What Table Tennis Lesson Is Suitable for Your Kids, and What’s the Most Effective Training Way?

         There’re so many kids’ table tennis lessons in the market that parents might be dazzled. Different organizations have unlike features, and children at different learning stages also have various needs. Let's see how to choose the most suitable and effective one below.

Features of Various Kids’ Table Tennis Lessons

         Table tennis lessons provided by large organizations are naturally more reliable. The coach qualifications and the qualities are more guaranteed. Among them, it’s believed that the Hong Kong Table Tennis Association has the most guaranteed skill quality.

         The most common qualification, the table tennis coach certificate, is issued by it. It has a list of hundreds of coaches, the most abundant manpower resources. Also, the tuition fee is affordable. However, there’re not many choices in the type, number, player quota and location of classes. They oftentimes may not be compatible.

        Table tennis classes in schools are usually good choice. Schools are supposed to find qualified coaches and review their qualifications before allowing them to teach. The venues have sufficient facilities, the tuition fees and the quality are monitored, and the transportation is convenient. It is easy to connect with other school activities, which should be very handy for parents.

        Another type of large organization is NGO, such as the Chinese YMCA, St. James' Settlement, the Youth Association and the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association... etc., which are similar to schools and can also be considered. Remember that the YWCA has a strict administrative procedure to monitor the quality of its dissimilar training classes.

       Residential clubhouses are other convenient choices. They’re close to home and the table facilities are generally good. However, the quality monitoring, the organization, the management and the professional knowledge are usually weaker. Their prices are also higher.

(Photo source: COLEGIO DOMUS, Public Domain Mark)

         Another type is small organization. Private training centres are the most common, which are generally located in industrial buildings. They’re all run by coaches. The advantages are that they’re insiders with higher professional knowledge, and there’re many types of classes and time options. The quality depends on the owners’ integrity. The disadvantages are that the places are smaller and the fees are higher.

Two Important Ratios

        In addition to the coach's qualifications, two important considerations for choosing a children's table tennis lesson are the coach-student ratio and the person-table ratio. Table tennis ball is so light and requires the cultivation of subtle touches. Unlike football and dance, too many people don’t work. Generally speaking, preferably the person-table ratio is three or four students per table; the teacher-student ratio is one to eight people or less, the fewer the better.

        At the beginning, it is suggested to first find out what the child is interested in, and the quality of the training class is secondary. If parents know how to play, it’s the best, but even if they’re not familiar with it, it doesn't matter. Play for a while and observe the child’s reaction, and the purpose can be achieved. Usually, as long as the parents are with them, the child's interest will be much stronger. In general, after playing a few times, you will soon know whether they like it or not.

        At this time, you can consider joining a table tennis class with a certain quality level. After practicing for half to a year or so and having a certain foundation, if you’re interested in further training or even competitions, you can consider hiring a private coach for individual training. The progress will be greatly improved, and the tuition fee will also be higher.

       Many parents who value efficiency will start directly with private training, which will show results faster. Just in the training class, there’re classmates to accompany the kids, which would make them happier. For those who have reached the intermediate level, they can also take private lessons and group training classes at the same time. This is the most efficient way.

       The above is also applicable to adults. Choose the training that suits you now, cultivate a hobby, and add colour to your leisure life!