How to Enjoy Table Tennis More? (Part 2)
How to Enjoy Table Tennis More? (Part 2)
4. Incorporate New Techniques
Every few months or when you reach a new level, challenge yourself to learn a new technique. Watch instructional videos for inspiration. Whether it’s mastering the backhand flick, perfecting a sidespin serve, or trying a new type of loop, these skills will make your game more exciting.
Not only will this improve your technical repertoire, but the novelty of acquiring new skills will also bring you greater satisfaction and joy. This reminds me of my trip to Harbin, where many southerners, including myself, were drawn to the thrill of skiing in the snow. The joy of learning something new and the sense of accomplishment it brings are universal.
5. Invest in Comfortable Equipment
Comfortable gear, including suitable clothing, appropriate shoes, and updated rubber, plays a significant role in enhancing your enjoyment. For instance, I switched my forehand rubber from DHS Hurricane 3 to a new one every two months instead of every month. The improved feel not only enhanced my performance but also increased my win rate. The more responsive and fresh rubber surface offers better tolerance and precision, positively impacting the quality of my shots.
Many players are willing to invest in high-quality imported clothing for the superior feel and breathability. While I tend to change my shirt after every game in the summer, the point is that comfortable attire can make your playing experience more enjoyable and focused.
The right shoes are equally important. They can improve your movement efficiency, help you start faster, and make your shots more accurate, potentially compensating for any weaknesses in your footwork.
6. Lower Your Expectations
As recreational players, it’s important to understand that our performance will have its ups and downs. Progress may be slow, and that’s okay. Our primary goals should be health and happiness. If we are already putting in a lot of effort in our professional lives, there’s no need to be too hard on ourselves when playing table tennis.
While it’s fine to strive for improvement, remember that winning and losing are part of the game, and it’s normal not to be the best. By lowering our expectations, we can enjoy the game more.
7. Embrace the Slow Life
I often find myself revisiting the poem ‘Slow Life’ by Mu Xin. Sometimes, happiness is simple. Just gazing out the window and daydreaming can be enough.
Of course, for many of us, daydreaming has become a luxury. We are constantly bombarded with tasks and information. I now try to minimize phone use during games and focus on chatting with my fellow players. Before I start writing in the morning, I keep my phone on silent. The key is that being present leads to greater satisfaction and joy.
The same principle applies to playing table tennis. If you’re constantly dealing with other tasks during the game, it’s hard to feel happy. It’s better to extend the entire process of playing, including the journey to the court and the time after the game, into a ‘slow’ experience.
Take your time to get to the court, whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking. After the game, don’t rush to leave. Take your time to pack up and chat with your friends. It’s in these slow moments that you can fully savor the joy of the game.