Blog entries from TTSam

It's getting better

Sam Barnes — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:13:44 +0100

Next match after winning 3 last week was tonight. I only won 1/3 and whilst I am slightly disappointed with that I had a think about it and I'm happy with my progress this season.

In terms of averages, before Christmas I won 1 from 21, a poor 5%.

Since Christmas, I've won 5/12 for a more respectable 42%

Although this is no great shakes, I am happy with my current level of technical production and both tactical and mental aptitude.

Final note - hit my 2 best shots e...

First Hat-trick

Sam Barnes — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:48:11 +0100

This is a short blog and I'll do a kinda extended thing possibly tomorrow as I'm totally knackered but I just thought I'd share with you all that tonight, for the first time, at just about half past 10... I won all my games for the first ever time in the top division in Scunthorpe, and partnered my old man to win the doubles too!

Now, to replicate my success is the next step!

Excitement brewing...

Sam Barnes — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:54:59 +0100

I haven't played since my last cry for help. I have taken two weeks out owing to catching the much overblown Swine 'Flu and then having a bit of a rest to allow my chest to recover. Not much to report on that front.

Why the blog then? Well, I am on the eve of, for the very first time in my life, seeing some top international class table tennis LIVE. Going to Sheffield tomorrow to watch the first and second rounds of the Men's Singles from the English Open. Tremendously excited as I had...

Winning (Not NP-8)

Sam Barnes — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 07:56:42 +0100

I have had a problem for a long, looong, time with my game and I still don't seem to be able to iron it out. Well, when I say 'a problem' - what I mean is 'a succession of problems limiting my development henceforth my relatively low standard of competitive table tennis'. But anyway..

I'd practiced every day for 2 weeks pretty much before the first game of the season. I saw serving well, I was getting in with my first ball and, most importantly, making good game decisions - placement, ...