News & views

One of the great things about table tennis is that you really don’t need much equipment to play. But some of us, myself included, arrive at a training session with a bag jam-packed with stuff. How do we end up bringing so much with us, when all we really need is our table tennis bat? Let’s take a look inside my table tennis bag. I’ll explain what I think is essential and what is simply useful, but you can probably do without. Keep reading

When you play a league match, or a group stage of a tournament, what do you do when it’s not your turn to play? Some players sit and chat. Some players disappear outside. Some players spend the whole time looking at their phone. This is a missed opportunity. You can gather some vital information about future opponents if you pay attention to their matches. Keep reading

We all want to improve at table tennis. But often players approach their development in the wrong way. They don’t practise enough. Or they practise in the wrong way. They don’t learn from their errors. They don’t reflect on their performances. They don’t push themselves outside their comfort zone. In short, they don’t progress. But … Keep reading

When playing table tennis matches there are a few unwritten behavioural conventions which players should observe. We can call this collection of behavioural conventions ‘table tennis etiquette’. Without these behavioural conventions, there would be a lot more conflict / players punching each other in the face! Keep reading

It’s time for my end-of-year table tennis quiz! How good is your table tennis knowledge? I have 20 questions about table tennis during 2024. Each question has four possible answers for you to choose from. At the end of the quiz you can see how your score compares to others on the quiz leaderboard. Good luck! Keep reading

It has been a rocky few months for Chinese table tennis. I’ve been following the professional game for the past twenty years and I don’t recall a time when Chinese players have been beaten so regularly. By China’s phenomenally high standard – near complete domination for 25 years – these recent losses are a little concerning. So what’s going on? Keep reading

If you want to develop into a decent table tennis player, you need to have good foundations. You need consistent strokes. You need to understand topspin. You need to understand backspin. You have to be confident when serving. You need to have confidence returning serves. You need a range of shots which can help you … Keep reading

What table tennis rubbers are most popular with amateur table tennis players? To answer this question, I conducted a survey, asking players what rubbers they currently use for their forehand and backhand.  I sent the survey to subscribers of my mailing list and YouTube channel, various table tennis Facebook groups and users of the Table … Keep reading

I am delighted to announce that my new online academy – Tom’s TT Academy – is now live! In Tom’s TT Academy you will get access to exclusive coaching content, including the following… To join, simply go to www.tomsttacademy.com Take a look inside Here’s a video where I explain more and show you inside the … Keep reading

I have set myself a new challenge. It’s a tough one. Maybe it’s beyond my ability level. But I am motivated to give it a shot. My new challenge is to break into the top 10 of the English veterans ranking list. Some would say I am deluded. They may be right. But, it’s a great goal to aim for in the next chapter of my table tennis life. Keep reading