Video Description
In this video I share a simple, but very effective backhand serve tactic. The tactic is serving either very wide to the forehand or deep and fast to the backhand. In the video I explain how to do both serves and how to use them effectively. The video also contains lots of footage of me using these serves successfully in a club tournament. Keep reading
Some players are too safe when they play, and struggle to hit winning shots. Other players are too wild and make too many mistakes. Depending on where you fall on this scale, should influence how you approach your training. This video features top coach Craig Bryant who explains a simple exercise you can do to either improve consistency or risk taking. Keep reading
In this video I explain the basic footwork needed to play table tennis. I start with the basic concept of playing backhands in front of the body and forehands to the side of the body. I then demonstrate the sidestep movement you need to move across the table. I also show a few simple footwork exercises you can do, with the help of my 6-year-old daughter Beatrix. Keep reading
In this video I explain how to return short backspin serves. This is a very common serve and fairly straight forward to get back over the net. But there is a real skill in returning this serve well and putting the server under pressure. Keep reading
In this video, top coach Stephen Gertsen, explains how you can improve at coping with pressure situations in table tennis matches. Stephen suggests we can get better at dealing with these pressure situations by changing the way we train. If we can simulate pressure situations in our training sessions, this will prepare us better for dealing with pressure situations in real matches. Keep reading
In this video, I share a training drill to help you switch from a push to a loop. You serve backspin. Your partner returns with a backhand push. You then play backhand push to backhand push, until your partner switches the ball to your forehand. You then open up with a forehand loop and play out the point. Keep reading
In this video, I explain how to block both high arc topspin attacks and low, fast topspin attacks. You need a slightly different blocking technique, depending on what type of attack your opponent makes. If it is a high arc topspin attack, you need to close your bat angle, contact the ball early and use a slightly more active stroke. If it is a low, fast topspin attack, you should open your bat angle slightly and try to stop the ball. Keep reading
In this video, I explain the importance of keeping a low stance. The footage is taken from a real coaching session with a player called Stephenie. I encourage Stephenie to keep her legs shoulder width apart, bend her knees and lean forwards. This makes her lower, brings the weight onto the front of her feet and enables her to move quicker. Keep reading
In this video, Paul Whiting – head coach of Plymouth Table Tennis Club – explains some exercises your can do to improve your blocking. A block is considered to be more of a passive and defensive shot, but to block well you need to be very active with your feet and anticipation. Keep reading
In this video, I explain how to do a good recovery after your serve. You should take a step back after serving, stay low, have a little bounce and keep your bat in a neutral position. If you do this good recovery after your serve, you will find it much easier to move quickly and play a strong attacking shot. Keep reading