video Archives - Tom Lodziak Table Tennis Coaching

[Video] How to improve your backhand loop – with Ferenc Horvath

29/09/202029/09/2020 by Tom Lodziak

In this video, top coach Ferenc Horvath gives 5 tips to help you improve your backhand loop. Many players, including myself, find the backhand loop a little tricky to do. But help is at hand. In this video Ferenc explains in detail the technique needed to master the backhand loop. There is also lots of footage of Ferenc demonstrating the shot. I have been on the receiving end of Ferenc’s backhand loop many times, and it is a wonderful shot. Keep reading

[Video] How to confuse your opponent when returning serves – with Craig Bryant

16/09/2020 by Tom Lodziak

In this video, top coach Craig Bryant, explains how to confuse your opponent when returning serves. It’s all about the art of deception. You show your opponent you are going to play one shot and at the last moment you switch to another shot. This unpredictability makes it hard for your opponent to anticipate what you will do. When your opponent is uncertain, he or she will play weaker shots or make more mistakes. In the video, Craig shows how to add deception when returning serves with a forehand topspin, a forehand flick, a backhand flick, a touch and a push. Keep reading

[Video] Footwork and recovery for short balls – with Mark Mitchell

18/03/2020 by Tom Lodziak

In this video, pro coach Mark Mitchell explains how to improve your footwork and recovery for short balls. Many players at the amateur level struggle with short balls, either by overreaching or getting jammed at the table. Mark demonstrates his footwork both in and out of the table for balls short to the backhand and balls short to the forehand. There are some excellent tips in this video to make your footwork for short balls much better. Keep reading

[Video] How to do an EVIL attacking push – with Craig Bryant

25/02/2020 by Tom Lodziak

In this video, top coach Craig Bryant, explains how to do an attacking push. A push shot is usually considered to be a defensive shot. Too often it is used as a passive way to return a backspin serve. But you can be much more aggressive with your push. By using extra speed, spin and depth, you can transform your basic push shot into something a bit evil. Something which can really mess your opponent up. Keep reading

[Video] How to improve your forehand loop – with Ferenc Horvath

27/02/202018/02/2020 by Tom Lodziak

In this video, top coach Ferenc Horvath gives 7 tips to help you improve your forehand loop. To become an advanced table tennis player, it is essential that you can loop backspin balls (i.e. pushes and chops). The technique to attack these backspin balls is a little different to a regular topspin stroke, as you need to swing from low to high and brush up the back of the ball. Keep reading

[Video] How to get more BACKHAND POWER – with Craig Bryant

27/01/202028/01/2020 by Tom Lodziak

In this video, top coach Craig Bryant, explains how to get more power with your backhand attacks. Most players find it easy to generate power with their forehand, but with the right technique it is possible to get lots of power with your backhand too. Craig demonstrates his powerful backhand attacks and explains the technique, timing, type of contact, ball placement and how to practice. Keep reading

[Video] How to read the amount of spin – with Mark Mitchell

21/01/2020 by Tom Lodziak

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

[Video] Super easy backhand flick technique

14/01/2020 by Tom Lodziak

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

[Video] What’s wrong with my game?

16/12/2019 by Tom Lodziak

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] How to beat a blocker

22/11/201912/11/2019 by Tom Lodziak

In this video I share a few tips and tactics on how you can beat a blocker. A ‘blocker’ is the type of player who stays close to the table and return lots of your attacks. To beat a blocker, you need to be clever with your attacks. You need to vary your placement, spin and speed. You need to play consistent good quality attacks. Not easy, but it is possible! Keep reading