View Full Version : Hexapong
As the inventor of hexapong I would like to hear from table tennis players willing to inquire, comment or criticize my table. :hi:
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Here is a total of 4 videos posted on youtube, search hexapong to see them.
http://hexapong.com/home.html
DaveR
02-01-2008, 11:07 PM
I am going to look at it in depth Guy tommorow after i hit the hay, and may give it a page on its own within the site if the set up is ok. From first impressions it looks inovative and certainly fun............nice one
Ps...............to criticize is very easy indeed especially when new and inovative products are created, and as with early development in all products constructive is needed to make things if possible even better than they already are.
MickM
02-01-2008, 11:36 PM
Looks totally unique and certainly ive not seen anything like it ever before, would like to have whirl at the thing. My only quick observation is that it seems "compact" so shots need to be slow-ish, which is not a jibe by the way just an observation, having said that soft tennis was said to be hopeless initially with the ball and low net but jesus it makes for hard work when power is less important than accuracy.
DaveR
I'm pleased that you will take the time to review the info indepth, and if you find it worthy of more attention I would be happy.
I know that criticize is a strong word to use but I have come across serious tt players that have not always been constructive.
I would like to say to the serious tt players that I respect the time and effort you have put into developing your skills and this table of mine was created as a game
to get more people involved. And the only thing that the sport of Table Tennis and the game Hexapong have in common is the use of paddles and a ball. I Just want a little space to co-exist.
MickM
MickM
I am surprised that you would not have seen anything like this at all because in November of 2007 I came across a book by Gunter Arndt, who claims the round table got good reviews from the ITTF.
As far as having a whirl at it, that might be a little while. I’m in search of a manufacturer or investor that can see the potential of this item. But until then I make them myself.
You are observation is correct. My table is 10 inches (25.30cm) shorter but 4 feet 3 inches (129.54cm) wider then the traditional table. The serious tt players that have been have broken traditional and hit on this table found that they could still smash if the opportunity arose.
The game called Xtreme Singles will test you physical abilities and skills. I have not been able to film Xtreme Singles yet but I will soon be posting video of Hexapong at the U.S. Nationals. In that video you will see more of the Cutthroat Single and the first footage I’ve been able to tape of Hexapong Doubles and Team of Three.
DaveR
02-02-2008, 08:34 AM
Nice points Guy and yes we all must look at things from different angles for example "game" in relation to "sport" havng said that we all have no idea if the game of Hexapong takes off and becomes a sport !.................stranger and less worthy games have become sports, to my knowledge Tiddly Winks is one already so hey look positive and try hard is my motto in business............
As far as co-exist, no problem in my eyes and i would hope with all players otherwise we will never see inovative ideas coming onto the scene.
Annie
02-02-2008, 09:41 AM
I think one of these tables should be brought over to the UK and trialled at tournaments around the Country. If for nothing more than entertainment value I think it would be a great success. But having said that and watching the video it looks like an excellent tool for fine tuning those skills. Because of the unusual aspect of this table it would stretch and exercise places which aren't normally touched.
Can you just imagine 3 top players showing what they can do on this table? I'd definitely want to be in the crowd. :woho:
I'm sure there would have to be some new rules that would be associated with a table like this mind!
Great contribution Guy. :thumbsup:
DaveR
It’s all about perception. I learned the difference between ping pong and Table Tennis at the first tournament I took the table to. I got an earful, it was as if I personally insulted him and the sport of table tennis for having placed my table in the same area with the other table tennis tables.
Your last post you mentioned taking a closer look at the info. If you have, what do you think?
Personally, I enjoy watching the opening segment of the 2007 Joola footage. Some of those shots on my part were just desperate attempts to just keep the ball in play. (I’m the guy in the green shorts)
Annie
The Hexapong videos that are posted on youtube are from U.S. sanctioned tournaments that I have attended as a sponsor. And it has always been on the last day of the tournament that players will stop and ask questions or play. Please don’t misunderstand me. I respect the fact that the players are serious about what they paid money to be there for. I just find it discouraging that of the amount of players and spectators that show up for the events, that once they are eliminated from the tournament I only get a handful to break tradition and actually get on the table to play. The reward to all of this is that at the end of the Hexapong game(s) they are laughing and smiling and telling me what fun they had.
To date, you are only the third person to suggest a “what if” 3 top players were to play against each other. I believe it would make for some vary entertaining matches. Think about it you play a game where physical abilities (footwork), skill (ball control and placement) and strategy (using angle shots not seen on a traditional table) now couple that with the fast pace of the ball and the players not knowing when or which opponent will be challenging them. Sorry the dream is over.
On another note. It was suggested that the only way to get tt players to get on the table is to have prize money. So my question is. How much? Would an entry fee be out of the question? How many players for the games of Xtreme Singles, Xtreme Doubles, Cutthroat, Cutthroat Doubles and Team of Three would make for a good event? Your opinion and the opinion of others will be welcomed.
The rules. Yes, beside the traditional rules of table tennis there are game specific rules. All the rules posted are for both methods of play, which are competitive play and recreational play.
Annie
02-02-2008, 11:00 PM
Think about it you play a game where physical abilities (footwork), skill (ball control and placement) and strategy (using angle shots not seen on a traditional table) now couple that with the fast pace of the ball and the players not knowing when or which opponent will be challenging them.
This is exactly what I saw Guy, not saying I'm a TT expert but it was just a logical point of view.
I really do wish you success with this table and hopefully by you posting in on TT Talk it will gain some interest in the UK.
Come on you lot, who fancies a go or are you all Chicken?
FantasyCheeseBasin
02-03-2008, 02:06 AM
this table looks like great fun ,and will appeal to kids a lot,maybe it will bring table tennis to kids, and help in the development of the sport,NICE IDEA hope it takes off .:thumbsup:
FCB
A side from all the others things I've said to the serious tt players the game of Hexapong is enjoyed by the kids. I contend that if children enjoys something it is likely that they will continue at it. And if individuals children obtain the drive to get serious about tt, then Hexapong has served as a stepping stone to Table Tennis.
At major events I have no problem getting kids on the table (except when parent tell them not to play on the table), the problem is just trying to get serious tt players that have been eliminated from the tournament on the table for a little fun.
Roger
02-03-2008, 12:49 PM
What an amazing idea!!!
DaveR
02-03-2008, 01:04 PM
I actually would like a try ............mind you if i lose ............:sulk:
Annie
02-03-2008, 02:23 PM
I actually would like a try ............mind you if i lose ............:sulk:
Nobody wants to see you when you lose! :undertheweather::hysteric:
*Quickly takes back what she just said* :akiss:
Roger
I take that as encouragement. Thanx. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
DaveR
You make #3 of persons that would be willing to try this game out. The 1st one is in Italy, than came Australia and now you in England.
I would like very much for interested parties to have a go at it. But that may not happen for a while. I have no manufacturer overseas. I am thinking about selling information to individuals so that they can construct their own table top with the line configurations. The Rules are provided already online. Do you think that would work?
Annie
I'm assuming you know DaveR. Is he not pleasant if he loses?
DaveR
02-03-2008, 07:44 PM
I can assure you i am pleasant ......generally, having said that losing isnt my best attribute !
Moving on the Hexapong your idea to selling the information in relation to the construction and indeed rules of the game, i would say its a step in a good direction and if you are recieving good vibrations from the public then the next stage is to market this in big way aiming at board games in general with many variations being included in the catagory ie garden games, the scope is massive once the ideas start cooking..........but as with everything in business you have to be very positive with a pushy nature.
Spongebob!
02-03-2008, 08:10 PM
Hi Guy - the Hexapong looks to be great fun - and I think that will apply to players / non-players of all age groups. I could see it being played in Youth Clubs / Pool side on holiday as well TT tournaments and TT venues (i.e., choaching venues).
I think the trouble with most TT players is that we take it too seriously - this would be a little bit light hearted fun in-between in tense practice, coaching or matches. Sometimes a break or a bit of fun re-energises the mind / body and may help the player rather than hinder the player!!!
Dave R a bad loser!!! - mmmm...like me think....I wouldn't say that - eeer not!!! :covereyes:
Annie
02-03-2008, 08:25 PM
Dave R a bad loser!!! - mmmm...like me think....I wouldn't say that - eeer not!!! :covereyes:
Come on Bobby........do as I did, ya know ya want ta!
Spongebob!
02-03-2008, 08:33 PM
Aha....put it this way Annie - thank the lord he doesn't lose that many!!!:covereyes:
DaveR
Thank you for the advice. I have already put some thought into how I can market the info off my website. I just have a little problem with advertising "I can sell you plans but if you want a table you will have to wait 2 or 3 weeks before you can receive it." Of course I would flower that up but the fact still remains YOU HAVE TO WAIT. And as a consumer I generally don't like to wait for what I want to purchase.
I certainly think I got the interest. I just need the help to supply the product. What a pickle! By the way, how serious are you about wanting to try Hexapong (e-mail me if you would care to converse about this confidentially)
Sbob
Welcome. Let me just jump right into the fire here. I think this is a great idea and once it finds wings there will be no stopping it (How's that DaveR?) Seriously I think there is great potential here. The videos I have posted on youtube are of Tournament that I have attended and I've been lucky enough to find a few players to film. My discouragement come when among all the players that get eliminated from the tournament is just a handful that will try it for fun.
Question to you Sbob. Honestly If you have been eliminated from a tournament, would you give it a go?
FantasyCheeseBasin
02-04-2008, 01:49 AM
ok as for players out of a tournaments not giving it a go, im certain if thier were some leggy fillies playing they would join in at once,keep pushing the idea at big tournaments and it will soon catch on,i for one would give it a go,as i said earlier it looks like a load of fun to be had playing this.:thumbsup:
FCB
The fillies would surely get the attention. I'm sure at one point or another I"ll be able to catch the attention from tt players.
Last year I made contact with someone in the NATT organization who tried to get me to go to the tournament in Baltimore in November. Because of the time and location It was not possible to attend. My question is, Is this a tournament that tt players from your area come to participate in?
Spongebob!
02-04-2008, 08:30 PM
Quote from Guy...'Question to you Sbob. Honestly If you have been eliminated from a tournament, would you give it a go?'
Absolutely...I would definately give it a go as would my 2 children. From what I've read from different postings I am not alone in this respect. I appreciate it is difficult for you to judge our location within the UK - but it is fair to say that a great number of members are from the same area / region. This area is the same as the host of the website (Dave R) - therefore, if you have further dialogue with Dave about taking this further I am sure he will do anything he can to help you out.
Thanks - Spongey!
DaveR
02-04-2008, 08:34 PM
The whole concept is one of fun with Table Tennis being the game involved, the serious side is something else........ie the business or marketing of the product.
I have read comments about where the table could be placed and to frank i can think of hundreds if not thousands, with just about every club or organisation having one including holiday areas and so on. The whole thing needs some dialogue which i am completely open to, so in a week or so when i have set up the shopping system into the site we will get together and discuss.
Sbob
Thanx for your honesty. Hexapong really is a game of fun and I willing to bet a dollar to a donut that unless you are dead set against it you will have fun once you give it a go.
DaveR
In regard to locations of interest for Hexapong. The bringing of this year marked the search for a different venue to showcase my table. Mind you I have not given up on
tt clubs as possible sites. It’s just hard to convince the people in power or the governing parties to deviate from the norm. At the end of this week I’ll find out if the after school program will want a table. And I learned today that the director of fun for a chain of resorts would like an additional info and a proposal on discount cost for quantities ordered.
Please do contact me. I greatly appreciate any and all help I can get to raise awareness.
Hello all
Just wanted to let you know that I've posted another video on youtube.
This video has footage of the games "Team of Three, Xtreme Doubles and the popular Cutthroat Singles"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8E3KYieBFs
FantasyCheeseBasin
02-14-2008, 01:03 AM
intense , a sport that implodes your mind and explodes your body
maybe you could use the above as a slogan for hexapong ..........just a thought.
thats how id describe table tennis in a nutshell i suppose, something like that anyway,maybe sort of, kinda ...ish
coffee time............:dance3:
FCB
I'm liking your attitude, you have never been on the Hexapong table and by just watching a video, your coming up with a slogan. I would have to change it to "a game that implodes your mind and explodes your body". Will I have to pay you royalty for the slogan?
A player at one of the functions I attended said "It's like combining chess and ping pong"
FantasyCheeseBasin
02-27-2008, 01:11 AM
a mere 5% of the annual profits should suffice (negotiable)of course:pray:
If I could ever find a manufacture to produce my table you may be waiting a long time for any royalties.:whistling:
FantasyCheeseBasin
02-27-2008, 04:12 PM
Im certain your idea will get a manufacturer,get it into a shopping centre and get people to try it, also you need to have players to give an exhibition to show the people what it can do........just a thought
DaveR
02-27-2008, 05:00 PM
intense , a sport that implodes your mind and explodes your body
maybe you could use the above as a slogan for hexapong ..........just a thought.
thats how id describe table tennis in a nutshell i suppose, something like that anyway,maybe sort of, kinda ...ish
coffee time............:dance3:
hey FTB your thinking way to much these days !
Pretty good slogan !
FCB brought up an interesting thought about the names I have given to the different games that can be played on Hexapong. I thought it constructive, Thanx FCB.
http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/images/icons/wave.gif Is any one else willing to comment or suggest alternative or replacement names for what I've got now.
Since you have never played any of the games I can't expect any other slogans, but if you think of any....I'd like to hear how creative you could be.
I understand the UK Nationals is coming up. How strong of a participation is Sunderland going to have?
FantasyCheeseBasin
03-17-2008, 04:55 AM
not sure of the nationals guy,have you not been able to get a manufacturer interested in hexapong as a training aid as well as a fun
application,thought training would be a very good use for hexapong.:scratchchin:
:fcb:
Manufacturers………………..hmmmmmm……………..!@#%^&*:taz:
I’ve tried Stiga, Butterfly, Killerspin, Kettler, DHS, Donic, Cornilleau with no reply.
Last month I was able to make contact with two companies, Sportcraft and DMI Sports. The person for Sportcraft was hopping on a flight to China and was not able to view the e-mail attachment. I followed up with phone calls a week later asking to call me back…. Two weeks later, still no reply. With DMI I actually got a return phone call, had what I thought was a good conversation. He said he would call me back in a week after checking with the sales department on whether this is a marketable product. Well last week came and went.
Aside from being fairly easy to make it is somewhat costly and time consuming for a one man operation and still do my work.
If you have a connection or know someone that may have a connection. I’d like to know.
AS far as a training aid. I stopped using that reasoning because of 4 people, and I quote “serious players would not waste their time on a novelty” The kicker to that remark is that when I ask them to get on the table and try it, they didn’t have the time. I could debate that comment, but as the saying goes. You catch more flies with honey then you do with salt. Now I simply say there’s more to it then what meets the eye.
One of the first tournaments I attended was here in Arizona. I got a coach and his son (also a coach) on the table and his comment still rings in my mind as if it were yesterday “the table is too wide, there’s too many angles that can be hit and too much area to cover”. I guess it wasn’t challenging enough!
Annie
03-17-2008, 08:37 AM
Hang in there Guy. I think you're doing great and all your hard effort will pay off one day. :thumbsup:
FantasyCheeseBasin
03-17-2008, 04:24 PM
even though i havnt played on the hexapong table i can see it could be put to good use with kids as a training aid for them, it will certainly give them something different to train on instead of the normal table,if i were a kid id love to play or train on something like hexapong as well as looking great fun i dont have to play just one opponenet at a time,obviously i can play two,i dont understand the comments about it being too wide and having too many angles to hit,if this is so then its a brilliant training aid,its challenging = great training aid.i bet if the chinese were the sole users of hexapong in connection with thier training the rest of the table tennis world would never catch them. maybe im right maybe im wrong,:fcb:
FCB
It may be a while before I get a manufacture to help me out. But if you could play, who would be the players you'd like to be playing with or against.
Xtreme Singles
FCB vs ?
Xtreme Doubles
FCB + ? vs ? + ?
Cutthroat Singles
FCB vs ? vs ?
Cutthroat Doubles
FCB + ? vs ? + ? vs ? + ?
and Team Of Three
FCB + ? + ? vs ? + ? + ?
Others are invited to put together their fantasy games and or teams too.
Annie
03-19-2008, 07:01 PM
FCB
Xtreme Singles
FCB vs ?
Others are invited to put together their fantasy games and or teams too.
Well my fantasy would be to play with Mel Gibson :static:
O! I guess it's not what you meant. :resent:
FantasyCheeseBasin
03-20-2008, 12:21 AM
while we are on the subject,id love to play with thingi tointon ,ya know that lass dawn from eastenders with the long legs.(table tennis that is of course):thtease:
Sorry Annie I just got off the phone with Mel and He won't be able to make it. If you can find a tt partner you two would go against FCB and his partner from eastenders.
That's a mixed doubles for Xtreme Doubles and two teams for Cutthroat Doubles
Are there any others?
DaveR
03-20-2008, 01:31 PM
Manufacturers………………..hmmmmmm……………..!@#%^&*:taz:
I’ve tried Stiga, Butterfly, Killerspin, Kettler, DHS, Donic, Cornilleau with no reply.
Last month I was able to make contact with two companies, Sportcraft and DMI Sports. The person for Sportcraft was hopping on a flight to China and was not able to view the e-mail attachment. I followed up with phone calls a week later asking to call me back…. Two weeks later, still no reply. With DMI I actually got a return phone call, had what I thought was a good conversation. He said he would call me back in a week after checking with the sales department on whether this is a marketable product. Well last week came and went.
Aside from being fairly easy to make it is somewhat costly and time consuming for a one man operation and still do my work.
If you have a connection or know someone that may have a connection. I’d like to know.
AS far as a training aid. I stopped using that reasoning because of 4 people, and I quote “serious players would not waste their time on a novelty” The kicker to that remark is that when I ask them to get on the table and try it, they didn’t have the time. I could debate that comment, but as the saying goes. You catch more flies with honey then you do with salt. Now I simply say there’s more to it then what meets the eye.
One of the first tournaments I attended was here in Arizona. I got a coach and his son (also a coach) on the table and his comment still rings in my mind as if it were yesterday “the table is too wide, there’s too many angles that can be hit and too much area to cover”. I guess it wasn’t challenging enough!
Im on it Guy, have the nets now and will proceed very shortly in construction so working towards the goal !
I guess the cat's out of the bag. All of you that said you'd give it a go will now have your chance.:static:
FCB now you can ask the lass from eastender to play tt with you.:bag:
Is there any others that would like to make their request on teammates or opponents. :popcorn: I can't guarantee your request but at least now you will be able to see for yourself how much fun I believe you can have.
I just read a post on another forum where the player said he was bored and was conflicted on whether to just take a break or stopping all together. Because this is a serious matter to those who have put so much time and effort into the sport I re framed from mentioning Hexapong as an alternative, but the question is still there. What have you done when you get bored with something that has brought you joy and consumed your time.
Annie
03-27-2008, 05:58 PM
I well I personally would take a break from it.
Hyde Ranger
03-27-2008, 06:53 PM
I personally got a divorce !!!
Annie
You just take things in stride don't?
Hyde
Just for clarafication. Did you divorced your spouse? Or did you divorce yourself from tt?
Mr Wilko
03-27-2008, 10:49 PM
Jordan would be a good mixed dbls partner would put all men off with them 2 convicts trying to escape!!!!!!
DaveR
04-03-2008, 02:54 PM
Ok little update !
I have now got the nets and design and currently working on the assembly to try in certain places (once assembled)
Very interesting and certainly an amazing idea.
The design is of course Guy's, which i will put pictures on the site and a video once we can put things together so watch this space soon !
Annie
04-03-2008, 03:00 PM
Excellent! I can't wait :static:
I'm so excited.
It will be strange at first, but get it a game or two change to understand what is possible on this table.
I'm hoping everyone enjoys the different games that can be played and it meets with everyones expectations.
Annie
04-03-2008, 05:39 PM
I've just got a feeling it's going to prove to be an fantastic way of improving reaction speeds.
Hello Dave
How goes the battle with you and Hexapong.
I’m hoping that your endeavor is yielding some results since you are connected to Table Tennis.
As a matter of information about a month ago I e-mailed a company named Center Parcs and as with all the other places or names the results is the same, No Reply. I’ve sent
e-mails to summer camps, resorts, a person that runs a tt club in Las Vegas that I know and just recently I went to a new YMCA in my area and made contact.
I’ve tried talked to the people in power at the local tt club and they are not willing to part with any of their space to accommodate Hexapong. Frustrating…..They don’t even want to give it a chance. But I endeavor to persevere.
Wanting not to push Hexapong onto some people that have no interest in Hexapong I am replying to the posted topic Funny Bats.
Having attended a few tournaments I always furnished the hard bats to play with. After a few hits with the hard bat the question was always “Can we use our own paddle?”
Fortunately or unfortunately depending on your point of view the bat is what makes the player. For all the different rubbers players will adapt and learn to play throu it. It may take some longer then others but it will happen.
With this in mind the numerous arguments about ball size, rubber, glue, and net height it seems to me that the governing bodies are so involved with trying to make tt a spectator sport and have little to no regard to people that actually play.
My opinion is that the ball size is good were it is. The rubber and glue issues is equipment advancement and the net height is just another obstacle for the athlete to overcome. The governing bodies should concentrate more on getting sponsors to advance the sport rather then trying to raise spectatorship. Personally playing tt is much better then watching. And as a plug for Hexapong, making non traditional shots on a funny table is more exciting.
Mr Wilko
04-30-2008, 09:06 PM
looking forward to trying it Dave let me know when sorted will def be interested
Annie
05-05-2008, 09:40 PM
We all have to understand that Dave works for a living like the rest of us but I am really excited to hear of any update on the progress of this Table?
Bammo
05-05-2008, 10:04 PM
looks like good fun to me guy. if i saw one of these tables set up somewhere i would certainly give it a go, great idea!
DaveR
05-05-2008, 11:09 PM
Welcome Bammo and Guy kindly sent me the bits and pieces and im currently working on it although ive been busy and havnt finished yet..................children and business............my head hurts !
Hey, no pressure from me. If I could, I'd be there to help. I really appreciate the support that you all have given me in the form of wanting to play Hexapong. I just hope that the rules are clear enough to understand what the intent is.
I do want to add that it occurred to me that doubles can be played with two different net set ups. The first as I have as Xtreme Doubles in which the serving rule is weird at first when you play. And the other way would be to have the nets set up like the Hexapong Tennis. Not sure if players should alternate hitting ball or not. What do you think? If need be I could post a diagram to help explain what I mean about the net set up. Keep in mind the serve area is always used in all the games played on the table, and all games except Hexapong Tennis is played first to 25. New game new rules but same play
Annie
05-06-2008, 07:14 PM
Guy you know I support you but that's very easy for me to say from the comfort of my living room. Dave puts so much time into the site as well as running his business and competing and developing the site to what everyone sees today. And let's not forget the demanding three ladies in his life (his wife and two children).
I think it's fantastic that you have done as much as you have so far and I'm sure with a little more time UK support you can help promote this new concept.:thumbsup:
Annie
Thank you for your continued support and I feel vary lucky that I have made contact with Dave. I never expected for anyone to do what he has so far when he is as busy with all his other demands. THANK YOU DAVE.
Annie
05-06-2008, 08:32 PM
Guy I know as soon as this table will be up and running it will be a great attraction. In fact hopefully in time for the Wolverhampton tournament in October. I'll be there :thumbsup:
Hello Dave
I know your a busy man and you have other obligations to tend to, but since there have been a number of viewer to this thread since your last up date. I'm just wondering if there is anything you could share with us regarding your progress?
On a personal note. On my end I have meet with a co-owner of a facility here in Phoenix that is going to allow me to set up a table to start playing. As more players get involved I will be able to bring in more tables. For right now it looks like Saturday afternoons are going to be available.
Also for any American players that would be interested, the week of June 15th (this year) I am traveling to Houston,Tx with my table. I've made contact with someone in San Antonio and Houston TT clubs to be able set up the table for an evening. Nothing confirmed yet, but will pass on info if you want.
Just looked at the thread "hard bat or not?" by DaveR.
Using hard bats for Hexapong could be an interesting way to combine old ways with new. If anyone had noticed the video taken at the U.S. Nationals the hard bat was being used.
Update to travel plans and Hexapong here in the U.S. The San Antonio TT club after talking to members did not have an interest in host Hexapong, but on Thursday June 19th The Austin TT club will host and evening (confirmed) and June 20th the Houston Table Tennis Association will also host and evening for Hexapong (confirmed). Working on the TT club in Fort Worth for Sunday June 22nd. Will get details tomorrow.
Annie
06-15-2008, 07:30 PM
Update to travel plans and Hexapong here in the U.S. The San Antonio TT club after talking to members did not have an interest in host Hexapong, but on Thursday June 19th The Austin TT club will host and evening (confirmed) and June 20th the Houston Table Tennis Association will also host and evening for Hexapong (confirmed). Working on the TT club in Fort Worth for Sunday June 22nd. Will get details tomorrow.
All good news guy. It takes a lot of dedication to market a new concept and I certainly take my hat off (but nothing else :blush2: ) to you my friend.
Please, please, please keep us informed as I for one am truly excited to be witness at the start of this. I'm also sure that DaveR is doing his best to move things along over in the UK but with a business, young family, competitions and this site I'm sure you will understand that it's going to take a little while to bring it all together?
Well done Guy! :static:
Annie, Your hat will be just fine, I would not expect anything else. Thanx again for your continued interest.
I have been in contact with Dave and progress with the table is encouraging. We will know more in about a week.
Greeting All
Just a few lines to let others know about the clubs I visited in
My 1st stop was at the Austin Table Tennis Club where I meet John Muhich. This club located on the second floor of the building housed 9 or 10 (I did not count) tables with one having a robot until the number of players deemed its removal. They had a small break area with tables were players could sit while waiting. John informed us that the club was in the process of raising funds to relocate to a different facility. If your go to Austin and want to play look up the Austin Table Tennis Club.
In Houston there are a few clubs to choose from and since I was limited on time the Houston Table Tennis Association is where I stopped. There I meet Gabe Cserei, this club also housed 9 or 10 tables. Because their space is long and narrow the waiting area is not very large but there is a place to sit while you wait to get on a table. This was the first time I’ve played against a lefty on my table, then later another lefty joined in. It was quite a learning curve for me playing against two lefties at the same time.
The last stop was in Fort Worth, Texas, where I meet Keith Evans one of the coaches for Texas Wesleyan University the number one National Intercollegiate Champions for Table Tennis 7 years running. With Keith taking posession of the Hexapong table mentioned that with the lines and areas on the table it could be good for players to learn ball control. I’m hoping that they will make use of it in their next tournament come September. Until then the players will be able to enjoy testing their skills against each other.
Annie
06-26-2008, 06:17 AM
Sounds good Guy. Any logical conclusion would have to draw that this table, as well as being great fun, has training advantages that a normal table just wouldn't have.
Keep up the good work Guy! :thumbsup:
Sadly enough until I can get players with a committed attitude to just try a couple of games they will never know.
The shorter table forces the player to put more of a loop or top spin when you hit and the width of the table forces you to move you feet if your opponent can control the angle shots.
Sorry I'll stop at that.:soapbox:
The fun of it all is when you get players of the same caliber playing each other.
Hello DaveR
So what do you think of the fabric nets I sent?
Are there any updates you can share?
DaveR
07-06-2008, 01:38 PM
Hi Guy !
Nets are great and im putting them together now !
Been busy and the update is that the managing director likes or rather favours the idea of the Hexapong system and wants to see it in total action so i am putting the a table up in our center on the friday training night this week so he can come along to view !
Dave
That’s exciting news to me, I hoping something good will happen. If it’s not asking too much, pictures or video would be greatly appreciated. If pictures and video are furnished I would ultimately post on youtube with others.
FYI, while in Houston we set the table up in the Hexapong Tennis configuration for singles. This afforded the length of a traditional table at the center and additional width for angle shots. That proved to be quite a workout having to move my feet more because of the angle shots.
Developing news on the home front. The Saturday facility I was trying to get into is not going to happen, but the local Club (Phoenix TT Club) has entered into an agreement with the city of Phoenix to have a public facility from 1pm to 9pm on Tuesday and 1pm to 5pm on Thursday and have expressed and interest in getting a table at that location.
Got to go looks like Federer has mounted a comeback against Nadal.
DaveR
07-06-2008, 08:02 PM
Federer is the winner on grass me thinks now as hes scrapped his way all the way through.
With the unveiling of Hexapong coming soon I would like to express my gratitude to Dave for taking on a project of curiosity. If not for his efforts, time and expense the table those of you will see on Friday training night would not be there for your curiousity and/or enjoyment.
Many thanks to you Dave.:hi:
With the different net configurations and the 8 different games that can be played off of this one table, I’m sure it will have something for an enjoyable break from traditional table tennis.
I’m a big boy so all reviews good or bad will be expected.:whistle2:
Annie
07-11-2008, 06:43 AM
How exciting is this?
We first heard about your table Guy on 1st February this year and here we are now 11th July in the UK about to experience it first hand.
I think the level of communication and social interaction we have through the Internet today is amazing. Look what's been achieved in such a short space of time across 1,000s of miles of sea?
I'd just like to say well done and good luck to all parties concerned in this exciting new venture. :happy:
Hello All
I know that DaveR has his hands full and will comment on how things went at the Friday training night, but until he does, is there anyone on this site that attended the session willing to tell me what you saw.
Hey Dave
I know you've been busy but can you share any info when and where you might have the table out for others. Can you post a picture of the table so that we can see what a fine job you have done.
Also can you or anyone else direct me to someone that I can order some underside brackets that hold the round tubing to the table? I am currently using the electrical conduct brackets to attach the legs to the table but they seem to be a softer material them the brackets you see on the manufactured tables. It would make a better and stronger brace to have four screws holding the tube then two screws holding the bracket in place.
Hello all
I will be attending an event at a park on August 30th in Chino Valley Az. with a large table and hope to raise some interest for young kids with the latest attraction from Hexapong. This one will be known as Hexapong-Hummingbird series, for adults to play on this one they have to exercise control in trying not to hit too hard if they wish to keep the ball in play. I figured this could be a good way to get some kids away from video games and develop the hand-eye coordination using the whole body, not just just the thumbs.
FYI, I read someone didn't like playing outdoors because a breeze can effect the ball. Try using the plastic whiffle golf ball. The golf ball may not bounce as high or go as fast, but because of the weight of the ball a small breeze will not effect the golf ball when compared to a table tennis ball.
Annie
08-26-2008, 05:15 PM
Hello all
I will be attending an event at a park on August 30th in Chino Valley Az. with a large table and hope to raise some interest for young kids with the latest attraction from Hexapong. This one will be known as Hexapong-Hummingbird series, for adults to play on this one they have to exercise control in trying not to hit too hard if they wish to keep the ball in play. I figured this could be a good way to get some kids away from video games and develop the hand-eye coordination using the whole body, not just just the thumbs.
http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=35&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1219736015 (http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=35&d=1219736015)
Looks very sporty Guy. :thumbsup:
Hello All
Just a few lines to share with the curious ones following the progress of Hexapong. Last month yielded interest from a variety of people attending the event I participated in. It was amusing to see that the younger kids would go to the big table while the older one (high school age) would go to the smaller table, then go to the big table.
I got one order for the small table.
Having received permission to have a table at a Phoenix Activity Center the table has become quit popular with the staff and the kids. On the 12th the table will be relocated to a YMCA for 2 weeks.
Today I received an e-mail from a contact I had made at Texas Wesleyan University from the Texas trip I took in June. It read as follows
We did use table during the tournament and young kids were very exited to play on it. Also, we have big interest from the recreational players here in the school, so Kinesiology department wants to use it for their classes too. We will have table available to them in the mornings, and in the evenings to all other people who come here. When we have tournaments it will be on the display and tournament people could play on it. Keith likes your table, as well as players. It is definitely great game for fun and recreation. I think it will be very popular on our campus. I can give you some more updates soon.
This is exciting news to both my wife and I because of the exposure it is starting to get.
To DaveR
Is there anything you can share with me and others who have been following this thread. The count is at 1600 hits which would imply to me some curious people
Hello All (1693)
Just a few things to share with those who have been following my progress.
The popularity at the Phoenix Washington Activity Center (WAC) was a success and produced enough of and interest from the kids and staff that the director of the facility wants a table. She told me that if she had the room to store two she would get two. As a side note, the creator of the table tennis program who was not interested in a table for the program setup between the Phoenix Table Tennis Club and the Phoenix Park and Recreation has now suggested that maybe the table could be part of their program.
I just picked up the table from the YMCA yesterday and it was a hit with a number of members of all ages and the staff. One staff member told me that off duty police have been playing Hexapong while waiting for their turn to play in their basketball league. This YMCA is interested in getting a table also but can not place an order until January because of budget issues.
Currently I'm putting together a table so that I can get it to Burbank, California. A friend told me that two days in a row Ellen DeGeneres said she likes to play ping pong and he suggested I write a letter to the shows producer. Well, about 40 minutes after sending an e-mail I received a call asking if a table could be sent to them. There are no guaranties that it would be used in the show but they would like to see it.
In closing I saw on another site that New Castle was going to have a tournament. This question is for DaveR. Will this tournament be seeing the Hexapong table?
From previous post I know of some players from another site that said if the table was available they would give it a go.
DaveR please reply.
For those of you who have been following my progress I have found a cabinet shop here in town who is interested in making the tables for me. All the details have not yet been worked out but it looks promising. I also found a place that says they would be able to make the nets for the table, I'm waiting to hear what their charge is going to be.
If any one had noticed I posted a thread called colorblind. That thread was to find a desirable colored ball that would standout against the black and red of the table. Thanx to the input from members I have determined that I will try to get yellow table tennis balls. Currently the only company that I have found that makes yellow table tennis balls is Lion, but I have no idea of the quality. If any one knows anything about the quality of the ball could you please tell me.
I guess to try to get things moving along farther is to find sponsors so that I can put together a small tournament once I have a few tables made. I don't expect any U.S. players would participate unless there was plenty of money and because of their mind set. All the same I think it would make for an interesting event for recreational players and a good time to be had.
Annie
10-18-2008, 07:39 PM
Guy you know I am a fan of your original concept, your motivation and determination. I love to follow your progress and am sure that one day my claim to fame will be I chatted with the man that invented Hexapong.
Whether it will ever be accepted by Professional Table Tennis players or not, it's still a great idea that has been developed in a professional manner. If anyone is in any doubt just take a look at Guy's Hexapong site............
http://www.hexapong.com/home.html (http://www.hexapong.com/home.html)
There are many aspects to any sport. Make it fun and an everyday part of life and followings, sponsorship, investment and better tournaments will follow surely?
Way to go Guy and keep us updated please :thumbsup:
HarryBelafonte
10-19-2008, 07:31 PM
guy ,the table looks great, looks like you could have a lot of fun,,I think thats the pitch guy..
how about a multi coloured ball..
Best of luck...:rocker:
Just a few things to keep you informed.
While browsing other sites I came across a blog site that advertised cheap bats. Since my plan is to give 6 bats and a few tt balls with the purchase of a table I just don't think I can go wrong with 99 cent bats. For recreational players the bats are not bad for the beginner.
With the help from the input that I got about the ball color I found a yellow ball that I will be using for Hexapong with my logo on the ball.
I'm still working out details with the company to produce the table and I found a power coating company that is cheaper and closer for the table legs.
Next week I will be taking a table to a The Phoenician Resort for the Thanksgiving weekend. The Phoenician is a five star resort with some 30 other resorts that are sister sites in North America. And next month I my be getting an article about Hexapong in a paper publication that has a large circulation in the valley.
Well that's it for now, wish me luck.
Annie
11-21-2008, 05:37 PM
As always..............Very, very best of luck Guy. Don't forget about us when you're rich and famous! :resent:
Hey gang
Just touching base with you. I retrieved my table from the Phoenician today. On the day I set it up there was a gentleman and his son that played for a bit, saying how must he liked it and said he was interested in getting one. I know it sounds exciting but I've heard that line so many times I don't get I hopes up.
On Monday I got an email from a gal that said she saw the table at the Phoenician and was inquiring if there were any retail stores in Canada that she could pick one up for her kids. I had to tell her I did not have any stores as of yet.......I haven't heard back.
Yesterday a local publication, different from the one I last told you about did an interview with me and took a few pictures also. I'm sure only one or two pictures is all they will use for the article that will be printer 12/18.
The Yellow balls I inquired about, I thought were decent so I ordered a gross so the Hexapong logo can be put on them.
The guy that writes for "Topshot table tennis blog" wrote me and suggested I start a Hexapong blog. So now I have a blog site http://www.hexapong.blogspot.com/
Maybe after he writes an article as he said he would I'll get some comments.
Well that's it for now, hopefully something will break as far as luck goes so I can start seeing the fruits of my labor.
Annie
12-07-2008, 09:23 AM
Great Blog and as always very stylishly done. :thumbsup:
Hey Gang, more info to share with the interested parties.
It was confirmed yesterday. There is another resort here in town that has ask me if a hexapong table could be set up for what amounts to be their Christmas Party. There will be an estimated 1500 people (no kids) that they expect to attend. And another bit of good news is that the contact I made for this event used to work for Carnival Cruise Ships. He will be passing on my info to a friend that is still with Carnival Cruise Ships. Also yesterday the first local publication I spoke to has finally scheduled a date for an article that will involve Hexapong. More details to come later.
For those of you that have been following my progress, this is the latest result of my endeavors taken from a local publication.
http://www.tabletennistalk.co.uk/forum/table/hexapong.gif (http://hexapong.com/pdf/GENERAL%20NEWS.pdf)
Click Picture Above
I know it is unlikely that most to all on this site would not be traveling to the U.S. But if there is anyone traveling to the Phoenix area during the Christmas - New Year break I will have a Hexapong table set up in a controlled environment Saturday Dec. 27th beginning at 1:00 for a few hours for another local publication interview.
If you are interesting in attending contact me for the location. As of today I will have 10 to 12 people that will be present.
The second interview I had yesterday is scheduled to come out in February. The door opened at 1:00 and the last 4 (myself included) of 16 that showed up didn't leave until 3:30.
We managed to play several games of Cutthroat Doubles, a few of games of Team of Three and a couple of games of Cutthroat Singles. Any one that has played tt/pp could tell that the interviewer most likely never played before but he said he enjoyed playing. After the couple of games he played and the interview. The interviewer was just content to watch and he didn't leave until about 3:00.
I recently added to the rules/guidelines for team games that the players rotate to hit the ball as in tt doubles, this would increase the activity of play. It only took one game for the players of Team of Three to get used to moving around each other.
Last night while sitting back and relaxing, we received a call from the Resort that invited Hexapong to their Christmas Party. It seem that a group of Dentist and their families are in town and because the whether has been a little chilly, the Resort would like to give the families some additionally indoors entertainment. It would be silly not to jump at any and all opportunities for exposures so later today the table is back to the resort.
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