In this training camp, you will learn how to attack backspin balls (pushes and chops) with fast, spinny and consistent topspin shots. We will focus on both forehand topspin vs backspin and backhand topspin vs backspin. This is a key table tennis skill, which many players find challenging. But with the right technique you can easily attack your opponent’s backspin shots, take control of the rally and win many more points. You will finish the training camp with much better topspin technique and far higher confidence in using your topspin shots in your league and tournament matches.
- Date: Wednesday 2 July to Friday 4 July 2025
- Venue: Cambridge University Sports Centre, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS
- Start / finish time: 10am-4pm each day
- Coaches: Tom Lodziak, Ferenc Horvath, Ádám Füzes
- Participants: Maximum of 16 players per day
- Cost: £70 per day
- Flexible booking: Join for 1, 2 or 3 days
Programme
Here’s what to expect from the training camp…
Wednesday 2 July
- 10am-10.15am – Warm-up
- 10.15am-12.30pm – Forehand topspin vs backspin … Learn how to attack backspin balls with a forehand topspin. We will show you both a basic technique and an advanced technique.
- 12.30pm-1.15pm – Lunch
- 1.15pm-3.45pm – Backhand topspin vs backspin … Learn how to attack backspin balls with a backhand topspin. We will show you both a basic technique and an advanced technique.
- 3.45pm-4pm – Debrief / stretches
Thursday 3 July
- 10am-10.15am – Warm-up
- 10.15am-12.30pm – Getting out of pushing rallies … Learn how to get out of a pushing rally with your topspin strokes (forehand and backhand). Develop the confidence to attack whenever you want.
- 12.30pm-1.15pm – Lunch
- 1.15pm-3.45pm – Serve + attack … Learn how to use a backspin serve to set up a topspin attack (both forehand and backhand)
- 3.45pm-4pm – Debrief / stretches
Friday 4 July
- 10am-10.15am – Warm-up
- 10.15am-12.30pm – Topspin variations … Learn how to vary your forehand and backhand topspins – using both high arc loops and direct power loops.
- 12.30pm-1.15pm – Lunch
- 1.15pm-3.45pm – Using topspin in matches … In the final session, there will be lots of practice matches, with the aim of using your new topspin skills as much as possible.
- 3.45pm-4pm – Debrief / stretches
The coaching team
The coaching team for this training camp will be:
Lead coach – Tom Lodziak
Tom is a full-time table tennis coach, based in Cambridge. As well as face to face coaching Tom has a popular coaching YouTube channel and is the author of Spin: Tips and Tactics to Win at table Tennis. Tom competes in the top division of the Cambridge league and veteran tournaments around the country.
Support coach – Ferenc Horvath
Ferenc is head coach of Paragon Table Tennis and has featured in many of my YouTube videos. He has coached in many countries in Europe, plays to a very high standard and in 2024 won the 40+ English national championships. Ferenc will be joining the training camp for all three days.
Support coach – Ádám Füzes
Ádám has over 30 years of playing experience. He has competed in Division 1 in Hungary and enjoyed success in the senior British league. Ádám is well known for his big topspin strokes and excellent counter-topspin attacks. Ádám will be joining the training camp for all three days.
Who is this training camp suitable for?
This training camp is suitable for players who are already competing at a local league level or in amateur tournaments. At a minimum you should be able to serve confidently and be competent playing a forehand push, backhand push, forehand drive and backhand drive.
This training camp is not suitable for complete beginners. Instead, I recommend 1-to-1 coaching. If you are unsure whether this training camp is suitable for you, please email me with more information about your playing standard and I will advise.
You can also read testimonials of players who have previously attended my training camps.
Training camp format
There will be a maximum of 16 players per day on this training camp. The big benefit of attending a smaller sized training camp is that you get lots of feedback from the coaching team.
There will be a mixture of demonstrations, drills and match-play exercises. There will also be opportunities for you to set your own exercises and work on the skills which are really important to you. The coaching team will observe you play and give technical and tactical feedback.
You will get the opportunity to play with different people throughout the training camp – usually a mixture of players from around the UK and also players from other countries. You will experience a positive coaching environment, joined by like-minded table tennis enthusiasts.
In the evenings, there might be opportunities to play table tennis at nearby clubs. There may also be opportunities for 1-to-1 sessions. More details will be given nearer the time. Alternatively other players may wish to meet up together for food and drink. You will be invited to join a WhatsApp group where you can communicate easily with other players.
Venue + accommodation
This training camp will take place at Cambridge University Sports Centre, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge, CB3 0AS.
There will be eight good quality tables and high quality training balls.
The sports centre has a small car park (free of charge) and modern changing facilities. The sports centre sells basic refreshments and also has free water dispensers to fill up water bottles.
If you require accommodation, please take a look at this accommodation guide, which gives lots of affordable options.
Visit Cambridge
If you live in another part of the UK (or another country), you could combine this training camp with some sightseeing of Cambridge in the evenings. There is always plenty to do in the picturesque university city. Find out what’s on in Cambridge on the Visit Cambridge website.
How to book
This training camp took place in July 2025. Click here to view the latest list of training camps.