There is Ping Pong, which involves a couple of friends hitting a lightweight ball back and forth, and then there is Power Pong. Yes, the two are actually the same sport, and yes, they use the same equipment. The similarities end there, as Power Pong takes Ping Pong to a whole different level of fitness and intensity. On January 29, 2010, the Physical Education classes of Coach Gary Mathieson had the privilege of watching some Power Pong players at work.
“Watching those players was amazing,” said former Mathieson student Dakota Armstrong, “you can hardly see the ball when they slam it.”
An annual event, the P.E. classes of Coach Gary Mathieson are given the chance to watch professional table tennis players play. This event is often looked forward to by the more avid players of the game, as they have a chance to watch two of the best players in the country go to work. Those who are not as interested are still excited, as they are the only classes who have this day off from the normal P.E. routine.
The two professional players Attilia Malek and Thilinia Plyadasa performed an incredible demonstration to show Middle school students a more intense side of ping pong. The former US men’s national champion taught the student’s proper technique and multiple spins, then put it to work while playing Plyadasa, eight time Sri Lanka Champion. These two players then provided a high powered display, showing both the defensive and offensive side of Ping Pong. Things such as legal serves, better ways to hold a paddle, and ways to add spin are all some of the techniques taught to the students.
Throughout the rest of the period, Malak and Plyadasa continued with various demonstrations of incredible skill, including spins onto the table from up to 20 feet from the table! Later, a few of the lucky students such as Chase Forrest were given the chance to play with the greats. As the bell brought the period to a close, the students left the gym with a new perspective on Ping Pong.
“[I ask for this display] to promote Ping Pong,” said Mathieson, “it is a great experience for the kids to see players of that caliber. I think that intense Ping Pong is incredible to watch.”
February 11th, 2010 at 9:55 AM
Erik,
Fantastic article on a fierce sport. Mr. Mathieson is awesome for giving his students this experience. It reminds me of the work out a great game of badminton can be. Too bad I lack the hand-eye coordination required for both! Keep up the good work.
Auntie Valerie