), this could be a useful product for table tennis officials around the world. Initial pricing looks to be around $25 US.

The actual table tennis ball COR measurer iPhone application is not released quite yet, but you can check out the equivalent product for golf balls from the company here.

Now if they could only come up with a similar iPhone application to measure the fastest rubber...

After many years of limited coverage of table tennis on television in Australia, this agreement is something to celebrate. Well done to all concerned in getting ping-pong onto TV screens in Australia at last.

More details about the agreement can be found on the ITTF website.