Ten Advanced Level Attributes for Table Tennis
- Mistakes - unforced mistakes are much rarer now, due to the level of training performed. The level of consistency on all strokes is high.
- Points - most points are now won through forcing mistakes from the opponent. Safe players who rely on their opponent's mistakes will find it difficult to rise through the advanced ranks, and generally learn to force mistakes by spin variation (for backspin defenders), or placement (for blockers). Attacking players who take calculated risks dominate at this level due to the advantages of controlled topspin aggression coupled with modern technology and speed glue.
- Strokes - good stroke choices are made the majority of the time, and sometimes the player may have more than one choice at his disposal.
- Strengths / Weaknesses - the advanced player will have several strengths. His weaknesses are generally weak only when compared to the rest of his game, and he has usually developed ways to make it difficult for his opponent to exploit his weaknesses.
- Footwork - is used to allow the player to play his best strokes as often as possible, while remaining balanced and able to recover for the next stroke. The player also anticipates well and moves to the correct location for the next stroke most of the time.
- Spin - is there for the advanced player to manipulate at will, in order to achieve whatever effect he desires at the time.
- Tactics - the player will have developed a good tactical game, and can adapt his tactics depending on his opponent and the situation.
- Fitness - high levels of fitness are needed to play at optimum levels in each game, and during long tournaments. Not to mention the need to survive the high training workload!
- Rallies vs Serve/Serve Return - the advanced player knows all too well the critical importance of serve and serve return, and gives serve and serve return training the time and effort it deserves. Advanced players know that a good short game can shut down an opponent's power game, and work on their short game accordingly.
- Equipment - advanced players tend to worry less about their equipment than intermediate players. Good technique and plenty of training far outweigh the small differences between different rubber and blade combinations. While advanced players may try a few different rubbers and blades in the off season, they already have a good idea of what types they like, and stay mainly within that range. Once a decision is made they stick with it during the tournament season.
