I have been coaching for over 25 years at the same club where I started playing as a cadet – 40 years ago!! I began “helping” one night a week, however, the more I enjoyed coaching the more those hours increased.
I have been very fortunate to have travelled with all levels of female players during those years – from taking club players aged 9 to Belgium right through to the same “girls” going to Women’s British League 12 years later.
Perhaps my most memorable time as a coach would be the Commonwealth Youth Games in India 2008. There were so many experiences in that trip far beyond the table tennis!! The chance to travel to a different country, being involved with other sports coaches, watching the highs and lows of all the athletes, coaching on live TV to name a few – that trip certainly had a big impact on me and inspired both myself and some of the players to push forward for other exciting opportunities.
Throughout the past 25 years I have watched and learned from other coaches – techniques, routines, how to encourage and inspire players. While coaching there have been so many proud moments – from a club member winning their first ability tournament – to being with the Irish Primary School Girls Team when they lifted Gold – Irish Cadets winning in Hasselt – and Ulster lifting the Interprovincial Trophy – all proud moments as a coach.
A highlight for coaches is seeing the players you work with developing – not everyone will be a champion however it is important for everyone to try and achieve their full potential. Some players that I have coached have used table tennis for their Duke of Edinburgh Award, some to get onto Interprovincial teams, others to win National Titles – currently I am coaching a young girl who is working towards using her table tennis as part of her PE GCSE – each one of these reasons is as important to that player as any other and as a coach it is good to have direction with each player.
Table Tennis coaching has given me so many opportunities, I have made many friends through the sport along with lots of high moments (and a few low ones too!). As a female coach it is great to see girls playing a sport where they can train and compete with the boys and I would encourage everyone to give it a go – and for the girls who feel they have competed enough they should consider coaching as it is very rewarding.
I do hope I have been of benefit to those that I have coached and I take this opportunity to thank those that have inspired me over the years to keep playing TABLE TENNIS – a sport of all!
Anne Ludlow
