About me; why I’m starting this blog and what you can expect.

(On left. With Ben at 2012 Cornhusker State Games)

My name is Steve Soper. I’m 34. I’ve been playing table tennis since I was 19. I took a large break from table tennis for a number of years and picked it back up about 2 1/2 years ago. I have been playing seriously ever since then. I have been bitten by the table tennis bug. If you are reading this or continue to read this, chances are you have been too. I’m starting this blog for a number of reasons. Primarily because it is part of a process of trying to take my game to the next level from intermediate player to a very good regional competitor. I got the idea from a book I’m currently reading with some great tips. I’ll have more on this later. One thing I love about table tennis is that it is quite possibly the most tactical sport I’ve ever played. I love everything strategy. I’m an avid chess player and table tennis has some similarities. What you do, your next move, depends on what your opponent is doing. Table tennis is typically not one one of those sports where you can overwhelm the opponent with your strength, athleticism or style and say “Here it is. Try to beat it.” It’s much more strategic than that. That’s just one example of what makes this game great.

What You Can Expect

Penhold techniques & topics:
I am a penhold player and I think instruction and information for penholders is largely neglected compared to the more popular shakehand. From time to time I will be putting out my thoughts, techniques & ideas about the grip. Some of the ideas might be rather basic. Some might be more radical. There are a variety of ways you can play penhold. That is just one of the things so great about the grip. So if you find the style as interesting and as beautiful as I do, be sure to read along.

Equipment discussion:
I'm admittedly a bit of an EJ (common term used among players standing for "Equipment Junkie"). Certainly switching equipment can hamper one's development but discovering what you like and how different paddles and rubbers play is half the fun. So why not. That's why we play this game in the first place.

Sports psychology:
I think this is the most underestimated aspect in table tennis. I'll bet my bottom dollar the average table tennis player has spent twice as much time researching techniques and strokes vs the mental side of the game. I can admit that I'm guilty of it as well.

In game match strategy: There will be discussions over approaches I like to take at certain points in the match. Things that have worked for me and things that have not.

Overall I'd like this blog to be interactive so if you read posts and agree or disagree with an idea or approach, please feel free to share your thoughts. This blog is all in the name of improving ones table tennis game.