I recently spent a week in Tenerife where i was able to see at first hand how the Spanish Table Tennis Federation train their elite squads. This made me wonder if this may also be useful for the ETTA as the debate over our recent elite squad training has been a hot topic.
As you can see in the picture below they train outside. They are also forced to use some non-standard equipment. The bat pictured below is branded “Plastibat”
The angle distorts the view but it is a standard size bat with same colour coverings. This has been illegal for some years but it adds an extra uncertainty to training. Also as the entire team train outside the ball is also subject to the influence of the wind and other natural elements.
I was unable to handle the bat for long enough to determine the coverings makup or playing qualities but suffice to say it did seem to evoke some quite emotinal responses.
To make things even more difficult the public are invited to spectate and comment on the training sessions. They even go to the extent of using scantily clad women to try and distact the play.
In order to pressurise the players further the only drinks available are alcoholic. However this will provide some benefits for later life as players move into Veteran tournemants where they will be better prepared for nights in the premier inn.
I did also see some of the junior players but i could not take any pictures. I did see some of them using some experimental grips. One of them was trying a revolutionary grip nick named the Pan handle grip. I’m sure this will be seen soon.
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