“Can you teach me table tennis?” — six simple words that transformed my life.
Genesis
It was 2009 and I came across Praveen sir’s club near my home in Bengaluru, India and I am asked him very timidly if I could learn from him. In his characteristic welcoming way, he replied — “Sure, why don’t you come at 7.30pm today?” With this conversation began a decade long relationship which still continues to grow :)
Following are some key lessons I learnt from him which not only helped me improve my table tennis but pursue my other passion (Machine Learning) and become a better person overall.
Lesson: First Step is the hardest
I remember my first lesson in table tennis very vividly —it was overwhelming and intimidating to say the least. Over period it has definitely gotten easier, but each time I play a competition or learn a new shot I feel like a complete novice!
Lesson: Backhand is for attack
One of the first things Praveen sir mentioned to me — Backhand is for attack! Over a period of time I have realized the importance of this statement — Attacking your opponent’s backhand side(which is generally weaker) is a very common strategy but since we worked on it a lot (I struggled for almost a year to string a few shots together) I developed into a backhand dominant player. As with life, it’s all about growth and turning your weakness into a key strength.
Lesson: Never tweak too much — your uniqueness is your strength!
I am an opportunistically aggressive person by nature and my game reflects that. If I observe a small chance to seal the point I just go for it. It’s risky and has cost me matches but over a period of time I have learnt to calibrate my attack — I still don’t play defense much just attack and counter attack :P.
Over the years, Praveen sir has molded my game but not once he’s asked me to change my natural style — which is the easiest thing for a coach to do but not the best. Your unique style and thought process can win you matches if you put in the time and effort to hone it.
Lesson: Total commitment and dedication — leave it all on the table.
One very important thing I picked up is to leave it all on the table. At the end of the match, for me it’s critical that irrespective of the result that I give it my absolute 100% and don’t have any regrets. I recall quite a few matches where I lost but I know I had played well and could see the result of my practice. It’s just a matter of time and small adjustments and I can get over the line — this very thought can you give great confidence.
Lesson: Awareness of yourself, your opponent and the situation at hand
This is a key learning I had to learn the hard way and it’s the journey of a lifetime to completely master this. This is often referred to as “locus of control” focus on what you can control, do your best and let go of those outside your control (opponent, crowd, table, referee etc).
Some key takeaways:
- You may not always be in the control of your situation but you definitely control your response. Ability to understand your state — physical, mental, emotional, tactical, technical and that of your opponent is super critical.
- You can tell a lot about the kind of person your opponent is just by looking at your opponent’s equipment before the match — you’re allowed to do that.
- Ability to read the situation and calibrate your response is super critical — there are some opponents best left alone but for some you can see them react when you’re vocal during the match.
Lesson: Open to learning
As with life, more you understand the more there is to know :) For me, it’s a humbling experience when Praveen sir asked me about table tennis clubs in USA and my experience and we get into a deep discussion — his openness and enthusiasm for table tennis is contagious and energizing. This is something I have tried to imbibe not only for table tennis but for my other love — machine learning and towards life in general. I definitely have made small progress and have incredible memories but the best as always, is yet to come :)
Lesson: Play with a smile! Last but definitely not the least — enjoy your practice and the grind as much as the victories. Get the know the people you play with and build good memories.
Dedication — To Praveen sir, on this Teacher’s day I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to you for your love, encouragement, guidance and friendship. I look forward to many more years of delightful conversations talking technique, strategy and lessons from table tennis and life in general. Happy Teacher’s day!
Praveen Sir and me in pics!
