Increasing interest in Table Tennis

How we can increase the interest in Table tennis?

How can we get the children to get involve in table tennis more systematically?

Hi,

This is a big question.

I think this is different in each country. I know here in Australia it is best through the schools linking with clubs.  Schools are a way of reaching a lot of children in a short amount of time. We need to go to schools and give them sessions of table tennis.  Providing a series of lessons in the school is best.  This builds the confidenc eof players to take the next step.  Making the move to attend a club an be a big one for some children.  Then we need to let them know where thier club is so that they can continue to play.

I think it is best tackled with schools in close proximity to the club.  This then makes it easier for the students to attend the club once they become interested in the game.  They won't need to rely as much on their parents for transport or their parents will be more willing to transport them a short distance.

We also need to develop the sport at the elite level and make the top players more recognisable so that young players aspire to be like them.  The more the young players know about the top players the more likely they are to want to reach their level.  Also when watching them play they can identify with them.

In India, using the upcoming Commonwealth Games will be essential.  Increasing the profile of the leading players like Sharath Achanta Kamal will go a long way to making the game more popular.  He is such a good marketing tool because of his pleasant nature and his outstanding ability.

The ITTF development program is going a long way to increasing the popularity of Table Tennis around the world, especially in some of the smaller countries.

These are just some of my thoughts.  If others have practical experience or any other thoughts we would love to hear them.