Avoid My Mistakes: 7 Tips to Become a Better Table Tennis Player Faster

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After 8 years of playing If I could rewind time and start my table tennis journey all over again, knowing what I know now, there are seven key things I would do differently to get the same amount of improvement in just 2 years. Let me share them with you in case they can help you on your own journey. Especially if you want to know how to improve at table tennis faster.

1. Focus on Fundamentals Before Flashy Shots When I first started playing, I was obsessed with learning advanced techniques—the backhand flick, banana serve returns and smashing everything that came my way. But in hindsight, I skipped over the foundational skills that are the backbone of every great player: footwork, proper grip, consistent looping, and controlled rallies. These fundamentals are what enable advanced techniques to shine. If I could start over, I’d dedicate months, even years, to mastering these basics through a well-structured beginner to intermediate lesson plan before diving into anything fancy. Though you may be considering a self-taught approach, point number two should not be overlooked.

2. Prioritize Quality Coaching Early For the first five years, I learned table tennis by watching YouTube videos and mimicking players at my local club. While this helped me pick up the game, it also ingrained bad habits that took years to correct. When I finally invested in a good coach, my progress skyrocketed. A coach not only provides personalized feedback but also helps you avoid common pitfalls. If I could go back, I’d find a skilled coach right away, even if it meant stretching my budget. Be sure to subscribe below to be notified when sign-up opens for live video coaching on our site.

3. Learn a Few Good Serves and How to Follow Up on Them Early on, I tried to learn every serve I saw—pendulum, reverse pendulum, tomahawk, hook, you name it. While variety is useful, I spread myself too thin and didn’t master any serve well enough to make it a weapon. If I could start over, I’d focus on mastering two or three serves and, more importantly, understanding how to set up follow-up shots based on them. A good serve is only as effective as the attack or strategy that follows it.

4. Develop a Game Plan Instead of Playing Randomly In my early days, I treated every match like an all-out brawl—reacting to my opponent instead of proactively imposing my strategy. It wasn’t until I started analyzing my games and understanding tactics that I saw my win rate improve. If I were starting over, I’d learn to play with intention: understanding my strengths, exploiting my opponent’s weaknesses, and crafting points deliberately. Developing this strategic mindset early would have saved me from countless frustrating losses.

5. Play Against a Variety of Opponents For too long, I only played with a small group of regular opponents. While it was comfortable and fun, it limited my growth. When I started playing against different players with unique styles—defensive choppers, aggressive attackers, and unconventional blockers—my adaptability improved. If I could start again, I’d seek out diverse opponents from day one. Each playing style teaches you something new and prepares you for the unpredictability of tournaments.

6. Learn About the Mechanical Effects of Table Tennis Rubber, Sponge, and Blade In the beginning, I chose my equipment based on what other players recommended or what looked cool, without understanding how it suited my playing style, and which blades and rubbers are actually best for development. Over time, I realized the importance of understanding how stroke mechanics should work with the equipment rather than trying to use brute force without considering the equipment’s capabilities and limitations. If I could start again, I’d focus on how to generate spin, create arc, and control the ball effectively by leveraging the properties of the rubber, sponge, and blade. This knowledge would have allowed me to use my equipment more efficiently and elevate my overall game.

7. Work on the Mental Game Table tennis is as much a mental battle as it is physical. Early in my journey, I let nerves, frustration, and self-doubt dictate my performance. I’d either crumble under pressure or let one bad point spiral into a series of mistakes. Even these days I have to fight the negativity. If I had understood the importance of mental toughness earlier, I would have focused on techniques like breathing exercises, visualization, and staying present during matches. Learning how to develop mental resilience is a game-changer that separates good players from great ones.

Looking back, these seven changes would have made a world of difference. Table tennis is a journey, and every misstep taught me something valuable. But if you’re just starting out or looking to take your game to the next level, learn from my experience and don’t overlook these critical areas. The faster you build a strong foundation, embrace strategic thinking, and strengthen your mental game, the quicker you’ll reach your goals. And trust me, the journey will be all the more rewarding for it.

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