Why Become a Coach
Coaching is a great way to stay actively involved and make a real difference to the future of table tennis, both locally and nationally.
Coaches have the ability to inspire players to take up the sport, stay in the sport and help them to realise their full potential. For people who are passionate about their table tennis, there is no more rewarding role than working with players and seeing the satisfaction they gain from achieving their goals, at whatever level of the sport.
Table Tennis England cannot succeed in its aims of turning England into a World Class Table Tennis Nation without the dedication and commitment of knowledgeable, skilful, committed and passionate coaches. You will be joining a team committed to making this sport great again.
An effective coach will be inquisitive and open to new ideas and methods and have many positive attributes. Their approach to coaching will be influenced by the participant groups they work with.
The common thread for all coaches is that they will have a passion for the sport, empathy with their players, an understanding of the techniques and tactics used in the sport, and a desire to help their players reach their full potential.
How to become a coach
To become a coach you will first need to gain a UKCC endorsed Table Tennis coaching qualification through Table Tennis England.
At Levels 1 to 3 Table Tennis England delivers the 1st4sport qualifications. Level 4 is delivered through a partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
For all qualifications two valid pre-requisites are required for certification. The Safeguarding and Protection Children and First Aid course are valid for 3 years. These pre-requisites will need to be renewed every time they expire to keep the coach licence valid.
Please note that online internet child protection / safeguarding courses approved by the NSPCC are NOT suitable to meet the prerequisite workshop requirements.
Unqualified coaches, or those with qualifications from other sports, must start at Level 1, as this is where the ‘what-to-coach’ and ‘how-to-coach’ skills are delivered.
Level 1 coaches are only qualified to deliver from the Level 1 technical syllabus which covers the basics of the sport. If you are the only coach at your club or wish to coach more than the basic strokes then it is advisable to progress to at least the Level 2 qualification, as this will give you a more in-depth understanding of the coaching process, and covers the more advanced Table Tennis techniques.
It is a requirement for all coaches (volunteer and professional) working in Table Tennis England affiliated environments that they must obtain a DBS (formerly CRB) check through Table Tennis England, and then an Table Tennis England Coach Licence. To maintain your Licence you will then be expected to undertake one Continual Professional Development on an annual basis to ensure you are keeping your skills and knowledge up-to-date.
Please use the links on the left hand side of this page to view upcoming coaching courses in your area.