When Jim Short was 10 years old, he checked out a Boys Club in his neighborhood. That’s where he discovered Table Tennis. “I really enjoyed playing the game.” He
remembers eventually turning to the Oklahoma City Table Tennis Club for coaching. He’s been playing ever since.
Jim points out, “Table Tennis is a sport for all age and ability ranges. I’ve seen very young children sit on a table and hit the ball back to their parents. It really doesn’t
matter how old or fit you are or aren’t. I’ve seen a 104 year old man play the game, and I know a person with Parkinson’s who plays Table Tennis. Being affected by something doesn’t mean you can’t be effective at something.”
He should know. Jim has severe Arthritis and a bad knee. “I’m not a natural athlete, but I use my brain to help me win. I used to stand back 8-10 feet from the table and spin the heck out of the ball. I have to stand up close now because of my knee problems.” He went on to say “I’ve been playing long enough now that I can anticipate what my opponent is going to do, which helps since I play up close now. I’m also known as a deceptive player. People will think I’m going to hit the ball one way, and at the last minute I’ll hit in a different direction.” Jim says his serves are super “spinny”, and players have trouble returning them.”
As a 64 year old retired Computer Technician, Jim plays Table Tennis 2 – 3 days per week. He’s also a coach. “I enjoy coaching anyone who wants to be coached. I’ve
even worked with people in wheel chairs.” He also reports on the game. Jim went to Pittsburg for the National Senior Games not as a player, but as a reporter for the USA Table Tennis Association.
Jim says there are a lot of high-priced paddles on the market and many players believe they need to spend a bunch of money to play well. He says that is just not true.
Scoring for the game is probably also different than what most people might think. He says it used to be you played to 21, and served 5 times in a row. “10 Years ago it was changed because the game was not drawing enough spectators. You now play to 11 and change servers after 2. The ball size was also increased from 38 mm to 40 mm. What many people don’t know according to Jim, is the fact that a traditional 3 out of 5 match played at a high level has the same cardio benefits as a 2 mile run!
Jim Short has won over a dozen Senior Games Medals and will compete again in 2024. He also plays Pickleball. Jim says the current number one in Pickleball, started as a Table Tennis player. Jim enjoys both games, but his game of choice is still Table Tennis.
