Any serious competitive table tennis player will use targets in his/her training sessions… … But won’t look at the targets. He/she will focus on the stroke instead of the target and execution improves – dramatically. This is called having a MENTAL MODEL of what you’re trying to accomplish (learn). It can include visualisation, but should […]
Archive for the 'Sports Psychology' Category
In a recent blog post I highlighted the visual analysis of an elite baseball swing. Today’s post is from boxing. Even though I play racket sports and boxing is not my cup of tea, I have profound respect and admiration for the skills and attributes it takes. The video below is an example of the […]
The two previous posts focused on two different, but related Deliberate Practice Principles; the first to watch your opponent while he/she hits the ball and the second, to ANTICIPATE his/her next shot. Admittedly, the second is a lot harder to master. You’re in luck, you can learn to do this even when you’re not on […]
This is one of the more contentious aspects of Deliberate Practice Principles. Focusing on ONE element or component of the skill you’re trying to acquire. For example: For a table tennis serve, focusing… JUST on increasing spin or; JUST on hiding your racket behind your body or; JUST on the racket contact point to affect […]
A recent post revealed a great table tennis training tool to help increase spin. Someone asked a great question: “Why bother with a stationary tool like this if you have a ball-feeding robot that can place the balls consistently in the same place?” The answer is: One of the core philosophies of Deliberate Practice Principles […]
One of the key foundational concepts of Deliberate Practice Principles is to observe the changes you’re making, as you’re making them. The before and after images below reveal the changes to a table tennis serve tactic to increase spin by adjusting the ball’s contact point towards the tip of the racket. This allows for the […]
Deliberate Practice Principles are how World Champions and Olympians consistently out-perform the average elite, competitive player by accelerating their skill acquisition – systematically and predictably. One of the CORE FOUNDATIONAL principles is the use of Mental Models. In table tennis, for LONG/FAST serves The Mental Model is NOT about the intended targets (green and yellow) […]
In a previous post, I addressed the controversial idea of NOT watching the ball, but focusing on your opponent HITTING the ball and LOOKING where and how he/she hits the ball ON HIS/HER STRINGS. Today’s exercise, also based on Deliberate Practice Principles shifts your focus to WHAT SHOT you EXPECT your opponent to hit BEFORE […]
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and recommit to your passion(s). For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the path to excellence isn’t just about showing up — it’s about consistent, deliberate effort to refine every aspect of your game. Here’s some motivation and practical advice to help you […]
Roger Federer, what a class act. First on the tennis court and now as an aspirational role model. This is a must-watch speech for anyone who is committed to self-improvement; personally, professionally, athletically, academically, socially or altruistically.
