Steal From the Stars
One of the best methods to reach your goals and improve your game is to watch and duplicate what the best players in the world are doing. The best table tennis players (and in any area of life for that matter) are at the top of their tree for a reason; they do certain things a little better and a little more often than the average person. There is no reason why what works well for them can not work well for you too. There is no shame in duplicating what the best players do, so keep an eye on what those above you are doing and try to bring certain facets of their play into your game also. Who knows, in the future other players might be bringing aspects of your game into theirs.Work Harder and Smarter
A final point in realizing your goals is that as often as possible you should go that extra yard. Leaving no stone unturned in your preparation and training will increase your self belief in yourself, as you will know that you have put in the hard yards. Not only will you have hit more balls than your opponents on many occasions, you will also be physically fitter and mentally stronger as you would have had to push yourself to get that little bit extra out of yourself. This can also give you a psychological edge over your opponents. Think about when you have played someone with a good work ethic that looks as fit as a fiddle. Typically you would be less confident against such an opponent than against someone that you know rarely trains, or trains without intensity.It is important though that even with more training and commitment that you do not fall into the trap that I have in the past. You must realize that even if you are training more often and with better intensity than anyone else this definitely does not mean that you deserve to win more matches; but rather it will just give you a better chance of being successful more often.
Conclusion
So overall, it is important that you set yourself achievable, but stimulating goals. Remember to aim that little bit higher than what you think is achievable at the time. It is also critical that you have a plan to help you achieve these goals, and are prepared to work harder than your opponents do. Whilst success can never be guaranteed, you will be a lot closer to moving up in the table tennis ranks than what you otherwise would be.
Train hard,
Scott Houston.