On Thursday, 18th December, there will be an extra practice session from 7.30 to 10.00 - the last one this year.

We’d love to see you there.

At the bottom left of the screen, I’ve included a new facility - an online poll to gather your views on what you’d like to see different. Please select one or more of the possible answers, click on “Vote” and see the results.

Well, clearly it was a golfer! Most people credit this comment to Gary Player or Arnold Palmer, but Lee Trevino and Tom Watson also get mentioned as possible sources. It was supposedly in response to a spectator’s wisecrack about a lucky shot in holing out from a bunker. But is there anything more to it, and could it apply to table tennis?

We’ve all played against opponents who seem to get more than their fair share of net points or edges, and we tend to think they’re rather lucky. On the other hand, when we get an edge, we regard it as a well placed shot and a richly deserved point. Can this really be the case? Or is there a way to become as lucky as our opponents and still play good shots?

Maybe there is. If “practice makes perfect”, then perhaps we should be practising aiming at the edges or keeping the ball low over the net to better our chances of getting more of those “lucky” points. The better players hit their shots with greater accuracy, and guess what? this accuracy isn’t pure luck! Hours and hours of practice lie behind this ability to place the ball where they want it, with the speed and spin they choose.

So, if you want to become a luckier player, get down to the college on a Thursday evening over the summer and practise, practise, practise. If you want to develop a good “edge” shot, practise hitting the ball “down the line”, within 6 inches of the edge. The more consistently you can place the ball withing that corridor, the more chance that you’ll get a few extra edge points. Similarly, to get a few more net shots, you need to practise some defensive push/chop shots, keeping the ball within an inch or two of the top of the net.

Put in sufficient practice and the luck will surely follow!

Here’s a chance to work off those Easter Eggs! Beginning Thursday 17th April, and running through until September, there will be weekly practice sessions at the College between 7.30 and 9.30pm.

Whether you’re an “old hand” who needs to keep in shape over the summer and maybe learn a few new tricks, or a relative beginner who wants a chance to try out all those mysterious new techniques you’ve read about, it’s your opportunity to have a go. You don’t need to be there EVERY week, but we’d love to see you some of the time. And, at £2 a time for adults (£1 for juniors), it’s pretty cheap entertainment.

Alan

…is still on, even though it is half-term, even though it is Valentine’s Day!

Roll up, roll up, get yer practice ‘ere!
How do you use practice nights - as another chance to show off your new service, or to improve your least effective shots? As a physical training session, or to develop match temperament?
However you use it, do come along and join in the fun, anytime from 7.30pm.

A great night was had by all, well attended especially the younger members who have developed enormously since I last saw them play. Keep up the good work.

I’ve now confirmed the booking for an extra practice night before the Christmas holidays:

• Wednesday, 19th December, from 7.00pm (not 7.30pm) until 10.00pm.

See you there.

Alan

Thursday, 6th December, is the last practice night before Christmas. See you there.

Remember, you can always see the list of practice nights on the website.

Alan

Gunson Cup, round 2

• A team - Away - vs Southport ‘B’ - handicap - 100 points (Wed 12/12/2007)
• B team - Home - vs Southport ‘A’ - handicap + 100 points (Wed 12/12/2007)
• C team - Home - vs North Meols ‘C’ - handicap - 80 points (Tue 11/12/2007)
• D team - Home - vs Argyle ‘C’ - handicap - 80 points (Thur 13/12/2007 ?? )

Gunson plate, round 1

• E team - Away - vs Formby HT ‘E’ - handicap + 150 pts (Wed 12/12/2007 ?? )

Matches to be played week beginning 10 December, 2007.

As there are three home fixtures, there will be no nights available for practice during that week.