Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Local table tennis coaches aiming for level two statuses
Within the next three days several table tennis coaches will know if they have qualified
Several of the participants listen attentively as Señor Montes (centre)explains a technical point.
to be level two coaches and go on to tutor players to world class level when the Guyana Table Tennis Association, in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation, wraps up activities in the Level Two Coaches Training and Certification Programme at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
The two prong course commenced with the level one course from August 15-19 and encompassed participation of 18 participants, while the level two course commenced August 21 and concludes 26th with11 participants . Activities are being facilitated by Latin America Development Officer, Ramon Ortega Montes and include participants from Suriname (Andy Hooghart), Ray Fermin, a level one coach out of Trinidad and Tobago and several locals including Dwain Dick, David Simpson, Michael Kellman, Gibran Sarfaraz, Marlon Washington, Lyndon Johnson, Colin France and lone female, Melisa Dow.
Señor Montes explained that the level one course was conducted for those that were absolute tenderfoots with little knowledge of the trade. He said that those that were involved in the other segment of the programme would have already been exposed to the requirements at the lower level.
He said that Level One dealt with coordination, psychology, fitness, rules and organizing among other things while participants at the level two dealt with advanced techniques, bio-mechanics, movements and physiology among others.
The Spanish facilitator noted that the participants, all former players, experienced difficulties at the start of the course in separating the requirements of coaching as against playing the game. “It was difficult for them to change that mind-set from player to coach and that presented some problems at the start,” explained Señor Montes. He said that after constant application the participants were eventually able to apply the theories which made a great difference in their work ethic.
He further said that the course entails that participants apply the basic strokes even as they understand the characteristics of each of the components of the sport. This meant that the aspiring coaches had to understand the vital characteristics of the table net, the racquet, rubbers and ball among others.
The Spanish coach said that it is important that the students understand the intricacies of the sport as it could define their performance level.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Table tennis Association, Godfrey Munroe feels that courses of this nature are good as they are the pillars which facilitate development. He was also grateful to officials of the parent organization who provided the resource materials for the course. Señor Montes facilitates courses in more than 23 countries in Latin America.
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