Tom Lodziak

I’m a table tennis coach based in Cambridge in the UK. I have 70+ free table tennis lessons on my popular YouTube channel. I also have 150+ coaching articles to help you improve your table tennis skills. You can read more about my background on my About Tom page.

[Video] Forehand attack down the line…A simple shot to win cheap points

[Video] Forehand attack down the line…A simple shot to win cheap points

In this video I share a simple but very effective tactic of attacking with your forehand down the line. Most players are very good at forehand attacks cross-court. But forehand attacks down the line can be an even better shot. In the video I explain why you should do forehand attacks down the line and how to do it. I also show three simple exercises to help you develop a strong forehand attack down the line. Keep reading

[Video] Brilliant blocking skills – with Paul Drinkhall

[Video] Brilliant blocking skills – with Paul Drinkhall

In this video, pro player Paul Drinkhall, shows off his brilliant blocking skills. Blocking is great for returning your opponent’s topspin shots, and turning defence into attack. In the video, Paul shares his blocking tips, discussing technique, placement and gaining a psychological advantage over your opponent. I also take Paul on in a match. I’m allowed to attack, but Paul is only allowed to block. Who will win? Keep reading

The life of a full-time table tennis coach

The life of a full-time table tennis coach

I’ve completed my first year of being a full time table tennis coach. Whoosh! The past 12 months have flown by. But what has it been like? Am I bored of table tennis yet? Did I earn enough money to pay the bills? Has my body survived the hours and hours of coaching? And what are my plans for the future? In this blog post I give an honest review of life as a table tennis coach. Keep reading

[VIDEO] How to serve short, long and half-long – with Craig Bryant

[VIDEO] How to serve short, long and half-long – with Craig Bryant

In this video, top coach and service expert, Craig Bryant, explains how to serve at different lengths. Craig demonstrates how to serve short, long and half-long. He uses markers to show where the ball should bounce on either side of the table. Craig also explains the benefits of each service length and discusses which service length will best suit your style of play. Keep reading

Review: JOOLA Fever blade

Review: JOOLA Fever blade

This league season I have been playing with the JOOLA Fever blade. This is an offensive carbon blade and one of JOOLA’s best sellers over the past few years. It has a 5+2 ply build with the 2 ply build formed by lightweight carbon meliorate. But is it any good? How does it perform when topspinning, hitting, pushing, blocking and serving? And what type to player should consider using this blade? Here’s my review… Keep reading

What is the best playing style to win at table tennis?

What is the best playing style to win at table tennis?

Some players attack. Some players defend. Others like to mix up defence and attack. Some use lots of spin. Others prefer flat hits. Some players like to stay close to the table. Others will go three metres back. Most players use inverted rubbers, but others use pimples or anti-spin. So many options. So many playing styles. But which is best? Which playing style will give you the most success? Let’s explore these questions… Keep reading

[Video] How to beat long pimples

[Video] How to beat long pimples

In this video, I took an in-depth look at how to play against and beat players who use long pimples. Many players at beginner and intermediate level find long pimples difficult to play against. This is because the long pimples changes the spin on the ball in a way that players are not used to. But long pimples are predictable. Once you work out how the spin is changing, it becomes much easier to beat long pimples players. Keep reading

[Video] How to do a forehand flick – with Paul Drinkhall

[Video] How to do a forehand flick – with Paul Drinkhall

In this video, pro player Paul Drinkhall demonstrates the forehand flick. Paul uses the forehand flick to attack short backspin serves or pushes. He combines speed with very good placement to put his opponents under pressure. In the video, Paul describes how to do the forehand flick, the importance of placement and how much power you should use.
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9 ways older players can compete with (and beat!) younger players

9 ways older players can compete with (and beat!) younger players

As we age, we do decline physically. We are not as fast, strong and nimble as we once were. But the great thing about table tennis (at the amateur level at least), is that power and athleticism are not essential to win matches. If you’re a senior player (60 years+), what is the best way to compete with, and beat, younger players? In this blog post, I give nine areas you can focus on to help you get the better of your younger, fitter and stronger opponents. Keep reading