Mistakes happen in every sport, and table tennis is no exception. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, understanding how to respond to mistakes can be the key to improving your game and maintaining your mental composure. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies for responding to mistakes in table tennis, helping you bounce back stronger than ever.
Everyone Makes Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes, it is normal. The difference between successful people and those that don’t make it, is how you respond to your mistakes. The first step in responding to mistakes is to remain calm and composed. Mistakes are a natural part of any competitive sport, and getting frustrated or upset will only hinder your performance. Take a deep breath, refocus, and remember that the next point is an opportunity to make things right. Now, I know this is a lot easier said than done. I myself have lost many matches at tournaments and local league due to get annoyed at mistakes I have made. So, how can we break this down to make it easier?
1. Analyse the mistake
After a mistake, take a moment to analyse what went wrong. Was it a technical error in your stroke, a misjudgment of the ball’s trajectory, or a lapse in concentration? Identifying the root cause of the mistake will help you address it more effectively in the future.
2. Adjust your strategy
Use the information from your analysis to adjust your strategy. If you consistently make mistakes when attempting a particular shot, consider modifying your technique or choosing a different shot in similar situations. Adaptability is a valuable skill in table tennis. For example, if your opponent is ‘digging’ your serves long and you are trying to open up but keep making a mistake, consider pushing the ball back. This should still be done in a positive way, as some people regard a push as a negative shot. You should try to generate your own spin when pushing the ball back rather than ‘plonking’ it back for them to attack you.
3. Focus on the next point
Once you’ve analysed the mistake and adjusted your strategy, shift your focus to the next point. Dwelling on past mistakes can negatively impact your performance. Concentrate on the present moment and the opportunities it holds. Dwelling on previous points can lead to you losing multiple points in a row.
4. Learn from your mistakes
View mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Each mistake provides insights into your weaknesses and areas for improvement. Embrace the chance to grow and evolve as a player. Keep a journal of your mistakes and the lessons you’ve learned to track your progress.
Positive mindset
Going into a match with a positive mindset and maintaining this could be the difference between winning and losing a game. Recently I was coaching a friend at a local league match. Going into the game she was very positive. However, after a few mistakes this started to change. Her head dropped and she made more mistakes leading to her losing the first end. After this I managed to get her to reset and she went on to win the next two ends taking a 2-1 lead. During this time her opponent had started to get annoyed and lose his own positive mindset. The fourth end was a complete mess, with both players having a negative outlook on the game. Unfortunately the opponent won this end causing the game to go to the fifth. Throughout this match, the score had always been very close. Before the fifth end the only coaching I gave was about staying positive, no technical coaching, all mental. She went on to the table listened to what I said and won 11-2 in the fifth. This was a perfect example of how having a positive mindset won her this game.
When talking about having a positive mindset during a coaching session I will often start with a little exercise which you can get involved with now. I will get the players to gather around and look at something I have written down. After a few minutes I get them to tell me something about what I have written. From the below image either let me know in the comments or think about what you would say if I was to ask you at a training session.
What was the first thing you thought? If I was to ask you to tell me something about the above picture what would you say? Every time I have done this exercise I always get the same answer. Everyone always tells me, ‘you got one wrong, 3×3=9’. This shows that no matter how many times you do something right, people will always pick up on the mistake.
Having a negative mindset happens in training too. When practicing a drill a player will often get the first 9 shots on then miss the 10th. I instantly see their attitude change and hear negative self talk. ‘I can’t do this’, ‘I always mess up’. They had completely forgotten about the 9 good shots they had previously done and focused in on the one mistake, just like above. They then get annoyed, tighten their grip and start making more mistakes. I often have to remind players about their 9 good shots they have made.
Strategies to Reduce Mistakes
Mistakes happen, they are inevitable. So what can we do in our training sessions or while at tournaments to reduce the amount of mistakes happening.
1. Practice, practice, practice
The more you practice, the fewer mistakes you’ll make. As long as what you are practicing is correct. Remember, practice makes permanent not perfect! Dedicate time to refining your skills, especially in areas where you frequently make mistakes. Consistent practice builds muscle memory and confidence. Using the notes you made in your journal you can focus your time on areas that need improving. Remember, in your practice sessions, to include the skills you are good at too so these don’t drop off.
2. Seek coaching and feedback
Consider working with a table tennis coach who can provide expert guidance and feedback. Coaches can identify recurring mistakes and offer tailored solutions to address them. This can be done through group sessions or having a 1-2-1 with a coach. You could also get a coach to come watch/coach you play at tournaments. Here they can analyse how you are playing and give you coaching points in between ends for you to try to win more points and hopefully the game.
3. Record yourself
Being able to record yourself is going to be very important. You are able to slow the footage down and analyse everything about your technique, footwork and shot selection. You can use this to help identify areas for improvement. It allows you to objectively assess your strengths and weaknesses to develop strategies to improve. You can record your training sessions as well as matches you play. If you are not sure how to analyse your performance yourself, you can show a coach your video and they will be able to analyse it for you. This can be simply done with any smart phone and a tripod. You do not need lots of expensive or fancy equipment for this.
Stay Positive & Enjoy the Game
The main reason we play table tennis is to have fun! We want to enjoy ourselves while improving. Therefore, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and remember why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. For some, playing tournaments and local league is not enjoyable for them, so stick to what you enjoy most. Personally, as I have grown older I have stopped playing at tournaments as I no longer enjoy this level of competing. Instead, I stick to practicing with my friends, local league and coaching others so I can pass on my enthusiasm for the sport. Celebrate your successes and keep a healthy perspective on your mistakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mistakes are an inherent part of table tennis and sports in general. How you respond to them can significantly impact your growth and performance. By staying composed, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a positive mindset, you can transform mistakes into stepping stones toward becoming a more skilled and resilient table tennis player. You can read more on how to let go of limiting beliefs here.
Wow, lots of great tips here!! Mistakes happen in table tennis like in any other sports. I realize how I handle them can affect my skills and how well I play. I will try to follow your advice to become a better player and turn my mistakes into chances by staying calm and thinking positively. I will record myself. That I have never done! I intend to share these tips with my children so that they can improve their skills as well.
Hi, recording yourself can be very useful to watch back your training or matches to analyse where you make mistakes. You can also see how you react mentally throughout a game.