Video Description
In this video I compare the forehand topspin vs backspin technique of an amateur player (myself) with the forehand topspin vs backspin technique of a professional player (England No.1 Liam Pitchford). Liam is able to play a much faster, direct and aggressive forehand topspin shot, but how is he able to do this? Keep reading
In this video, Paul Whiting (head coach at Plymouth TTC) shares a unique exercise he uses to help players improve their balance and adapt when slightly out of position. The exercise involves players standing on balance balls. To keep balance, players need to adopt a stable stance, keeping their body weight in an optimal position. If a player leans forwards too much or leans back to much, he or she will lose balance and fall off the balls. Keep reading
In this video I compare the backhand flick technique of an amateur player (myself) with the backhand flick technique of a professional player (England No.1 Liam Pitchford). Liam is able to generate a lot more speed and spin with his backhand flick technique, but how is he able to do this? Keep reading
In this video I demonstrate how to do four simple serves. These serves are ideal for beginner players as they are easy to learn and execute. You will learn how to add different spins to the ball by changing your bat angle and swing trajectory. In the video I demonstrate a backspin serve, a topspin serve, a sidespin serve and a no spin serve. Keep reading
In this video I explain how you can improve your focus when you’re training. Many of us (myself included) can get a little lazy when training. The mind drifts and engagement can be half-hearted. But if a training exercise has a specific challenge attached to it, then most players get a lot more focused. To demonstrate this, here is some footage of my six-year-old daughter Beatrix completing some of my fun challenges. Keep reading
In this video, top coach Stephen Gertsen explains how to do counter-topspin attacks, playing close to the table. This is an advanced technique, which requires good timing and a short, controlled swing. But if you can master this shot, then it will help you reach a higher standard and win a lot more points. Keep reading
In this video I explain how to return balls which are aimed at your crossover position. This is the area between your hip and your playing elbow, where you switch between backhand and forehand strokes. Shots aimed at his area can be very tricky to deal with. If you do not move, you will end up leaning to play forehands or reaching to play backhands, neither of which are good options. Keep reading
Many of us get tense when we play matches. Our bodies are preparing for battle. There is lots of randomness. And we rally want to win. All of this naturally leads to tension. But too much tension can ruin our game. In this video I share a simple tip to help your play in a more relaxed state during table tennis matches. Keep reading
In this video, I explain how to return a forehand pendulum serve aimed at your backhand. The footage is taken from a real coaching session with a player called Simon. In the session I show Simon how to read the spin, how to return the serve in a basic way and how to return the serve in a more advanced way. This video is essential viewing to any player who also struggles returning a pendulum serve. Keep reading
In this video, I share a training drill to help you play at different distances from the table. You play two backhand and two forehands close to the table and then two backhands and two forehands away from the table. The final ball is played to the middle of the table and then both players try to win the point. Keep reading