When I began playing Table Tennis in my youth I never dreamed I would be ranked number 1 under 14 in Ireland in the space of 18 months. It happened so quickly but it happened becaused I played table tennis everyday. Ireland was going through a recession, U2 were making headlines and tap water was free. For a moment I thought it was 2015. Yes the similarities are incredible and back then life was not much different apart from phones and gadgets. I started playing table tennis in school and I was encouraged to practice at lunchtime and after school. I was playing football but soon kicked that to touch. I independently decided at 12 not to pursue footy and focus on TT instead because I was improving so I was more motivated to practice. (Makes Sense - No Bullshit) The coaching I got was very good and I soon became a defensive player.
The one difference now for kids growing up involved in Sport is this incessant belief that they should play 4-5 different sports to keep them busy or to succeed. Let's knock that on the head for starters. When I hear Children and Parents tell me that Jim does Hockey on a Monday, Rugby on a Tuesday, Football on a Wednesday and Table Tennis on a Thursday I shudder at the thoughts of it. Times have changed and kids are now starting Table Tennis at 6 years in some cases. It is too late starting at 13 now and hoping to become a top player. I totally understand Parents keeping kids busy but I have children exhausted at TT training because their schedule is to harsh.
One reason a young athlete will want to continue playing TT is because they see improvement. If not then they give it up. If they practice at 4 sports they will never be the master of one and only average at all. The lesson here is to focus on the one whether it is Hockey or whatever. I completely realize that my coaching situation growing up was special but I made the best of it. Yes, it's ok to play 4 different sports for fun but to realistically improve in competition you must choose the one that best suits you.
I see some parents encouraging their children to play TT everyday and I can see children improve very quickly. This is great to see but if you play Sport for social reasons then enjoy it, but don't expect a return, and if you want to become champ, then focus entirely on the one.
Good luck
JB
The one difference now for kids growing up involved in Sport is this incessant belief that they should play 4-5 different sports to keep them busy or to succeed. Let's knock that on the head for starters. When I hear Children and Parents tell me that Jim does Hockey on a Monday, Rugby on a Tuesday, Football on a Wednesday and Table Tennis on a Thursday I shudder at the thoughts of it. Times have changed and kids are now starting Table Tennis at 6 years in some cases. It is too late starting at 13 now and hoping to become a top player. I totally understand Parents keeping kids busy but I have children exhausted at TT training because their schedule is to harsh.
One reason a young athlete will want to continue playing TT is because they see improvement. If not then they give it up. If they practice at 4 sports they will never be the master of one and only average at all. The lesson here is to focus on the one whether it is Hockey or whatever. I completely realize that my coaching situation growing up was special but I made the best of it. Yes, it's ok to play 4 different sports for fun but to realistically improve in competition you must choose the one that best suits you.
I see some parents encouraging their children to play TT everyday and I can see children improve very quickly. This is great to see but if you play Sport for social reasons then enjoy it, but don't expect a return, and if you want to become champ, then focus entirely on the one.
Good luck
JB
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