by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
The first workshop entitled, “To boost or not to boost?” A question for ITTF and not from Shakespeare”, will be led by Professor Yutaka Tsuji, PhD, former Chair of the Sports Science Committee of the Japanese Table Tennis Association.
In the spirit of the words of the Bard in Hamlet “Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles”, he will take arms against the slings and arrows of increasing the elasticity of racket coverings.
Liquids such as mineral or vegetable oils can be used to boost rubber used on rackets, especially the smooth reversed racket coverings. Instructions on how to perform such processes, without increasing the permitted thickness of the racket covering, are easily accessible on the internet.
Thus the aim of Professor Yutaka Tsuji is to share his thoughts as how to ban such practices and fall in line immediately with the Laws of Table Tennis as published by the International Table Tennis Federation.
“Law 2.04.07: The racket covering shall be used without any physical, chemical or other treatment.”
Four days later the second workshop “What and how to research in table tennis? Science with or versus education and training” will be conducted by Professor Miran Kondric PhD, Chair of the ITTF Sports Science and Medical Committee.
“We need to close the gap between sports science and actual practice; keep laboratory doors open to all interested. There is no secret way of training to achieve in sport; we need to care for our athletes, to pay attention to their health.” Professor Miran Kondric PhD
Members of the ITTF Sports Science and Medical Committee will be available to discuss ideas relevant to sports science and medicine.
Furthermore, Michael Fuchs will present a summary of the Sports Science Congress; whilst Irene Faber, PhD will address the subject of “Profiling elite youth table tennis players using a Multi-dimensional approach”.
Any questions regarding either workshop, kindly address: Professor Miran Kondric PhD
Email: [email protected]