Name
Rick Thigpen
usatt rating: current/highest
1670/1694
Birthday
07/26/1978
City/country of origin
Charlotte, NC
Personal History
Lived in Charlotte my whole life. 
B.S. Accounting/Finance from UNCC. 
NC Army National Guard ’95-’01. 
other hobbies
Watching movies, computer troubleshooting, yardwork, fitness
Currently/formerly employed with:
Wachovia Bank- Asset-Based Lending
Worked at Chuck E. Cheese’s and BJ’s Warehouse Club during college
tt accomplishments
Started out at 1332 and moved to mid-upper 1600’s in a short amount of time. 
I pretty much skipped the 1500’s. 
equipment: racket, rubber
Currently using 729- 6030 with Varites rubber. 
Have experienced with Donic Dotec carbon, VSG-2000, Wonderblade with Friendship,
Midship, Mark V - still haven’t found a stable combination to use.
style: shakehand/penhold, attack/defend, etc
Leftie-shakehand / All-around
I tend to be more defensive against more aggressive players. 
I enjoy bringing back shots to the table from a distance. 
I try to be more of an attacker, since that’s how you win matches,
it’s a matter of me being more confident with my technique.
memorable matches
Not that any of the matches were close, but each match I have had with Chris O’Brian
are pretty memorable.  He seemed to overpower anything I threw at him and stomp me
into the ground.  Who could forget that?  Maybe I’ll be that good one day.
memorable tournaments
At 1494, I beat 3 players rated 1700+ in one tournament to gain 200 rating points. 
Playing in the 2006 U.S. Open in Charlotte for the experience. 
Watching the great world-rank players in the semi’s and finals. 
Alexander Karakasevic is just amazing to watch. 
Going to the annual Cary Open and watching the many great players.
sponsors
My wife….
tt: strength/weakness
strength: keep pretty level-headed when I make mistakes
weakness: I tend to use reach over footwork
common mistake people make when playing you:
They forget I’m left-handed.
favorite shot
Forehand smash with or without loop
favorite serve
Sidespin variation- although my forehand serve still needs working on
overall strategy
Stay focused and win points one at a time.  Make smart and consistent shots.
strategy against higher rated players
I attack a lot more against higher rated players and surprise a few of them. 
There is nothing to lose in trying,
yet you may surprise yourself in what you can really do.
strategy against lower rated players
Practice my more difficult serves. 
Win points on more consistent and controlled shots. 
Don’t be cocky or arrogant.
comments
I enjoy playing all skill levels.  I enjoy watching just as much as playing. 
After hurting my shoulder, I really have to concentrate on moving my feet more
or just letting a ball go instead of reaching. 
Working on the technique of each shot is very important. 
There are many hitting styles out there, but to sum it up,
there is a wrong way and a right way. 
One way will help you and the other will hurt you. 
I started playing in 2005 and have come a long way. 
My game still has plenty of room for improvement &
I’m always willing to fix and learn. 
We are very lucky to have a table tennis club in Charlotte
and thanks to all who make it happen.