Strategies for Coaching the School Team

Hi pingskills

Sorry this is a very long question, cause I feel I should give you the facts before you can make an informed decision)

The match table tennis season has started at our school recently, and I am, by far, the best player in our team. Just as an idea of the difference in levels, I could beat anyone in the team by lobbing, chopping, playing penhold(i am a shakehander), and when I play proper matches I am a looper, so I could beat them ridiculously easily by looping. Most of the junior players have no strokes or consistency,(basement players) and the seniors(I am also a senior) understand spin a little, ie you have to lift backspin with a push etc but they cannot handle a player that puts a decent amount of spin on the ball. There consistency is not too bad but a player that can loop well for there standards will give them serious trouble. They cannot attack chops with any consistency and spinny serves are their worst nightmare. Most of them play with pretty dead bats,

I am a club premier league level player.I am 16, been playing at a club for about 1 and half years and have not had coaching(lack of coaches here) I learnt everything I know about the sport from you guys(my sincerest gratitudes for that). I have improved very fast because I am dedicated and love the sport. I have overtaken almost all the older experienced players at my club and most of the younger better technique guys as well. I have won a few trophies and medals. I am the top junior (under 18) in my province (gauteng central, Johannesburg, South Africa). I have only a little experience in coaching others, but I have helped my club league teammate to learn how to loop properly(espicially against backspin because he struggles to attack heavy chops)

I have thought about starting to coach the players in my team at school, because in my opinion we could win the league, because I wont lose any matches and I could get my team to a level where they will win most of their matches.

So, the question is, should I try and coach them? I would mainly do the match important stuff like returning different spins, serving with spin, how to play the conterhits and pushes, and how to topspin off block for the better players(topspin against chop maybe a possibility but this would be much harder to teach them because of their level.)

Anything else I should teach them? what should I teach them first( I assume counterhits)?

I am thankful to hear your thoughts on this

Regards, Tevia

Hi Tevia,

Firstly, I think you should definitely give coaching them a try.

The question of what to teach them depends on how long you have with them and when they need to start winning matches. Assuming you have a lot of time I would start by getting them to hit the ball on the table consistently. The work through the strokes.  Starting with the counter hits and then the push strokes, then topspin and then topspin against backspin.

If you don't have much time, I would teach them to serve well and put spin on the ball. This will give them some cheap points but they will not develop their game. 

Good luck with the team.