Richard’s ‘Staff Pick’ has been a while in arriving but boy it’s been worth the wait…
Richard Carden, Technical & Sales Advice: When it comes to the new technology of rubbers with a thin topsheet and thick sponge, no rubber has impressed me more than Joola Rhyzer 48.
The spin and grip are fantastic thanks to Rhyzer’s spin optimized topsheet but the speed of the rubber is monstrous!! It is by quite a margin one of the fastest rubbers I have ever tried and you don’t have to swing like a mad man to access this pace. Despite its raw performance Rhyzer 48’s ease of use is what impresses me most.
Unlike some of the top rubbers you don’t need to be the best player in the world to tap into Rhyzer’s potential and believe me when I say there is a lot of potential. But, be warned this rubber is not for the faint hearted and a high level of skill will be needed to tame this rubber and keep the ball from flying long.
Rhyzer 48 is another step forward in performance compared to the previous generation of rubbers and in my opinion this is a rubber that has the potential to be extremely popular.
If you’re looking for a rubber for maximum attack and you like smashing bombs from both wings you need to experience this rubber. You won’t be disappointed!!
If I was to recommend a complete set-up with this rubber then I would recommend a Joola Rossi Emotion with Rhyzer 48 Forehand and Rhyzer 43 Backhand.
Richard Carden, is our resident Amazon and Ebay ‘Guru’ and ‘Supreme Commander’ of all things Technical & Sales. A good player, he is now fully fit from a broken ankle and making his way (slowly) back to his top 100 ranking.Richard is the Current Canterbury Champion and plays in a number of leagues, County and British league.
Posted on 6th March 2018
JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR TABLE TENNIS RUBBER
Watch Tom Lodziak’s JOOLA Dynaryz AGR review:
Read our Staff Pick on the JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR Table Tennis Rubber:
I have been using Dynaryz AGR for a little while now and I am really impressed. I am amazed at how much spin I can get with this rubber but also keeping a low trajectory over the net. This is ideal for spinny attacking strokes to stay low over the net and make it even harder for your opponent…
Imagine being able to equip yourself with a rubber that brings more spin and speed into your game without losing control! What seems like a dream is now a reality with a huge advance in dynamism with the new JOOLA DYNARYZ range. The key to the advancement is two fold:-
ADVANCE TRACTION SURFACE – a more friction-intensive surface structure was designed for increased grip. The extra dwell-time gives you more spin and precision for your game.
HYPER BOUNCE SPONGE – engineered with extreme tension and catapults the ball as soon as impact has been made. Be ready for increased spin, feeling, and dynamic shots.
Read Tom Lodziak’s rubber comparison article on the latest Dynaryz, Rhyzen and Rhyzer rubbers!
Posted on 21st November 2023
JOOLA DYNARYZ ACC TABLE TENNIS RUBBER
Imagine being able to equip yourself with a rubber that brings more spin and speed into your game without losing control! What seems like a dream is now a reality with a huge advance in dynamism with the new JOOLA DYNARYZ range. The key to the advancement is two fold:-
ADVANCE TRACTION SURFACE – a more friction-intensive surface structure was designed for increased grip. The extra dwell-time gives you more spin and precision for your game.
HYPER BOUNCE SPONGE – engineered with extreme tension and catapults the ball as soon as impact has been made. Be ready for increased spin, feeling, and dynamic shots.
Posted on
JOOLA DYNARYZ ZGR TABLE TENNIS RUBBER
Comparable to Dignics 09c, Dynaryz ZGR is ideal for attacking players who base their game around heavy spin. Play away from the table with ease but close to the table perform low wristy winning loops. Play passive shots in comfort without sacrificing feel.
Imagine being able to equip yourself with a rubber that brings more spin and speed into your game without losing control! What seems like a dream is now a reality with a huge advance in dynamism with the new JOOLA DYNARYZ range. The key to the advancement is two fold:-
ADVANCE TRACTION SURFACE – a more friction-intensive surface structure was designed for increased grip. The extra dwell-time gives you more spin and precision for your game.
HYPER BOUNCE SPONGE – engineered with extreme tension and catapults the ball as soon as impact has been made. Be ready for increased spin, feeling, and dynamic shots.
Spin 120 Speed 104 Control 73
Thickness 2.0 / Max
Posted on
JOOLA RHYZEN CMD TABLE TENNIS RUBBER
Read Tom Lodziak’s rubber comparison article on the latest Dynaryz, Rhyzen and Rhyzer rubbers!
Posted on 31st March 2022
JOOLA DYNARYZ CMD TABLE TENNIS RUBBER
Imagine being able to equip yourself with a rubber that brings more spin and speed into your game without losing control! What seems like a dream is now a reality with a huge advance in dynamism with the new JOOLA DYNARYZ range. The key to the advancement is two fold:-
ADVANCE TRACTION SURFACE – a more friction-intensive surface structure was designed for increased grip. The extra dwell-time gives you more spin and precision for your game.
HYPER BOUNCE SPONGE – engineered with extreme tension and catapults the ball as soon as impact has been made. Be ready for increased spin, feeling, and dynamic shots.
Spin 117 Speed 98 Control 82
Available in 2.0mm and Max thickness.
Posted on 14th June 2021
TIBHAR AURUS PRIME RUBBER – Staff Pick!
TIBHAR Aurus Prime Table Tennis Rubber – An ideal choice for the offensive technical player who plays an attacking all action game and requires perfect ball placement!
The smooth and spin oriented rubber surface combined with a middle hard, catapult loaded 47.5° sponge will enable the user, in almost any playing situation, to put the sufficient amount Our of pressure on their opponent.
With the innovative SSP technology (a thinner and smooth rubber surface combined with a thicker sponge), the result is a fast and catapult friendly offensive rubber.
The ‘Prime’ version of Aurus comes with our new and exclusive purple coloured sponge.
TIBHAR Aurus Prime – an all action Staff Pick but why?
Our newest member of staff, Matt Leete, plays with Aurus Prime – he’s ranked No 4 nationally in the U/21’s so it’s working for him!
Matt Leete, Technical & Sales Advice:
‘I currently use Aurus Prime on the backhand. I find that this rubber can generate lots of speed with an enormous amount of spin at the same time. There is great control with this rubber, turning a block into a counter/topspin becomes very easy and not much action is needed with this rubber.
I also find that controlling the ball against heavy spin with either a simple block or re-loop is far easier than any other rubber I have used in the past – I would say this is because of a thinner rubber surface matched with the thicker sponge.
Also when over the table, there is great control, easy to keep tight without the ball pinging off your bat!’
Matt is nationally ranked at no 4 in the U/21’s and at no 21 in the Men’s – not only does he play the sport very well but he has real passion and knowledge with it.
He has just recently started at Bribar and is getting to grips with a really busy start to the season.
Unfortunately, Matt’s office football ‘dream team’ has not had such a good start, currently languishing in 9th… we are now just avoiding playing him at Table Tennis!
Posted on 4th September 2018
Bribar Coaches
Bribar Coach Profiles
We are delighted to support some fantastic coaches with sponsorship from TIBHAR and JOOLA. You can read the latest thoughts, events and experiences of our coaching team in the TIBHAR Coaching Blog section!
Tom Lodziak
Tom is head coach for Cambridge-Parkside Table Tennis Club. He is also a keen table tennis blogger and publishes table tennis tutorials on his popular Table Tennis YouTube channel.
Read our interview with Tom
What’s your main club(s)?
I am currently head coach at Cambridge-Parkside Table Tennis Club. Before this, I helped set up Highbury Table Tennis Club in London.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I started coaching part-time in 2011 and became a full-time coach in 2018. My biggest influence initially was Sanket Shah – a popular community coach in London. I liked the way he created a positive atmosphere in his training sessions. There was always a sense of fun, which made me want to help out too.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
Spreading some table tennis love! I enjoy doing 1-to-1 sessions as you can focus on a player’s specific needs and help the player make big improvements. I also really enjoy working with beginners, especially the ‘lightbulb’ moments, when a player learns a new skill and starts beaming ear to ear.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
1 or 2 balls to the backhand, 1 or 2 balls to the forehand. This can be done as either multi-ball or with me taking part in the rally. It’s a simple but effective drill for developing technique, rallying skills, recovery and footwork.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
I enjoy watching Timo Boll – his playing style, his use of spin, how he has adapted his game as he has got older. I also like how his forehand technique is different to many of the other top players in the world. Just shows there are many different ways to play and succeed at table tennis.
What equipment do you use?
Joola Rhyzer 48 (forehand), Joola Rhyzer 43 (backhand) with a Joola Fever blade.
Give a top tip for young players…
Focus on consistency, consistency and consistency.
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
Sleep. And watch repeats of Bullseye when I get home from table tennis late at night (seriously, I’m a big fan, ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY!).
Stephen Gertsen
Stephen’s enthusiasm and enjoyment of coaching is infectious, he’s an experienced coach at all levels and is currently the National Youth Coach for Table Tennis Scotland.
Read our interview with Stephen
About me:
Stephen Gertsen, 31, married, daughter called Jessie and another little monkey on the way in November!
What’s your main club(s)?
National Youth Coach for Table Tennis Scotland, coach at a few different clubs across Scotland, based in the Scottish Highlands (www.stephengertsen.co.uk)
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I’ve been coaching for 17 years and the biggest influence for me in terms of coaching is Dave Treharne.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
I find coaching very rewarding, I enjoy a blend of working with complete beginners to elite level. I like working with all ages and abilities but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a player improve who you have helped from the very beginning of their career, this is a great feeling. I obviously enjoy seeing them win but I also enjoy helping teach them life skills through sport just as much, for me this is very important.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
Two forehand topspins from middle into backhand block, switch either corner- continuous, bring serve in half way and introduce a free element also.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
Samsonov – I love the way he uses the table and is so clear about his tactics and placement of the ball around the table, not the most powerful but makes up for that with incredible feel and touch. A great role model for younger players who just want to blast through everything and have no plan B!
What equipment do you use?
Tibhar Stratus Samsonov blade with Evolution MX-P rubbers.
Give a top tip for young players…
Don’t take it too seriously, you must enjoy it first, have fun!
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
Spending time with friends and family, both in Scotland and in my hometown of Swansea, I enjoy walks along the beach with my wife and daughter. I don’t mind the occasional stag do!
Craig Bryant
Top player and coach, Craig brings a huge amount of experience to the table and is currently expanding his professional coaching company – Top Edge Table Tennis.
Read our interview with Craig
About me:
Age 31, with wife Amy, Son Freddie and Daughter Molly.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I’ve been coaching for around 12 years and it was Tim Manhire (sadly not with us anymore) who got me involved at Crawley Table Tennis Club, helping out at sessions, the odd one to ones, should anyone want them. He was a great character and genuinely wanted to help, which in turn, makes you want to help as well.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
I really enjoy one to one training, I see and I think the players see, improvements taking place, quicker. It’s very gratifying to see someone achieve something and to know that you’ve helped them get there. Whether that’s someone getting their first England Cap or someone mastering a certain shot.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
Backhand control, blocking anywhere on the table. It’s a tough exercise, specific to match play and you get to see how hard people can work.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
Without doubt, Jan-Ove Waldner. In my opinion, the greatest mind that’s ever played. So creative and effortless. The type of player that proves there is more than one way to win a point.
What equipment do you use?
I use Joola Rhyzm P on both sides on a Joola Fight TPE blade (straight handle).
Give a top tip for young players…
Work harder, as well as smarter. You need to put the hours of effort into your training but as JOW shows us, you don’t always have to be able to hit 20 forehands to win a point. Experiment with different serves, receives and shots in general, as well as the consistency type training.
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
When TT is your hobby and your job it’s tough to stop thinking about it. When I get the chance, I’m partial to a spot of carp fishing. I also have a very young family, so it’s great to spend downtime with them, in the park, in play centres etc.
Marketa Myskova
Keta is a former Czech International Table Tennis player with a fantastic defensive style. With plenty of top level experience, she is currently coaching (with Paul Whiting) at the new Talent Development Centre at Eggbuckland Community College.
Read our interview with Keta
About me:
Age 39, partner Kevin Buddell also Table Tennis coach and player, two children Jamie 7, Jessie 4 and two step children Georgia 24 and Ollie 20.
What’s your main club?
JOOLA Plymouth Table Tennis Club.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I have been coaching on and off since the age of 18, my biggest influence is probably my Coach from the Czech Republic, Milu, she has been coaching me for about 8 years, between the age of 12-19 through my most successful years of playing.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
The most enjoyable part of coaching for me is when I manage to deliver good quality session, the players work hard are engaged and enjoy the session!
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
My favourite coaching exercise is half irregular with one player feeding from BH or FH, the other player plays one from the middle, one anywhere, one middle and one anywhere.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
Favourite Table Tennis player – Jan Ove Waldner, unbelievable feel for ball, innovative shots and very clever player!
What equipment do you use?
My blade is a Tibhar defence, with VariSpin 2,0mm and TSP Curl P-1 rubbers –
I have been using the same combination of blade and rubbers for the last 23 years 🙂
Give a top tip for young players…
Never give up, enjoy, try to practice effectively and don’t waste your time just by being at the session but not giving it everything!
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
I like being at the beach with the kids, bodyboarding, kayaking or by myself riding my road bike, oh and I love good coffee :-))
Matt Porter
Chairman and lead Coach at Bishop Auckland, Matt has quickly developed the club – winning TTE National Club of the Year in 2016 and was personally awarded TTE Coach of the Year in 2014.
Read our interview with Matt
About me:
Age 31, Step son aged 10 and a dog called Russell.
What’s your main club(s)?
Bishop Auckland TTC.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I did my old ETTA level 2 back in 2000 but didn’t really start coaching properly until 2004 after I had finished at Grantham Academy and got even more involved at Cliffedale Chandlers TTC.
My Grandad was a big influence, he really helped shape my coaching philosophy, he wasn’t a great coach by any means but his patience and calm manner was unbelievable, he would spend hours feeding a ball back for new starters just trying to get them to connect with the ball and then hours learning the forehand and so on.
John Mappletoft and Ken Muhr have both helped me massively.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
Seeing the development in players, not just seeing them master the new skill or pick up that great win, but also helping them develop as people and using sport to provide new opportunities for them.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
Depends on the phase of the programme, I like to try and ‘mix it up’ and keep it fresh for players – even by just adding little twists to my “normal drills”…
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
For me has to be Waldner, there was just nothing he couldn’t do and make look easy!
I like watching a lot of the new generation Japanese players – they are doing something right with all the new and exciting young players coming through!
What equipment do you use?
I use a Tibhar Status Carbon blade with Evolution MX-S rubbers on both sides.
Give a top tip for young players…
Think more, focus and apply in practice – some players receive good advice but as soon as it comes to doing the drills those small words of wisdom are completely forgotten!
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
I like my films, I have a huge collection of DVD’s and I also like Rock music.
Paul Whiting
A very experienced coach and seasoned player, Paul is currently head coach at the Plymouth Talent Development Centre.
Read our interview with Paul
About me:
Married to Debbie with two children Amy and Adam.
What’s your main club(s)?
Joola Plymouth TTC and Head coach at Plymouth Talent Development Centre.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
28 years. No influence really just started as a practise partner for local juniors before becoming the Plymouth & District league Coach.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
I enjoy being at competitions with the players you work with at the club. This gives you the chance to see how they react in pressure situations and look at what areas are strong or need improvement.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
I don’t have a favourite drill but like exercises that are relevant to the individual players system of play. Sometimes drills can look pretty but don’t aid development.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
Probably predictable but Waldner because of his ability to play with flair and imagination…
What equipment do you use?
Evolution MX-P rubbers and Paul Drinkhall Carbon blade.
Give a top tip for young players…
Play because YOU love the sport and remember it’s your attitude not your aptitude that decides your final altitude!
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
Cycling and relaxing with family.
Aad Kwakkelstien
Aad is an extremely experienced coach, having been a National Coach in the Netherlands, ETTA Regional Coach for players with Disabilities and through to his current coaching at Britannia TTC in Ipswich, Stowmarket TTC and NETTS!
Read our interview with Aad
About me:
Born in 1965 and happily married.
What’s your main club(s)?
Currently I coach at Britannia TTC in Ipswich, Stowmarket TTC and NETTS in Earls Colne, Essex.
During the 2017-18 I hope to run some Suffolk county sessions. In the past I’ve been head coach at Fusion TTC in London, BATTS in Harlow, TTC FvT in Rotterdam, TTV TOGB in Berkel, the Netherlands.
I’ve worked for the ETTA as regional coach for players with disabilities and lead Regional sessions for the A- and B-squad (East).
In the Netherlands I’ve been Regional coach (U13’s) and national coach for different age groups, up to U21’s.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I’ve been coaching since about 1989. I wanted to give something back to the club I started playing at when I was about 11 yrs old: TTV Overschie in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I don’t think there was someone in particular who was a real influence to start off with. As a junior I relied most on the advice of some of the senior players at the club and the exercises we made up ourselves as younger players playing each other.
Soon after starting coaching I went to another club, TTV Korenbeurs in Schiedam, to find out what junior coaching would actually look like…. They asked me to come with them on their October training camp in Lanaken, Belgium to coach there promising U11’s. Basically I was thrown in the deep.
Coaches who’ve influenced me at Korenbeurs over the years were Hans Waterreus, Emma Lingen and Luc Janssen, all in different ways. Although I worked the most with Hans and Luc, I still remember a short conversation I had with Emma. As Emma asked me what I would like to achieve as a coach, I answered after a bit of thinking that I wanted to coach a team to compete at Dutch National Junior level C. This would be a step up from the regional organised leagues, about 6 tiers. She asked me, why not National Junior level A? This left me stunned as I thought that would be far out of my reach. That conversation has always been in my mind and later I realised that was not out of reach at all. I’ve coached boys and girls winning the Dutch National Junior league, the boys being the youngest ever to win it!
Later I was influenced by a number of coaches: Theo Rieken and Achim Sialino, being excellent coach educators and mentors. Segun Toriola, a professional player I had the privilege to work with. Peter Engel, Leszek Kucharski, Christer Johansson and Viorel Filimon, very experienced international coaches. Obviously there were more people, but it would go too far to mention all.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
I enjoy the interaction with players. I enjoy finding different ways to improve players. No two players are the same. I enjoy organising the session, who plays who, so everybody will get the most of the session and there is a group atmosphere. There’s always the stigma of table tennis being an individual sport. The sessions I run I try to create a team or club atmosphere where players learn to train together and respect each other. In the end I hope this will help them in their individual matches as well, building up confidence and having the support of other players.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
To me it’s not so much what exercise players are executing, but why and how they play a certain exercise. So in that way my favourite exercise would be: make up your own exercise (footwork or service). Asking players to think and make up their own exercise helps me to figure out what they are thinking and gives me the option to reinforce that they’re on the right track, tweak the exercise a bit or point out the weakness of the exercise and helps them set a different exercise altogether.
Of course there are exercises I use quite often, such as the Falkenberg and middle-either corner. Both of them in different variations, tweaked to the individual needs of the players. I also enjoy observing the players I coach in competitions, as this provides me with valuable information about how to move forward. In competitions some players will do better than in training, some will do worse. Ideally there is a strong link between the two: you train how you compete and you compete how you train. For example there is no point in training topspin, when as soon as the match starts you just push…
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
My favourite player is Wang Liqin. I regard him as the most complete player in his era and liked his style.
What equipment do you use?
For many years I’ve played with a Tibhar Charly Roesch blade. I still have one or two of them. As a junior I remember playing with Tibhar Spico Speedy spin on my forehand and Tibhar Speedy Soft (Short pimples) on my backhand. Nowadays I’ve got a range of bats I predominantly use for coaching. I’ve got a Tibhar CCA blade with Evolution MX-P on my forehand and EL-P on my backhand. I use this for matchplay and for players to experience a faster blade with faster rubbers. I’ve got also blades with Speedy Soft and Grass Ultra on my backhand to develop players games with or against players with pimples and different playing styles. I use my old Charly Roesch blade with just one rubber (MX-P) for multiball feed.
Give a top tip for young players…
Enjoy your game. Look for improvement. There are so many areas of the game that you can improve that the process never stops and it will always be exciting. The longer it takes you to acquire a certain skill, the more you appreciate it once you’ve mastered it. Don’t let the ranking determine how you feel!
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
Outside table tennis I enjoy spending time with family and friends. During the holidays I try to get some scuba diving in. I also enjoy reading books. I try to find the right balance between reading for entertainment and for self development.
Paul Johnson
Paul is a full-time professional Table Tennis coach – working at a regional, county and school level and is Head Coach at Blitz TTC.
Read our interview with Paul
What’s your main club(s)?
Redlands TTC (Worksop) and Blitz TTC (Gainsborough).
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I’ve been coaching professionally full time for the last 4 years, but have been coaching for a total of 9 years. I first started coaching because I wanted to give other people in my local area the opportunity that I never really got, which was access to coaching locally, and I also wanted a new challenge within the sport.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
I love the challenge and seeing the look on a players face, when they start to achieve something that they never thought they could achieve. Whether that be something performance related, that we have been working really hard on together, or outcome related, its just really good to see and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
I don’t think I have a favourite exercise. Maybe the players I work with might tell you different.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
Kalinikos Kreanga – I remember watching him play against Samsonov in the World Championships quarter final in Paris, in an epic 7 set match. Was a crazy match and I just remember thinking “I want a backhand like that”. Ever since then I’ve just loved watching him play.
What equipment do you use?
Joola Flame Fast Blade with Rhythm Original on FH and Rhythm 425 on BH.
Give a top tip for young players…
Just enjoy what you do and try to learn as much as possible.
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
I play cricket at a weekend in the summer when I’ve not got anything else on. I also play Drums, which is great for stress levels and when you’ve had a tough day.
Joanna Lacinska-Piwowar
Jo is the Lead Coach and Secretary at Torbay Table Tennis Academy. She played in the First Women’s League in Poland whilst completing her University Course.
Read our interview with Jo
About me:
Age 35, married to Kris Piwowar with two children, Jakub 9 and Kacper 7 yrs old.
What’s your main club(s)?
I coach all ages and abilities at Torbay Table Tennis Academy, develop Table Tennis at secondary school Torquay Academy and since 2016, I work with the boys and girls first teams at University of Exeter.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I started coaching in 2001 whilst studying at University. In 2011 together with my husband we opened Torbay Table Tennis Academy.
No influence really just wanted to coach and help other players to develop their Table Tennis skills.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
I like to see how the players develop their skills from the moment they join the club.
Seeing the progress in every player, doesn’t matter what level they started, is very satisfying and shows us that we are doing the job right!
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
Multi-ball training is my favourite part of coaching. It is a moment of the training session when a player and coach give a 100% commitment and focus.
Multi-ball training is very universal – I use it while coaching 5-8yrs old children, performance players and over 50+ seniors and all groups enjoy it, which is the most important part of coaching.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
It is hard to say one name, as I have never had a player who I wanted to follow. I love to watch games of top players and take little things from each of them.
If I have to give a name it would be Romanian player Danielle Dodean, European Champion, great ability on both wings and mentally a very strong player.
What equipment do you use?
Joola Rhyzm rubbers with a Tibhar Balsa Allround blade.
Give a top tip for young players…
Give 100% of yourself in every session, as only then you will be able to judge the true results of your hard work.
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
Relax with my family and travel.
Krzysztof Piwowar
Kris is the Lead Coach and Chairman at Torbay Table Tennis Academy. He has played in the first league in Poland and was a National medalist in the youth categories. He also now works as a coach at the Talent Development Centre in Plymouth.
Read our interview with Kris
About me:
35 years old, married to Joanna Lacinska-Piwowar with two children, Jakub 9 and Kacper 7 who both play Table Tennis!
What’s your main club(s)?
Torbay Table Tennis Academy and Talent Development Centre in Plymouth.
How long have you been coaching and who was an influence for you to start coaching?
I have been coaching for around 16 years – I started coaching in 2001 whilst studying at University.
Miao Cang Sheng, who was a well-known coach in China but then became the coach in my club in Poland.
What part of coaching do you enjoy most?
To improve the technical skills of a players game.
What’s your favourite coaching exercise?
Irregular game exercises, because of the uncertainty of the opponents style and tactics, every player should have the capability to adjust their game.
Example: short backspin serve, return long push anywhere, then topspin (Fh/Bh) from the whole table to the backhand until winning the point.
Who’s your favourite TT Player and why?
I follow Jan Ove Waldner, he is phenomenal player with a great game instinct. I also like Greek player Kalinikos Kreanga, he has a very strong and reliable backhand and always takes a risk in his game.
What equipment do you use?
Blade: TIBHAR Curious.
Rubbers: Tibhar MX-P Forehand, and Tibhar FX-P backhand
Give a top tip for young players…
To succeed, everyone has to work hard and put all your efforts into training everyday.
What do you like to do to relax outside TT?
I love to spend my time with family. I also like a good action movie and in the winter I love to ski.
What a great idea! The Komann Magic Multi-ball bag is a magnetised collapsible multi-ball bag/service practice bag with capacity for approximately 150 balls!
With an integral heavy-duty magnet, the Magic bag simply attaches to the metal frame on the side of your Table Tennis table.
Easy to use, everything in one simple set up bag, no more messing around with clamps and filling boxes.
The IMPACT Pure Energy blade is a good choice for attacking players, who still want to retain some control – a fast blade but not crazy! Pair with allround attacking rubbers and your game will be quick and consistent. Oh and the best part – it’s a great price of £54.99 on offer.
IMPACT Pure Energy Table Tennis Blade
Forming part of the IMPACT PURE range, the Pure Energy offers power with fabulous feel, the perfect build for attacking loop and deft touch play.
High quality craftsmanship has gone into the production of this blade. Visit the Blade Chart.
The JOOLA RHYZEN Rubber range is one of our most popular lines with competitive Table Tennis players. There are five versions to choose from – ZGR, ZGX, CMD, FIRE and ICE – for comparison across the range visit our interactive Rubber chart!
With FIRE and ICE most allround attackers find a ‘sweet spot’ where you can play all the shots without losing the touch and feel that can come with faster and harder rubbers…
Add a flame to your game with this latest generation high control attacking rubber from JOOLA incorporating ‘sweetzone’ technology. This ensures consistent ball bounce, feeling and exceptional control for your offensive strokes – as well as deftness for subtle plays in serve and return.
The perfect rubber to make your game as solid as ice. JOOLA Rhyzen ICE is a modern all-round rubber with a mid-soft, 42-degree sponge, ensuring brilliant sound and feeling. The sensitive topsheet combines with ‘sweetzone’ technology to offer a staggering level of control and stroke reliability. This is the perfect rubber for bringing confidence to your game. Keep a cool head and freeze your opposition with JOOLA Rhyzen Ice!
An easy to recommend ‘go to’ bat from TIBHAR. With a nice blend of speed, control and spin this bat is spot on for learning all the Table Tennis shots. There’s enough performance from the Phantom rubbers to develop shots with more spin and with more attack in mind!
Drinkhall Powergrip bat
Designed for the attacking player but with top control.
Fitted with ITTF approved Phantom rubbers the Powergrip offers excellent balance and consistency in performance.
Table Tennis players have been playing in JOOLA shirts for years now – you know you’ll get lightweight, quick drying and modern designs!
We have the SYGMA shirt and FLECTION shirt on offer now for the 23-24 season.
SYGMA Shirt
The eye-catching sublimation print pattern brings players into the next generation, with vibrant colour and design, combining a classic fit and polo collar for a professional appearance.
Polyester Microdot composition ensures comfort and dry feeling under the intense pressure of competition.
We have sold many of these versatile little robots to clubs, coaches and players in the UK – but what sets this robot apart from the rest and makes it Ron’s Staff Pick?
Popular in the club setting – it’s easy to set up – it allows less experienced players to improve their stroke techniques and consistency. Coaches tell us that the ability to adjust the topspin and chop settings to suit players abilities is a key feature, plus the fact that it is easy to transport and set up in multiple venues for coaches on the move.
Hellfire X has been developed after 3 years of testing with top long pimple players under the direction of pimple maestro Sebastian Sauer. The result is a pimple that long pimple players want.
Hellfire X has been produced offering slightly more speed but even greater disruption possibilities. The OX version is ideal for a close to the table game and will allow you to dominate and upset your opponent. When defending away from the table your shots will be spin loaded and your chops will create havoc with your opponents.
Discover the supernatural powers of the Hellfire X!
JOOLA DYNARYZ AGR is used by professionals at the pinnacle of their sport – if you want aggression, precision, high speed and amazing spin characteristics DYNARYZ AGR is the rubber for you!
The new signature purple 50 degree Hyper bounce sponge provides spectacular catapult effect whilst the Advanced Traction SurfaceTechnology provides increased dwell time resulting in fabulous spin characteristics.
The JOOLA ‘Pro’s’ have been amazed at the advancement and been delighted at the directness, hard touch and increased spin and speed potential!
The TIBHAR Drinkhall Powerspin Carbon Blade is the signature blade and the exact model used by Paul Drinkhall!
His requirements are specific – a blade providing balance and power both at the table and at mid distance for his aggressive spin game played on forehand and backhand wings. The blade needed to be exceptionally stable to ensure tremendous control and touch when playing a short game, despite the requirement for high speed characteristics.
TIBHAR Aurus Prime Table Tennis Rubber – An ideal choice for the offensive technical player who plays an attacking all action game and requires perfect ball placement!
With the innovative SSP technology (a thinner and smooth rubber surface combined with a thicker sponge), the result is a fast and catapult friendly offensive rubber.
A dangerous and effective long pimple – our best selling ‘fast effect’ long pimple! Incorporating built in tension D.TecS technology the pimple configuration allows players to produce maximum variation in strokes from deep chop to countering their opponents returns.
The Koji Matsushita blade provides great control for away from the table play and in passive rallies at the net but importantly for modern defenders enough power for successful attacking.
The WINNING LOOP TABLE TENNIS BAT is Bribar’s best ever selling ‘ready to play’ bat! A quality allround blade, selected by Bribar for its weight, control and durability, it is fitted with Friendship 729 for its spin capabilities when learning to play Table Tennis. Read more…
The Tibhar Samsonov Force Pro Table Tennis blade is a favourite with Bribar’s Sponsored players! The original blade of multiple European champion and World Cup winner Vladimir Samsonov, has a relatively stiff medium hard feel and is designed for mid-distance counter and loop play. Read more…
The JOOLA ENERGY X-TRA Table Tennis Rubber is Bribar’s best selling rubber over the last decade! Designed for former speed glue players, who play a controlled, attacking game, but who still require excellent feeling and enhanced spin from their rubber choice. Read more…
Posted on 17th May 2017
Newsletter Archive
Catch up with the Bribar newsletter powered by TIBHAR!
Have you kept up to speed with all our latest news? If you haven’t signed up yet or just missed a month you can see our most recent issues below…
Our regular newsletters have the latest updates on new products, exclusive video content, coaching blogs, player news and of course special offers and sales through-out the year!
Sign-up to our Newsletter List now
January 25 Issue
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring our VICTAS Sale, Liam Pitchford signs for JOOLA, there’s new Chinese Rubbers plus two great serving Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring Christmas Gift Ideas, an exciting new Rubber from VICTAS plus Tom Lodziak’s new Video and grab a place on the first Bryant & Gertsen Training Camp in 2025!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring new equipment for the 24/25 season, two great Blogs and the latest Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring equipment for the 24/25 season including Mizuno Shoes, Double Fish Balls, FELIX LEBRUN blades plus our 4 for 3 Rubber offer. Also, check out awesome new videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
NEW CATALOGUE OUT NOW! Take a look at the online version of our new catalogue: https://bit.ly/bribar24-25 Plus, check out our latest newsletter for August.
New Catalogue out now!
Double Fish ball selected for TTE events.
Komann ‘Magic’ Ball bag review video from Tom Lodziak.
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring our 4 for 3 offer on Selected Rubbers, there’s Summer Equipment and great new Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant.
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring a Nationals blog from Paul Drinkhall, new Equipment and great Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant
Paul wins the Nationals.
New Shoes from Mizuno, Skechers and TIBHAR.
How to return lefties serves video from Tom Lodziak.
The Bribar Newsletter for February is out now featuring new Equipment and Clothing from TIBHAR , JOOLA Table Tennis , DHS Sports and SKECHERS plus new Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant.
Our May newsletter features summer training camps, events and our latest equipment. You can watch the new videos from Tom and Craig, plus we’ve launched Pickleball Complete!
Our latest newsletter features a FLASH SALE to celebrate the Nationals, a cracking Coaching Video with Liam Pitchford, there’s the latest PURE Range of Blades from IMPACT plus book yourself on to Craig and Stephen’s Summer Training Camp!
Our latest newsletter features new IMPACT Blades, a catch-up Blog with the Piwowar’s, there’s two superb Coaching Video’s from Tom Lodziak, and Morpeth TTC sign a new deal with TIBHAR – phew!
Jakub and Kacper blog.
Morpeth TTC in london sign new Tibhar/Bribar deal.
Our latest newsletter features new IMPACT Blades, another Amazing Coaching Video from Liam Pitchford and Tom Lodziak plus videos with Craig Bryant and Lois Peake!
Our December newsletter features Christmas Gift Ideas, a fun Competition to win a Signed Liam Pitchford Shirt, a new Blog from Jack Hunter-Spivey plus the latest Bryant and Gertsen February Training Camp!
Our November newsletter features the Black Friday Sale, another Amazing Coaching Video from Liam Pitchford and Tom Lodziak plus a Bryant and Gertsen Training Camp blog!
Our latest newsletter features New Equipment for 22/23, an Amazing Coaching Video from Liam Pitchford and Tom Lodziak plus the next Bryant and Gertsen Training Camp heads north!
Our September newsletter features the New Bribar Catalogue, an Amazing Commonwealth Games Blog from Paul Drinkhall plus the next Bryant and Gertsen Training Camp heads north!
Our July newsletter has a New Liam Pitchford Competition, the latest Outdoor Leisure Tables from TIBHAR plus there’s two great summer Training options not to be missed!
New Liam Pitchford Competition.
Outdoor Tables from TIBHAR.
Women and Girls Coaching course and Bryant & Gertsen Training Camp.
Our June newsletter has New TIBHAR Outdoor & Indoor tables, there’s JOOLA Table Tennis Rubber tech comparison, three great Training and Competition options this summer plus new Videos from Tom Lodziak.
Our May newsletter has a JOOLA Table Tennis Rubber Tech comparison article, a new Blog featuring young stars Jakub and Kacper Piwowar, there’s the August Craig and Steve Coaching Course and new Videos from Tom Lodziak.
Our Spring newsletter has new gear from VICTAS and JOOLA, there’s two new videos from Tom Lodziak looking at New Service Rules(!) and benefits of Robot Practice plus we have an awesome blog from new Start-Up Worthing Table Tennis Club in Sussex – phew!
Our Black Friday issue has a 30% OFF SALE on the 3 best selling rubber ranges, FREE Balls with Robots plus there’s a new ‘Inside a Training Camp’ video.
Our November issue has all the latest Table Tennis news – including the New Bribar Catalogue, Inspiring Blog from Jack Hunter-Spivey and Tom Lodziak’s teaching kids to play video!
Our October issue has all the latest Table Tennis news – with new ITTF Approved Colours for rubbers, new Leisure Tables from JOOLA, Defensive Tactics Video and ‘One to watch’ with Kacper Piwowar!
Our August issue has all the latest Table Tennis news – as Team GB play in the Olympics, there’s the latest equipment for 2021/2022 plus New season = New bat!?
Paul Drinkhall refects on a solid performance in Tokyo.
Our July issue has plenty of summer Table Tennis news – Team GB are ready to rumble, Kacper does the double, there’s a brand new coaching video and training camp plus there’s money saving offers on Paul Drinkhall and Liam Pitchford signature bats!
Our June Issue features Liam Pitchford and Jack Hunter-Spivey qualifying for the Olympics, plus there’s two fantastic new videos from Tom Lodziak and our TSP Pimples SALE continues with 40% off… phew!
Our September issue has a VICTAS blog incl. Rubber Tech used by Liam Pitchford plus there’s New Generation Double Fish Balls and the latest Coaching Video.
VICTAS blog incl. Rubber Tech New Generation
New Generation Double Fish Balls
Latest Coaching Video Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
Our August issue has the 20-21 Bribar Custom made Bats, New Shirts from JOOLA Table Tennis plus there’s a New Book out from Tom Lodziak Table Tennis Coaching.
and we catch up with Ping Pong 4 U as they Hit 600!
Our June issue features new products from JOOLA and Sauer & Troger there’s blogs from North Ayreshire TTC and Stephen Gertsen plus watch the highlights of Liam and Paul’s ‘Pitch and Paul talking balls’!
Our February Issue features a New Look for JOOLA including Brand New DYNARYZ Rubbers with Hyper bounce sponge (!) plus our Fav Balls, Training Camps and tons of Coaching/Playing Content… Boom!!
Our January Issue has awesome offers including the latest World Veterans GEWO Ball, there’s new Coaching Content, a Signed Bat Competition plus there’s a Teaser for New Colour Rubbers… we’re back with a bang in 2020!
The December Issue has some awesome Christmas Gift Ideas, a Flash SALE of 30% OFF on Best-Seller Rubbers plus there’s a great Skills Video and Training Camp for 2020!
Content:
Christmas Gift Ideas
30% off Aurus, Proton Neo and energy x-tra
New Bat Skills Video from Craig Bryant and Tom Lodziak
The November Issue includes our Christmas Catalogue, Clothing Mega SALE, New GEWO Gear and 2 superb Coaching Videos plus the latest Training Camp in 2020!
Our October Issue sees the return of the Barna Brand, Our JOOLA Clothing Mega Sale, plus great wins for our Sponsored Players and the latest Coaching course in Dorset.
Content:
New Barna Original Rubbers and Blades
JOOLA Mega Clothing Sale
New Trick Serves and Bundesliga Videos from Tom Lodziak
Our September Issue features the New Mizuno Shoes for 19/20, An Exclusive Blog from Liam Pitchford’s new T.League adventure plus 2 New Coaching Videos and much more…
Content:
New Mizuno Shoes for 19/20
Exclusive Blog from Liam Pitchford
New Service and Bundesliga Videos from Tom Lodziak
Our August Issue features the New Catalogue, New Blades for the 19/20 Season, 2 New Coaching Videos and a Catch up with the Piwowar Table Tennis family plus much more…
Content:
New Catalogue for the 2019-2020 Season
Brand new Blades for 19/20
New Service and Bundesliga Videos from Tom Lodziak
Our July Issue features Liam Pitchford’s VICTAS playing equipment, New Products for 19/20 Season, 2 New Coaching Videos and a Tough Review for JOOLA Balls plus much more…
Our June Issue features Liam Pitchford signing for VICTAS/Team Bribar, New Offers, 2 New Service Videos and great results for Team Bribar Players plus much more…
Content:
Liam Pitchford signs for VICTAS/TSP
New Bribar ‘Ready to go’ bat – Pro Offensive Light
New Service Videos from Tom Lodziak
Great results for Bribar players at the National VETTS Championships
This packed December Issue features our latest Christmas Gift offers, a Teaser Video for a BIG new Coaching Series, Club Focus article and two upcoming Training Camps…
Richard Carden, is our resident Amazon and Ebay ‘Guru’ and ‘Supreme Commander’ of all things Technical & Sales. A good player, he is now fully fit from a broken ankle and making his way (slowly) back to his top 100 ranking. Richard is the Current Canterbury Champion and plays in a number of leagues, County and British league.
Joanna Lacinska-Piwowar
What a great idea! The Komann Magic Multi-ball bag is a magnetised collapsible multi-ball bag/service practice bag with capacity for approximately 150 balls!
The IMPACT Pure Energy blade is a good choice for attacking players, who still want to retain some control – a fast blade but not crazy! Pair with allround attacking rubbers and your game will be quick and consistent. Oh and the best part – it’s a great price of £54.99 on offer.
The JOOLA RHYZEN Rubber range is one of our most popular lines with competitive Table Tennis players. There are five versions to choose from – ZGR, ZGX, CMD, FIRE and ICE – for comparison across the range visit our interactive Rubber chart!
An easy to recommend ‘go to’ bat from TIBHAR. With a nice blend of speed, control and spin this bat is spot on for learning all the Table Tennis shots. There’s enough performance from the Phantom rubbers to develop shots with more spin and with more attack in mind!
Table Tennis players have been playing in JOOLA shirts for years now – you know you’ll get lightweight, quick drying and modern designs!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring our VICTAS Sale, Liam Pitchford signs for JOOLA, there’s new Chinese Rubbers plus two great serving Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring Christmas Gift Ideas, an exciting new Rubber from VICTAS plus Tom Lodziak’s new Video and grab a place on the first Bryant & Gertsen Training Camp in 2025!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring our Black Friday SALE plus an awesome BLOCK like a PRO video from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
The latest Bribar Newsletter is out now featuring new equipment for the 24/25 season, two great Blogs and the latest Videos from Tom Lodziak and Craig Bryant!
The November Issue includes our Christmas Catalogue, Clothing Mega SALE, New GEWO Gear and 2 superb Coaching Videos plus the latest Training Camp in 2020!
