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Hi , and welcome to the latest edition of Planet Table Tennis News.
I hope you enjoy this edition and if you have any comments or suggestions for future editions we would love to hear from you.🏓
You can let me know what your thoughts are about this edition by using the poll at the bottom of the edition.
If this edition has been forwarded to you and you have not yet signed up to receive Planet Table Tennis News, you can sign up now by heading to: www.planettabletennisnews.com/subscribe
Phil , Founder, Planet Table Tennis
Table of Contents
"A player once told me: “I only play well when I feel good.”
So I asked him to track one thing for two weeks: Did you recover after every shot?
Not his winners. Not his mistakes. Just recovery.
Two weeks later he said, “It’s weird… my timing feels easier.”
That’s the point: confidence often arrives after you start doing the right basics.
Quote: “You don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to the level of your habits.”
World News
Results and Events around the world
We will in future editions be featuring different events and table tennis associations across the planet.
If you would like to have your country , association or event featured in this section please email [email protected]
Training & Coaching
1.The “Recover-to-Play” Habit (the fastest way to look like a better player)
If you want one change that instantly improves timing, consistency, and shot quality, it’s this:
Recover immediately after every shot — even your best one.
Most club players admire pros for their technique, but the real separator is what happens between the strokes. Good recovery makes average technique look good. Poor recovery makes good technique break down.
Your coaching instruction (do this next session):
Drill: 2-point with forced recovery
Feeder blocks to backhand, then wide forehand, repeating.
Your job isn’t “hit harder” — it’s recover to the expected line of play after each shot.
After each contact, your feet should reset before the next ball lands on your side.
Coaching points
Recover with small sideways/forward steps, not big hops backwards.
Stay close to the table unless the ball forces you back.
Aim for early contact — early contact becomes easier when your body is already balanced.
Keep your “home base” slightly towards where the next ball is most likely (anticipation).
If you feel rushed, your recovery is late — don’t swing faster, recover earlier.
Progression
Add a random ball (feeder chooses BH or FH) after 6 regular balls.
Score it: 1 point if you’re balanced at contact; 0 if you’re stretched/falling.
This one habit is the engine behind better technique — it gives you time
2.The “First Attack Wide” Rule (create easy balls instead of hard winners)
A lot of players lose matches because their first attack goes straight into the opponent’s comfort zone — usually the middle. The fix is simple:
Your first attack should usually go WIDE, not SAFE.
Wide placement forces movement. Movement creates weak blocks. Weak blocks create finishing chances.
Your coaching instruction (simple pattern session):
Drill: Push → open wide → finish
Start with a controlled short push exchange.
Feeder pushes long (or half-long) to your BH or FH.
You open with topspin wide to the corner.
Next ball: you look to finish (not reset).
Coaching points
Don’t over-push: if it’s long/half-long, you attack.
Your first topspin is about quality + placement, not speed.
Aim for arc (margin over the net) and a solid spin contact.
If you open from BH, practise both crosscourt and down the line.
Mix in occasional elbow placement after you’ve moved them wide.
Recover forward after attacking — avoid drifting back.
Simple match rule to use this week
For one full match:
If you open first, your default target is wide.
You’ll be shocked how often you get a soft block.
“If you ever feel unsure what to work on in your training, I’ve put all my most effective coaching advice into one simple bundle.”
20 Coaching Guides Bundle
Train smarter, play with confidence, and win more points — with 20 proven coaching guides.
Player Profile
Jan Ove Waldner
Full Name: Jan-Ove Waldner
Nickname: "The Mozart of Table Tennis"
Nationality: Swedish
Date of Birth: October 3, 1965
Playing Style: Shakehand grip, offensive, with a combination of exceptional technique and strategic brilliance
Era: Late 1980s to early 2000s
Dominant Hand: Right
Key Strengths: Precision, adaptability, calm under pressure, creativity in shot selection, mastery of serves, and a wide range of strokes
Biography:
Jan-Ove Waldner is widely regarded as one of the greatest table tennis players of all time, often referred to as "The Mozart of Table Tennis" due to his extraordinary talent and contribution to the sport. Born in Stockholm, Sweden, Waldner began playing table tennis at a young age and quickly rose to prominence with his unique playing style and remarkable control of the ball. His career spanned over three decades, during which he became a global icon, known for his calm demeanor and near-perfect technique.
Waldner was a trailblazer in modern table tennis, revolutionizing the game with his blend of traditional European style and Asian-influenced strategies. He had an ability to anticipate his opponent's next move and execute complex rallies with ease, making him a formidable competitor across all eras. His dedication to the sport and deep understanding of its nuances helped him remain competitive well into his late 30s and 40s, outlasting many of his peers.
Notable Achievements and Titles:
Olympic Games:
Gold Medal: 1992 Barcelona (Men's Singles)
Silver Medal: 2000 Sydney (Men’s Singles)
World Table Tennis Championships:
Gold Medal: 1989 Dortmund (Men's Team)
Gold Medal: 1997 Manchester (Men's Singles)
Silver Medal: 1983 Tokyo (Men's Doubles)
Gold Medal: 1989 Dortmund (Men's Singles)
Silver Medal: 1991 Chiba (Men’s Singles)
Silver Medal: 1995 Tianjin (Men’s Singles)
Bronze Medal: 1985 Gothenburg (Men's Singles)
Bronze Medal: 1991 Chiba (Men’s Team)
World Cup:
Gold Medal: 1990 (Men's Singles)
Gold Medal: 1991 (Men's Singles)
Bronze Medal: 1983, 1994, 1996 (Men's Singles)
European Table Tennis Championships:
Gold Medal: 1982, 1986, 1990, 1992 (Men's Team)
Gold Medal: 1996 (Men's Singles)
Silver Medal: 1984, 1988 (Men's Singles)
Bronze Medal: 1982, 1986 (Men's Singles)
European Top 12 Championships:
Gold Medal: 1984, 1986, 1988, 1996
Swedish National Championships: Multiple titles in singles, doubles, and team events.
Legacy:
Jan-Ove Waldner's impact on table tennis goes beyond his impressive list of titles. He was a cultural ambassador for the sport, especially in China, where he gained celebrity status. Waldner's longevity, skillset, and sportsmanship have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans and players worldwide. His adaptability and innovation set a new standard for future generations of players, inspiring both European and Asian competitors alike.
Waldner remains a symbol of the beauty and artistry in table tennis, showing that the sport is not only about power and speed but also about strategy, finesse, and creativity. His achievements, particularly his Olympic and World Championship victories, solidify his place as a true legend of the game.
If you are wanting more training drills that you can use regularly to improve you game here is a collection of 50 great drills, plus when you get the drills you will get a copy of my guide “Making Every Drill Count” Click on the image or link to get your copy today.
In future editions we will be highlighting lots of different equipment from a range of top table tennis brands.
You can check out the 2025/2026 season range of equipment and great offers from top supplier Bribar Table Tennis.
Simply click the image or link below
Video Of The Week
Click the image or link below for a video about the legend Jan Ove Waldner!
If you would like to share a great video or picture with everyone via Planet Table Tennis News please send to [email protected]
If you have an inspiring , entertaining or informative story you would like to share then please send this to [email protected]
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I hope you have enjoyed this edition
Have a great fortnight of table tennis!
See you in 2 weeks for the next edition
To your continuous improvement
All the best
Phil
