Why some players improve faster than others

Why some players improve faster than others

Over the past 10 years, I have done a lot of coaching. Some of my players have improved a lot. Others have only improved a little bit. Ideally I would like every player to make massive improvement, but there is a limit to what any individual coach can do. How much improvement is made is ultimately down to the player. But there is a definite pattern. There are certain things some players do, which allow them to make a big improvement in a short period of time. This is what they do, and you should do too… Keep reading

New group coaching days announced

New group coaching days announced

From September 2022, I will be organising a monthly group coaching day in Cambridge. This will involve 5 hours of coaching, focusing on a specific aspect of table tennis, e.g. serving, rallying, topspin vs backspin. The group size will be fairly small – a maximum of 10 players, which will allow me to spend time with each player and give plenty of feedback. Keep reading

Benefits of an awkward training partner

Benefits of an awkward training partner

There is a huge benefit with practising with the most awkward player in the training hall. That player with unorthodox technique, unpredictable shots and disruptive timing. The player who doesn’t look like he can play table tennis – his shots are often weird looking – but is actually really hard to beat. Let’s look at the benefits of training with these awkward players… Keep reading

Review: FastPong Training System

Review: FastPong Training System

Over the past month I have been testing a brand new product called FastPong. This is a training system to help players improve ball placement accuracy, shot speed and reactions. In this review I am going to explain in more detail exactly what the FastPong training system is, and whether it is a useful product to help you improve your table tennis skills. Keep reading

Review: Power Pong Omega Robot

Review: Power Pong Omega Robot

I have recently upgraded my table tennis robot. For many years I used the Newgy Robo-Pong 2050 – a very decent mid-range robot which served me well. But my head has been turned by a new model – one with extra features and a more modern user interface – the Power Pong Omega robot. Here’s my honest review… Keep reading

7 tips to get back into your table tennis groove

7 tips to get back into your table tennis groove

Table tennis clubs in England can reopen again from 17 May. Hooray! I have been coaching for the past three weeks, so I have a bit of a head start. The players I coach are delighted to be playing again. Yes, we are all a little slower and a little softer around the stomachs, but most players have retained their skills. In this article, I share my 7 top tips to help you return to play and quickly get back into your table tennis groove. Keep reading

Ultimate guide to playing table tennis at home

Ultimate guide to playing table tennis at home

Life is in limbo. With ongoing restrictions and lockdowns, most of us have not been able to exercise and play sports in the way we would like. With our choices severely restricted, many of us are trying to find ways of being active at home. Table tennis is one very good option. It is great fun. It is beneficial for your physical and mental health. It is suitable for all ages. And you can play with family or by yourself, with the right equipment. In this detailed article, I am going to give you lots of practical information about playing table tennis at home… Keep reading

[Video] Tom in training #2 … Help me improve! (Nov 2020)

[Video] Tom in training #2 … Help me improve! (Nov 2020)

Here’s some footage of my last training session, filmed the day before the latest lockdown. In this session coach Ferenc Horvath is once again helping me to develop my attacking game. As always, I am happy to receive constructive feedback. Just leave a comment with your thoughts on what I need to do to improve. Keep reading

29 table tennis shadow training ideas + FREE workout sessions

29 table tennis shadow training ideas + FREE workout sessions

In this video I share 29 shadow practice exercises you can do in your home. Shadow practice is a great way of exercising and developing your technique. You don’t need any equipment – you just practice the movements of table tennis shots – drives, loops, chops, flicks, smashes. You can use the shadow practice ideas in this video to create your own exercise routine. Even 5-10 minutes a day can make a difference to your fitness and technique. I also share links to free 30-minute table tennis exercise sessions. Keep reading

[Video] Tom in training…Help me improve! (Sep 2020)

[Video] Tom in training…Help me improve! (Sep 2020)

I’m back in training, trying to improve me game. When life returns to normal, I will be entering a few tournaments and see how far I can get. To help me improve, I have enlisted the help of coach Ferenc Horvath. In particular I have asked Ferenc to help me develop my attacking game and my footwork. I have a habit of being too cautious when I play, so Ferenc is encouraging me to get into my beast mode. Keep reading