Table tennis: A sport -- not just a game

Place your serves in zones 1, 2 and 3 or 7, 8 and 9, and avoid the middle three zones if possible. Practice this whenever you can.

I always enjoy the two times a week that I get to play table tennis. I get to devote myself to what turned from trying to get some exercise into a true love for the sport of table tennis.

The best part is, this sport can be played from childhood on up into the 70s or even 80s with a lot of fun and success. At Northeast Alabama Table Tennis Club the companionship and the willingness of other players that love this sport to help by teaching you, sharing their experiences — and sometimes even their secret moves — makes this playing time more awesome. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, there’s lots of fun, laughter, joking and most of all good table tennis.

Here’s a great thought: How about getting yourself, your younger children, or your teens away from the TV or computer and devoting a few hours twice a week for real quality family time. Try learning or sharpening your skills in this sport together. Playing table tennis is a great aerobic exercise and at the same time a good mental workout that you can enjoy for years to come.

Let your body, mind and reflexes get a workout. It will make you feel good about yourself.

Tip of the week
The serve is one of the most important parts of this game. A good serve with the proper spin, speed and placement can set you up for easy points. These points are scored by both setting up your next attack and also by making it difficult for your opponent to attack. Placing your serves close on your opponent’s side of the net or on his edge of the table will always give you an advantage.

So, for all of you who want to learn or have played before come join us and meet a dedicated group of people. For more information contact Jason Stencil at 256-591-4553 or Mike Harris at 256-238-6453 or visit us at www.neatt.us.