This part of the training cycle will increase the amount of table tennis training and decrease the amount of physical conditioning. And now that you are in tip-top shape from all that weight training and running, it is time to put it to use on the table. You should be playing table tennis about 2-3 hours per session, 4-6 times (or more) per week during this period. The training should be focused on the key elements of the game—serve, return of serve, first attack, block, and finishing attack. Every training session should incorporate all of these elements with proper footwork and technique.

The emphasis of this part of the cycle should not be on winning matches but rather on improving the basic elements of your game and using the extra power and endurance developed in the off-season period. However, practice matches should be played, but with the thought in mind of perfect technique without any regard to winning or losing. The focus on how to win matches will come in the in-season part of the cycle. The extra table tennis should keep you physically fit, but if you notice a decrease in stamina or power, replace one or two table tennis sessions for weight training or some other conditioning exercise.

Train Hard!

Eric Owens