The post JOOLA Becomes Official Paddle Sponsor of Life Time Pickleball appeared first on JOOLA Global.

The post Taking on One of the World’s Best at WTT Singapore Smash appeared first on JOOLA Global.

Let’s Start with Limba Wood.

Limba wood is typically a softer wood type. It provides great balance alongside faster carbon composite layers. Limba generally offers more stability to powerful blades. This makes it perfect for blades which are focused on ball acceleration through spin production. It’s also perfect for blades which have more control to balance out their power ratio.

While they offer more balance, it is important to note that Limba top layer blades are not necessarily slow. These blades can have great speed thresholds like the Vyzaryz Trinity blade, but this softer wood helps make the blade more forgiving. This sacrifices some of the power properties of the blade to offer more touch.

Koto is considered the powerful wood in the world of table tennis blades

Koto is usually applied in thinner layers. It is a much stiffer wood, taking away flex and adding hardness to a blade. Koto on the top layer of a blade packs a punch, it adds sharpness and a clean feedback to the blade.

These blades have very pure feedback. With the added hardness on the top layer the Koto wood blades are also considered to have greater precision and direct power.

The Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-c 90 is the latest JOOLA blade with Koto wood on the top layer. It helps provide the sharpness and power that a player like Zhou Qihao in the Chinese National Team would look for in his game!

In some cases these wood layers are relatively thin. They may make up just one top ply layer of a blade, but they can have a huge impact on performance. The differences between Limba and Koto top layer blades are important to know about for competitive players. Perhaps Limba is for you, perhaps Koto. Maybe your preference lies elsewhere as mine has at many times and you prefer the feeling of Hinoki Top layer blades.

Understanding more about these wood types will help you to find the right custom table tennis equipment for you.

The post The Two Major Players in Table Tennis Blades: Koto vs. Limba Top Layers | MHTT Blog appeared first on JOOLA Global.

The post Zhang Praises Indian Hosts at WTT Star Contender Goa Event appeared first on JOOLA Global.

When you watch a match, there are several elements to consider – technical, tactical, and psychological. Technical factors refer to specific movements your body makes in order to achieve a desired outcome. It’s the fundamentals and basics of each sport. In table tennis, these can comprise of footwork, stroke, stance, serve, and receive. For example, if you really want to improve your backhand underspin loop, you can watch closely each time the stroke occurs during the match. Slow down the video in order to really be able to see every aspect of the technical stroke involved. Watch for the ready position of your feet and body, the angle of your paddle, the backstroke, the contact of the ball on the paddle, and the follow through. Take note of these technical features and create specific drills/exercises in training on the table to correct them.

Once you create a plan to incorporate those technical skills in practice, you can move on to analyzing the tactical elements of the game. These elements refer to actually applying the technical skills you’ve learned in practice to formulating strategic decisions during a real game or match. Anyone can work hard in practice and perfect every technical ability under the sun, but the capability of a player to maneuver and judge what to do during high pressure moments makes all the difference in the end. Since table tennis is a dynamic sport, the game requires your own tactical performance just as much as the opponent standing across the table.

Several factors to keep an eye out for when you’re analyzing your own tactical game is your spin, depth of the ball, placement, timing variations, and speed. Determine what common factors win the most points for you in the match and try to keep recreating that in the future. Is your backhand your technical strength? If that’s the case, try to figure out which serves or receiving patterns influence your opponent to aim their shots into your backhand. For instance, serving with a forehand pendulum might cause the opponent to receive with the spin, meaning the ball will likely be returned to your backhand. Or maybe learning a backhand serve allows you to adopt a stance that’s more devoted to playing the third ball with your backhand. While understanding your tactical strengths is essential, be aware of your own tactical weaknesses as well. Maybe you notice while studying a match that you tend to stick to one speed during rallies, which might be useful against opponents who don’t prefer that speed but will likely backfire against most high-level players who can easily adjust. Try to vary the speed, the timing, the rhythm and be conscious of that in future matches.

If you’re focusing on tactically analyzing your opponent, the first thing to note is their general style of play. Are they more of an offensive attacker that likes to go for broke on the third ball? Or do they tend to back away from the table and take on a more defensive stance in blocking and placing the ball? Once you’ve determined their typical patterns, watch for their serves. The first three balls of each rally, particularly the serve and receive, hold extra weight to consider when analyzing matches, as it often determines the pace of the rallies and entire game. Try to see which serves your opponent prefers to use and the way they use the serve to set up the next ball. Look for the varying spins, depth (short, half-long, or long), speed, and placement. Then create a plan devoted to how you might return each serve, whether that’s making the next few balls in the rally easier to return for you or receiving it in a manner that creates discomfort for your opponent. Once the game progresses into open rallies, try to determine your opponent’s tendencies, as well as their weaknesses. For instance, they might tend to play only cross court on their forehand, which you can be more aware of and prepared for during a rally. Or, they might have trouble with their footwork going from middle to forehand which you can easily target as well.

Last but absolutely not least, evaluating the subtle psychological elements in a match is much more significant than what many people think. There are countless evenly matched players in a match, both technically and tactically. However, the result of the match often comes down to psychological discrepancies between opponents – how much mental toughness each player has, the way they handle pressure, their body language on display. When you analyze a video, you can watch how both you and your opponent react to certain moments in the match. Maybe their body language becomes dejected and defeated after losing several points in a row and that might be the perfect time for you to go more on the offensive. Nonverbal communication could just be the key to converting match point.

Match analysis might not be as interesting or fun as spending time training on the table, but it is essential to developing a deeper understanding of the game. When you’re competing in a match, it’s almost impossible to determine everything you need to develop because you’re far too close to it. Spending the time to re-watch and study allows you to take on an objective lens to the game and see the exact areas that you need to work on, technically, tactically, and psychologically.

The post A Guide to Understanding How to Analyze Your Match Videos | Lily Zhang’s Blog appeared first on JOOLA Global.

 and Pickleball Equipment

New York, NY – PingPod, the radically fun new 24/7 ping pong concept, has announced a multi-year deal with JOOLA to be its exclusive table tennis equipment and performance apparel supplier. As part of the deal, JOOLA will become a Title Sponsor for PingPod Leagues and PingPod and JOOLA will collaborate on co-branded apparel and accessories.

Tom Nguyen, JOOLA Chief Marketing Officer, says “This partnership marks our biggest investment in ping pong in the US, but more than that, it creates a deeper relationship between two innovative, tech-forward partners.” The two companies will celebrate the deal at an activation event February 15 at PingPod’s newly opened Downtown Brooklyn location.

PingPod has been a smash since its 2020 launch in New York City on the Lower East Side, quickly meeting customer demand by adding additional NYC locations on West 37th Street; Williamsburg; Astoria; East 86th Street; and the newest location in Downtown Brooklyn. The company recently opened a location in Philadelphia and a private pod at The Strand in Chatham NJ. More NYC locations and expansion to other cities are coming, with more than 20 Pod locations expected by year end 2023. “We believe JOOLA is the perfect partner for our expansion across multiple disciplines,” said PingPod CEO Max Kogler. “This deal will be able to keep pace with our rapid growth. We are thrilled to have a partner aligned with our mission to make ping pong accessible to everyone.”

JOOLA is a storied brand in table tennis and has recently added a leading position in the fast-growing sport of Pickleball. For table tennis, the company provides next generation equipment including tables, rackets, blades, rubbers, balls, apparel, nets, and robots. “The PingPod concept – Ping Pong for Everyone – is aligned with JOOLA’s core values: Inclusion, Innovation, and Inspiration,” said JOOLA USA CEO Richard Lee. “We are thrilled to partner with PingPod and, together, elevate the sport of table tennis.”

The PingPod business model is unique – a network of the world’s first tech-enabled autonomous (no onsite employees) table tennis “pods,” open 24/7. Pods are typically highly visible street-level retail spaces with one to six tables, available to rent in 30-minute increments through PingPod’s app.

The PingPod formula has proven popular for everyone from casual players seeking fun date nights and expert players training for their next table tennis tournament, to those seeking afterschool classes for kids and fun spots for private parties. Since opening, PingPod has registered more than 36,000 people to play, with new customer sign-ups closing in on 3,500 per month.

How PingPod Works: Using the PingPod app, you register online with your credit card and reserve a table 24/7 at the street-level storefront “pods”. Entrance to the light and airy space comes via digital access on your phone. At your table, you’re provided with a full basket of high-quality balls and free paddles to use, if you don’t already have your own. Want to capture a great rally for posterity? Push a button alongside the table and you’ll get the “instant replay” by email. Looking for partners? Join PingPod’s #OpenMatching Slack channel and you’ll find community. Seeking competition? Join PingPod’s leagues and compete in divisions organized by skill. Winners compete for prizes and bragging rights in the robust PingPod community. Safety and security are handled through proprietary 24/7 security video monitoring.

PR Contact: Carol Klenfner, carol@klenfner.com

Hi-Res Images available

The post PINGPOD Partners with JOOLA as Exclusive Equipment Provider in Multi-Year Global Deal appeared first on JOOLA Global.

Outer layer carbon blades are those which have a composite layer directly beneath the top wood layer of the racket. In most cases the added stiffness of the composite layer can be felt more upon contact in these outer layer rackets. You certainly feel more bite from the carbon properties and get added speed in your shots.

In these blades the quality of the carbon is felt more purely and directly.

Players who like the power and pace of carbon would more likely prefer these outer layer carbon blades for their game.  This could be for more power at distance, perhaps with a koto top layer like the Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-c 90. Alternately player might prefer  faster and with more flex closer to the table with limba or hinoki outers – the Santoru KL-c Outer is a prime example.

Inner Layer Carbon Blades:

The Inner Layer positioning offers more softness to carbon blades. Yes you can still achieve great speed with composites like PBO-c or KL-c, and with different wood layers on top, however you achieve more wood feeling with the carbon.

Inner Layer composites are positioning the layer above the core layer, with two plies of wood on top. The Santoru KL-c Inner blade is a perfect example.

The double wood plies on top of the composite offer a cushioning for the ball, creating optimal touch and added control while maintaining the presence of the carbon fiber properties to add extra kick.

These blades are great for players who like higher arc on the ball, more spin feeling and a lot of variance in their game, while still relying on the carbon fibers to add some sting to the ball contact. It is important to note that while these blades don’t necessarily have the same direct impact into the ball contact, they are by no means slow blades and still have great speed.

Other Elements to Consider:

Of course while there are some differences between blades based on the positioning of composite layers – there will always be many other variances depending on wood types and combinations and the different types of carbon composite and thicknesses of layers.

This hopefully serves as a general guide to give a basic understanding of what you might expect in differences between inner and outer layer composite table tennis blades.

I was using the Santoru KL-c Inner blade for a little while and recently decided to switch to something that I could get a more crisp and direct contact with, and have such changed to the Zhou Qihao Hyper ARY-c 90 blade which is an outer layer carbon blade.

The post How Does Composite Layer Positioning Effect Table Tennis Blade Performance? | MHTT Blog appeared first on JOOLA Global.

Firstly, I’d suggest taking a step back and evaluating how you feel. And by how you feel, I mean, look for any signs of mental fatigue, such as lack of motivation or energy, increased anxiety, emotional and mood imbalances, and/or low self-confidence. If any of these symptoms begin to show up, it’s worth it to re-examine your routines and create more space and time for psychological recovery. Consider your brain as a muscle that needs just as much time, if not more, to recover as your physical body.

Before you even step foot out, it might be beneficial to do some research on the destination. It can be so daunting to step foot in a vastly different country on the other side of the world. By just allotting even a little bit of time to learn about the intended location, you can mentally prepare for what’s to come and know what to expect upon arrival. Furthermore, you can even research various sights to see, foods you want to try, and activities you want to do in the city. I actually love this because even during moments of extreme travel fatigue and homesickness, I still feel a surge of excitement and anticipation. It’s like being offered a new perspective of gratefulness, a reminder that I have the rare opportunity to consistently experience new places and cultures.

When you finally begin your journey on the road, your day-to-day routine is often thrown off course completely. You’re going to be experiencing jetlag, adjusting to an entirely new environment, and adhering to the organizing party’s schedule. You might feel out of control and your brain doesn’t recognize certain cues or routines that would normally prompt peak performance. Try grounding yourself with habits that allow your brain to take a breather away from the respective sport and associate with certain learned techniques or moments where you feel good. Some habits can range from yoga to watching Netflix to even eating a certain snack. I personally enjoy a light yoga session in the morning or re-watching/reading a favorite show or book. Even small actions like these really help me feel at ease and provide a sense of lightness and familiarity.

Furthermore, the combination of traveling and competing will automatically create stressors on the mind and body. Another effective way to mitigate those stressors is practicing meditation or other specialized relaxation techniques. Meditation is a scientifically proven way to unwind the body and allow the brain to focus on the present moment. You can even add or practice diaphragmatic breathing techniques in order to really focus your mind on the present and be able to relax your entire nervous system. Apps such as Headspace or Breethe can be a great tool for those who are unsure of where to start or want a guided practice.

Finally, and I cannot stress this one enough, do not self-isolate. It can be so difficult to be away from home, from loved ones, and from the comfort of safe and familiar surroundings. Particularly if you feel you’re in a rut or going through a period of tough losses. If you notice yourself slipping into a dark mental state, try your best to reach out and ask for help. Trust me. I’ve been there. I had fully convinced myself that I just needed to be strong and get through things on my own. But I quickly found out that this mindset will only be detrimental to your psychological well-being in the long run. A receptive support system is so vital to creating a safe space and buffering the stress and anxieties that come with sport and even life itself.

Being a professional athlete requires so much physical exertion and training, but there is also so much more to it that’s not exactly visible to the naked eye. At the end of the day, it’s really up to you to invest in your psychological well-being and prioritize how you feel mentally and emotionally. Everyone has different recovery strategies, but take the time to figure out which ones work best for you. Rejuvenate your mind, and your body will follow.  

The post How to Manage Travel Fatigue (Psychologically) | Lily Zhang’s Blog appeared first on JOOLA Global.

One of the first things that players may want to know is the difference in sponge thickness. For example what is the difference between 2.0 and Max sponge rubbers?

These numbers relate to the thickness of the sponge in millimeters.

Generally thinner sponges are better for developing players and those looking for more control and steadiness in their game. The majority of JOOLA rubbers come in 2.0 or Max which narrows things down and makes it easier to choose. A rubber like JOOLA Samba also has a 1.8 option.

To unlock the maximum potential of a rubber I would definitely personally recommend Max sponge as the best option. With the highest allowable sponge thickness you are able to have greater sponge reactivity.

This means the ball sinks in more in softer sponges to help absorb incoming speed and spin, and has a greater catapult effect in rubbers with medium firm energized sponges with more porous cells.

For defensive players the thicker sponge generally offers greater range, especially for choppers, and can help produce greater spin on the ball, where thinner sponges are great for close and mid range and are super consistent for slowing attacking balls down quickly.

Table Tennis Rubber Sponge Hardness

Generally rubber sponges can be categorized into four main groups – soft, medium, medium-hard and hard.

The majority of players are forehand dominant and prefer to have less hardness on their backhand rubber than their forehand in the topsheet and/or sponge.

Soft sponges offer high levels of control and spin, which helps players looking to develop skills, or build consistency in their game. The more sponge hardness increases, the more speed and power you can build into your shots. Aggressive players often prefer medium-hard or hard sponges on their forehand – and may even have it on both sides of their racket if they attack off both wings. Harder sponges create more power and lower trajectories, which means safety windows over the net are usually lower and require more precision on the player’s part.

Sometimes if you get to very hard sponge levels, the sponges become more dense (which I will cover next) which means you also have to have a very high level of technical ability and play a more physical attacking game.

A good example of a softer sponge rubber is the JOOLA Rhyzen Ice rubber, a fantastic rubber for developing players which has exceptional control and is very consistent. Perfect for blocking and driving, creating good topspin on opening loops and redirection. Of course there is a trade-off and a rubber like Rhyzen Ice with it’s soft sponge doesn’t have too much acceleration or kick and is difficult to generation power on contact.

Table Tennis Rubber Sponge Density

On the flip-side a medium-hard sponge with more catapult, like Dynaryz AGR, can offer great power and even higher levels of spin, but can be much harder to control which places the responsibility upon the player to make the necessary adjustments to strokes and racket angles in order to remain consistent. This is something which requires experience and so often developing players are better off choosing soft to medium sponges.

Density is a third element of table tennis rubber sponges that you need to consider. While the density directly has an impact on the hardness of a rubber, it is more about the ‘cells’ within a sponge. The structure, size and frequency of cells has a major impact on the sponge properties.

Often more dense sponges are less porous, they have less air cells in the sponge. This means the sponge is harder and has less explosion effect. Players can achieve more direct power in their shots by imparting more weight transfer into the ball, so it holds higher power potential – but the responsibility is more upon the player to generate that power. A good example of this kind of sponge is with the JOOLA Golden Tango rubber.

Some sponges are more porous or have larger pores, this is to increase the catapult effect. These sponges often offer a higher arc on the ball and more explosive power from the racket. This means the ball springs off the rubber on contact, presenting less physical strain on the player. These rubbers are great for achieving topspin at different ranges, even further back from the table in counter-loop situations. The JOOLA Hyper Bounce sponge is dynamic in this sense.

In some situations a sponge can be extremely porous, with smaller pores. In this situation the sponge density is lower and offers less catapult effect. These rubbers are great for producing spin and controlling the ball at higher pace. They help increase ‘dwell time’ a common term for the amount of time a ball stays on a rubber to create fiction (of course this is so fractional it’s miniscule anyway).

Sponge Selection is Important for Competitive Table Tennis Players

On your journey to figuring out what kind of equipment is best suited to your game, sponge properties are one of the vital pillars of equipment you will need to understand.

Hopefully this small guide to help explain sponge thickness, hardness and density can help you expand your knowledge and increase your chances of finding the types of equipment that you like the most!

The post How Do Different Table Tennis Rubber Sponge Properties Impact Your Game | MHTT Blog appeared first on JOOLA Global.

Zhang sailed through the first three games before Xiao pulled back some momentum, the three time US Olympian regained her foothold on the match in the 6^th game and brought it home.

Into the final and everything was on the line for both players.

Wang was devastating on serve return and counters in the rally. While Zhang made her steady openings and looked for quick placements, Wang snapped over the top of the ball – adding a great deal of acceleration and often finding exceptional corner placement.

The games were immensely close as Zhang held small leads, but Amy Wang powered back each time. Wang would win the match in four straight games and claim her first WTT event crown, after playing an outstanding match. Despite the defeat, a humble Lily Zhang smiled brightly in the finalist position on the podium after the match.

A huge congratulations to our JOOLA players for their brilliant results and for really dominating proceedings at this WTT Feeder event!

The post Amy Wang Victorious at WTT Feeder Fort Lauderdale appeared first on JOOLA Global.