Table Tennis and Hacking

Table Tennis is my sport. It has been since the late 90′s. I’ll not go into my many reasons for loving it, but a good number of them are mentioned here in this post by James.

What I’ve enjoyed learning in recent months is the fact that Table Tennis is now being recognized as a cognitive-enhancing sport. This from this New York Times piece:

The strategic thinking and split-second reactions demanded by table tennis also present unique mental challenges. In his book “Making a Good Brain Great,” the psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen claims that playing table tennis can actually increase brain activity. As we warmed up for our challenge match, Will Shortz confided that he uses table tennis to clear his mind.

This is something I’ve always noticed. I just feel…crisper somehow with my thoughts and reactions when I play. Almost like I’m anticipating life rather than reacting to it. Sounds lame, but it’s happened consistently enough over the years that I believe it. Nice to see that there’s some science behind the feeling now.

Anyway, here’s another video from my favorite German player, Timo Boll (he’s the lefty):

Yeah, good stuff. ::