Usually when discussing change in table tennis, we focus on deciding what is the change we want, then we work out how to go about achieving it. But every so often it is worth while to spend some time checking whether you have changed or things around you have changed, and then working out how these changes should be dealt with.
Case in Point - Getter Fitter
Regular readers of my personal table tennis blog updates may remember that in recent months I have been working hard on improving my general fitness, getting back into my weight training, upping my aerobic workload, and cleaning up my diet. None of this was done with table tennis in mind, but it has definitely had an effect on my table tennis, and I needed to recognize that fact and work out how to best deal with these changes.Since I've been getting fitter, I've found that my leg strength and stamina has improved, increasing my speed around the court, and extending my ability to keep a wider and lower stance. This in turn has resulted in the ability for me to cover a wider defensive area than I could previously, and also allowed me to use my forehand counterloop against balls that previously I had return defensively.
Once I realized that my footwork had improved, I needed to reevaluate my match tactics accordingly, since my situation had changed. My best style of play in the past when away from the table was to use predominantly defensive play, and restrict my counterattacks to backhand pick hits off my opponent's high pushes. But now that I am fitter and faster, that is no longer my best tactical choice. Instead, now when I am away from the table I am better off using my chopping to set up counterattacking opportunites with my forehand more often, since I can now get into position to attack with my forehand against high pushes or weaker loops from my opponent. This ability to move from defence to attack against pushes and weaker loops has greatly increased the amount of pressure I can put on my opponents, and improved my overall game.
Other Types of Change
The above situation is an example of an personal change adding something positive to my table tennis game. But things can also work in the other direction too! As players get older, their mobility and reflexes generally deteriorate. The smart player will take this into account when deciding on the best tactics for his matches.Other possibilities include changes to the laws of table tennis or equipment, such as the upcoming change to plastic table tennis balls. It only makes sense to analyze the effect of the new plastic ball on your own table tennis game, and make sure that you make the necessary adjustments to keep your game at an optimal level.
