Great Coaching: Part 2

| May 15, 2016 |

Jasna Rather is table tennis coach of the perennial national champion Texas Wesleyan  University. In this email interview, she touched on some important points for playing  and coaching, whether in table tennis or music.  

What are your thoughts about training or (for music students) practicing? 

I’m not a believer in meaningless hours of training. I think the number of hours that players train should be based on their needs and the outcomes they seek. So, yes, each person is different. I know players who spend eight hours a day in the gym and it’s a total waste of time, while for other players intensive gym work can be helpful.

My rule is this: If you can’t focus and train using at least ninety percent of your attention, then it’s a waste of time. It’s better to play less but with the right mental attitude and doing things in the right way, rather than just clicking out hours. Conversely, training more will not hurt the player if it’s done with the desire to improve.

To me, here’s the most important question: How do players best develop talent into skill?  Is each person different, or do you think there are basic principles that apply to  everyone?  

Talent in the aspect of touch is not as crucial in modern table tennis. For example, Jean Michael Saive did not have a natural talent for touch, yet he rose to number one in the world through hard work, focus, great physical conditioning, and mental preparedness. All these elements are separate skills that players need in order to be successful in table tennis. The right amount of each element—combined with effective training conditions, sparring, equipment,  and tournament schedule—can allow a player to reach table tennis heights.

Given two players of equal talent, how is it that one of them becomes a good player and  the other becomes a great player? 

My belief is that natural talent does not mean much anymore if it is not developed through the right kind of coaching, work habits, physical fitness, focus, mental toughness, and so many other factors that help make a great player.

My belief is that natural talent does not mean much anymore if it is not developed through the right kind of coaching, work habits, physical fitness, focus, mental toughness, and so many other factors that help make a great player.