It's never been easier to watch top class table tennis than it is today - simply hop on to YouTube and there are a number of matches between world class players there for the viewing. The downside of viewing videos over the Internet is generally that the length of the clips is generally 10 minutes or less, and the quality of the video often leaves a lot to be desired. And while it's fun to watch the odd game here and there, watching scratchy low quality videos isn't something you can settle down for a couple of hours to study and enjoy. Plus you had better have broadband!
If you are like me, and want to be able to sit back, relax and absorb the best in the world at your leisure - and on your big screen - then I'd recommend trying some of the Reflex Sports World Championships DVDs. I've been a fan of Reflex Sports videos ever since 1990, when I first saw their 4 videotape production of the 1989 World Table Tennis Championships from Germany, where Sweden finally toppled the might of the Chinese table tennis machine. To someone who hadn't seen world class table tennis before, it was incredible to watch.
Since then, I've owned or borrowed a number of Reflex Sports videos - today I was watching one of my favorite sets - the 1995 World Championships where Ding Song (a defender, naturally!) was wreaking havoc all through the teams matches and individual events, until he ran into a fresh faced Kong Linghui in the semifinals. I dig these videos out every couple of months just to marvel at Ding's tremendous defence and superb counterattack. As a defender, it's inspiring stuff.
Right, let's get the downside of these DVDs out of the way first - and that's the price. The Reflex Sports DVDS have never been exactly cheap - you aren't going to be paying $10 per DVD or anything like that. But they aren't super expensive either - the 2007 World Championship set is around $24.95 US per two hour DVD, or $139.95 for the set of 8 Mens Singles DVDs. Not bad for 16 hours worth of elite table tennis.
With that out of the way, what are the good points? Well, everything to be expected of a table tennis production team that's been creating these videos since the 1980's. Multi-camera angles - from both low and high perspectives, slow motion replays, and lots of action - without all the boring bits between points of watching players walk back to pick up the ball, towel off and the like. Plus you can pick and choose which DVDs you want, so you only have to buy the ones with matches you are interested in.
Bottom line - every table tennis fan should own at least one set of Reflex Sports World Championships DVDs - for purely inspirational purposes if nothing else. Not to mention the ability to analyze the techniques and tactics that are in vogue at the top. There's nothing better on a lazy afternoon than settling back in your lounge chair with a refreshing drink and having best of the world showcasing their talents for you to watch, study and learn at the press of a remote. And if you'll excuse me, that's exactly where I'm going back to now! Now where's that bottle opener? And where did I put the remote?
Interested in purchasing a set of Reflex Sports World Championships DVDs? Buy Direct
