8 Tips
Jiejie (JJ) Liu
8/27/2008

• Remember that table tennis is just as mental as it is physical, if not more. Different in-game pressures, such as the score, stakes, expectations, spectators, and more, are nearly always present in varying degrees. You are the one who processes such pressures and determines how they affect your performance.
• Keep in mind that no matter what, you will play very well in some tournaments, while you won't fare your best in others. Inconsistency is ultimately part of being human; try not to stress out too much over the results of a single performance.
• Take advice from others. Spectators and even your opponents often have helpful ideas to suggest, because they have comprehensive “big picture” views of your game. Remember that not all of your coaches need that exact title.
• Always try to be as versatile as possible in your games, unless you have hit the jackpot with a single strategy. Even then, however, remember to vary your serves, placement, speed, and more. After all, you want to keep the game interesting.
• When it comes down to it, there are many more ways to win points other than executing a sudden killer shot. Tricky serves, abrupt changes in placement, and pinpointing your opponent's weakness(s), and more all are important sides of the game, too.
• Don't be afraid to try something new. If nothing seems to be working in a match, maybe stepping out and attempting to push instead of loop could lead to a better game. This is also how players ultimately expand their playing prowess and improve.
• One of the many difference between playing in practices and games is that in practice, you should never hesitate to try to fix something that isn't working, whereas in games, if a particular move keeps missing, you should switch and try a different tactic at that time, and save correcting it for later.
• We all know that this is constantly emphasized, but always stay focused when you're in a match. There's not much point in playing a game if not all of your effort and potential goes into it. In essence, you would be cheating yourself, which is the ultimate paradox. Also, nobody likes the discomfort of regret.

[Playing Tips.]