Tom Lodziak ![[Video] How to read the amount of spin – with Mark Mitchell](https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/How-to-read-spin-1-350x197.jpg)
In this video, pro coach Mark Mitchell explains how to read the amount of spin when playing table tennis. Most players are able to see when an opponent plays a push or topspin stroke. But do you know how much spin your opponent is actually putting on the ball? Mark explains how to read heavy backspin, light backspin and float. He also explains how to read heavy topspin, medium topspin and light topspin. Keep reading
When players I coach progress from beginner to intermediate standard, I encourage them to buy a better bat. But what the heck should they buy? There are just so many bats available – all with different levels of speed, spin and control. For a player who is buying their first ‘proper’ bat, it can be quite an overwhelming experience. But do not worry, help is at hand. In this blog post, I share the advice I give to the intermediate players I coach (including specific recommendations). I hope my advice helps you too… Keep reading
![[Video] Super easy backhand flick technique](https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Super-easy-backhand-flick-350x197.jpg)
In this video, I explain a simple technique for doing a backhand flick. This technique is easy to learn and surprisingly effective at amateur level table tennis. This technique will also set the foundations you need to develop a more advanced backhand flick technique in the future. Keep reading
So you want to buy a table tennis table? It’s not an easy decision. There’s a lot of choice available. In this blog post, I share advice about how you can tell a good quality table from a poor one, which brands are best, how much you should spend and where you can buy. I also give specific recommendations on which table tennis tables to buy for your home, club and school. Keep reading
I like table tennis robots. Not everyone does, but I think they can be very useful if you use them in the right way. In this blog post, I look at the different types of table tennis robots you can buy. I’ve split robots into three different categories: entry level robots, mid-range single-spin robots and top-of-the-range multi-spin robots. I also make recommendations on which table tennis robots I think are the best and give links to where you can buy. Keep reading
![[Video] What’s wrong with my game?](https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Whats-wrong-with-my-game_-350x197.jpg)
In this video, I get some feedback from Rade Markovic (Head Coach – ASV Grünwettersbach) about my table tennis skills. Rade watches me play with Juan Perez, a Spanish junior player, and then delivers his verdict. What is the biggest issue with my game? What do I need to do to improve? Keep reading
![[Video] Don’t train like this!](https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Donttrainlikethis600px-350x197.jpg)
In this video, I highlight a common flaw in how some players train. This flaw is spending too much time, hitting forehand to forehand from one position. These players tend to have petty good forehands, but struggle when they play matches as the rest of their game is underdeveloped. If this is you, you need to spend your training time more wisely. Keep reading
I have suffered badly with nerves in the past when playing competitive table tennis matches. One technique which has helped me control my nerves is mental rehearsal. This is a technique which is very common with professional athletes in all sports. But you don’t need to be a professional athlete to experience the benefits of mental rehearsal. Any table tennis player, at any standard, can benefit. In this blog post, I explain what mental rehearsal is and how you can use it when playing to boost your performance. Keep reading
One of the players I coach often struggles when he gets to the 3rd game in a match. He told me… “I have found that I quite often win the first 2 games comfortably maybe 11:5 or 11:6 but then in the 3rd game I lose. I am sure this is a psychological thing. I have asked around and even some much better players than myself experience this from time to time. What’s going on? How to beat this?” In this blog post, I explain how you can overcome “3rd game syndrome” and win the 3rd game and the match. Keep reading
![[Video] How to play like Desmond Douglas](https://www.tabletenniscoach.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DesDouglas-350x197.jpg)
In this video, table tennis superstar Desmond Douglas shares some of his table tennis secrets. Desmond played in the 1970s and 1980s and was 11 times English champion. He reached number 7 in the world rankings. Desmond had a unique playing style. He played close to the table and used short strokes and quick reactions to put his opponents under pressure. In the video Desmond explains the benefits of his playing style and shares some of the tactics he used during his playing career. Keep reading