The 2004 Phoenix Table Tennis Club Banquet

Guest speaker, Jim Tarkowski, covers the topic of

“Are Pips Really Necessary?”

Jim Tarkowski "Are Pips Really Necessary?"

(click on picture to play Realplayer Video)

Is this microphone on!?!

He discusses his start in a Boys Club to finding a “real” Detroit area table tennis club. Jim reveals the secrets of winning that Nationally known, Chuck Burns, revealed to him. While Dell Sweeris failed to pass on a devastating forehand kill, Jim learned to play with heart when it counts.

Jerry Whepley introduces Jim

Pam (Jim's better half)

Jim_Tarkowski_Are_Pips_Necessary50.rm
(2Meg lower quality Realplayer Video - right click and select "Save Target As..." to download)

And here's a higher quality video of the same speech:

Jim_Tarkowski_Are_Pips_Necessary100.rm
(5Meg higher quality RealPlayer video - right click and select "Save Target As..." to download)

Frank Sexton's comments on Jim's speech: 

(click on the link above to read or reply to Frank's comment)

Blast from the past! In 1979 Jim switched to a combo paddle using long pips and sponge and as a result was a BITCH to play against. I was lucky to beat him in the 1979 Michigan State tournament (I zoned at just the right time). Richard Hicks is another example of a player who used a combo paddle well. One mistake some combo players make is by thinking just by giving you a pips return your are going to miss it. I used to feast on those type of players. The best combo players can use both sides of their rackets well to force you to take chances and make mistakes as a result. 

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This page updated 06/3/04

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