Assignment 20- Eli Wrinn

I always consider myself to be a person with many talents, however they are talents that aren't necessarily unique so this blog is rather challenging. For example, I could probably give a good tutorial on how to shoot a basketball or throw a baseball however there are a few Academy baseball players and Harris Hawkins plays basketball as well. (Although I'm a better shooter than him any day) I guess a relatively unique talent I have is I'm a very strong ping pong player. I have a table in my house right next to my TV, the room in which I by far spend the most time. (While I'm awake) The steps to developing a strong game probably starts with the grip of the paddle. I would recommend holding the paddle as if you are giving a peace sign (or bunny ears) so as to create maximum control and minimize interference on the backhand. The shot I would work on is the backhand as well. With this as your primary shot, it is impossible to get jammed and reacting to a shot on the forehand side is easier than vice versa. It isn't absolutely necessary to have a skill for crushing winning groundstrokes and still compete at a relatively high level, this skill will mainly develop over time. In fact, when the opponent leaves room for a slam, I often hit it much less hard than expected, which almost always effectively wins the point, as it is a great change of pace. The most effective approach to winning points is hitting deep backhands to alternating sides, these points will usually end in a weak shot or an error from your opponent. While these aren't necessarily pretty, they are the quickest way for you to be "that guy who is really good at ping pong."