OOAK Table Tennis Forum

I want to know hot to get ready for a tournament. My tournament is next week. Please answer

Some things depend on what level of tournament it is, what country it is in and what umpires you have (as to how strict it is to the rules) and other things like what the facilities are like, how many players, what level of player you are amongst the other players, etc.

There are however some general things to pay attention to:

1. Know the time the tournament starts and how to get to the venue on time (or a little early)

2. Prepare your equipment well in the day or 2 before so that you ensure you have everything you need (make a checklist). Make sure your equipment is legal and you have backups of things, especially your bat in case you break it or it gets ruled illegal for some reason. Also work out what clothing you'll need for the conditions as well as towels and other stuff - cremes for injuries, etc. And have a bag which will fit everything in it.

3. Prepare your food and hydration before the day. This means either having everything you need to keep yourself fed and hydrated on the day, or knowing you can buy what you need at the venue. Always good to have some fruit like bananas with you though and possibly some kind of energy bar. And don't rely just on the venue in case they have short supply of something.

4. Get enough practice in to feel comfortable you can perform at somewhere near your best on the day.

5. Get well rested in the days leading up to the tournament, and especially the night before. But if you're nervous the night before you may not sleep as well, so make sure you sleep well in preceding days.

6. Read all the tournament rules and requirements to ensure you meet them all.

7. Get ready to have fun! If its your first tournament be prepared to lose and not be upset, and be happy if you do better than expected, but don't be down if you don't as there will be more opportunities. And being nervous and applying self pressure only makes you play worse usually anyway. Try to meet as many people as you can at the tournament too. It builds contacts and make the whole event more enjoyable, as well as giving you people to see again in the same circles in the future.

I'm sure there are other things I've forgotten, which someone else can add in for you too. But this is a good start. Tell us something more about yourself and your circumstances will help us help you.

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I'm always in the dark, but the Dark sheds lights upon everything!! Beauty is only pimple deep! Beauty is in the eye of the pipholder!
S/U 1: Blade: Bty Gergely . FH Black Andro Rasant 2.1 . BH Red Tibhar Grass Dtecs
S/U 2: Blade: Bty Gergely . FH Black Hexer+ 2.1 . BH Red GD Talon
S/U 3: Blade: Bty Gergely . No rubbers...thinking of adding Red Dtecs and Black Rasant
Aussie Table Tennis Shop / Aussie Table Tennis Facebook Page / Equipment Review Index / Read my Reb Report Blog: click here.

Great suggestions by Reb. On his first point, being there on time, I'd say you should get there at least 45 minutes before the start of your first event, if not earlier. I typically get to a venue at least an hour early. That way I don't feel rushed to get dressed, say hello to the friends that I know, and grab a table and someone to warm up with. I cannot stress enough how important a proper warm-up is.

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"The greatest teacher, failure is"
USATT Rating: 1725
Blade: Stiga Cybershape Carbon
FH Rubber: Butterfly Tenergy 19 2.1
BH Rubber: Dr Neubauer ABS3 1.5

Really sound advice, Reborn.



But maybe you need to revisit this piece of advice.

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Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear

Hey, I can't help if my driver gets lost! My advice was based upon past experience (very recent at that!! )

_________________
I'm always in the dark, but the Dark sheds lights upon everything!! Beauty is only pimple deep! Beauty is in the eye of the pipholder!
S/U 1: Blade: Bty Gergely . FH Black Andro Rasant 2.1 . BH Red Tibhar Grass Dtecs
S/U 2: Blade: Bty Gergely . FH Black Hexer+ 2.1 . BH Red GD Talon
S/U 3: Blade: Bty Gergely . No rubbers...thinking of adding Red Dtecs and Black Rasant
Aussie Table Tennis Shop / Aussie Table Tennis Facebook Page / Equipment Review Index / Read my Reb Report Blog: click here.

Hmmm, I thought the passenger was responsible for navigation. At least, that's always my excuse when I'm driving and getting lost!

_________________

Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear

Not in this day and age where GPS does the navigation! Come into this century mate!

_________________
I'm always in the dark, but the Dark sheds lights upon everything!! Beauty is only pimple deep! Beauty is in the eye of the pipholder!
S/U 1: Blade: Bty Gergely . FH Black Andro Rasant 2.1 . BH Red Tibhar Grass Dtecs
S/U 2: Blade: Bty Gergely . FH Black Hexer+ 2.1 . BH Red GD Talon
S/U 3: Blade: Bty Gergely . No rubbers...thinking of adding Red Dtecs and Black Rasant
Aussie Table Tennis Shop / Aussie Table Tennis Facebook Page / Equipment Review Index / Read my Reb Report Blog: click here.

Not if this miracle technology of yours leads you to the house of a meth-dealer!

_________________

Weapon 1: Andro Kinetic Supreme Hinoki/Zylon OFF-; Andro Hexer HDs (FH 2.1/BH 1.9)
Weapon 2: Ross Leidy 'Smokey'; Friendship 729-5s
Club1: Daylesford - since 2010
Club2: Ballarat - since 2011
Blog: A Naked Bear