Training Your Eyes for Table Tennis

How Important is Training Your Eyes for Table Tennis?

Should you train your eyes for table tennis?

Most of us are truly fortunate to have eyes that work but unfortunately, we often take our eyes for granted and in many cases neglect our vision. The same goes for our feet (they hold our bodies upright and allow us to move) but we rarely pay attention to that part of our body. Similarly, we use our eyes every day to view the world and through our vision, we are able to do countless of extraordinary things. Yet we forget that our eyes are powered predominately by white muscles (Fast twitch) which means we can develop those muscles. Instead, we often strain our vision by looking at screens for too long and allow our eyes to deteriorate over time due to little or no eye exercise. We can and are able to strengthen our vision by using certain exercises to develop eye movement, increase eye speed and visual focus.

Are we missing a trick?

An amazing fact: “table tennis was banned in the Soviet Union between 1930 and 1950 because the Stalinist authorities believed it was harmful to the eyes” Today we know that couldn’t further from the truth. In fact, it’s the opposite, table tennis provides huge benefits to your eyes and mind. I went to Steve Brunskill’s Vision training last weekend and not only did I learn a lot but I felt that we are missing a vital element in our table tennis training.

Steve has developed lots of training methods to elevate your visual endurance, speed, and focus. The training enables anyone who wants to enhance their game and it’s a training system which can be used to develop your table tennis, in-directly. All you have to do is invest some time practicing, which can be done at any time but I personally would use it as part of my pre-play warm-up.

Steve Brunskill Table Tennis Coach
Table Tennis Eye Training

How important are your eyes?

I think we all know how important our eyes are but I think many of us don’t know or realise that we can develop our visual performance. If we take some time to enhance our vision by building the muscles in our eyes, naturally we will upscale ourselves into a higher level player. I noticed eye development training many years back but I didn’t pay direct attention to it because I felt reaction speed was the requirement for better sports performance. I recently found out that our reaction speed can only be developed over a long period of time and the gains are so small, it’s nearly unnoticed.

World Table Tennis Champs 2019
World Table Tennis Champs 2019 in Hungary

I am always looking for marginal gains so if reaction speed is developmentally limited, then how can we develop something else to aid our reaction? And the answer is simple, by using our eyes! I was doing a few eye developmental training myself but I had not dived deep enough. After the course, I truly grasped the importance and how exactly to execute certain drills for fast and noticeable benefits in sport (table tennis) and life. Going to Steve’s, course reinforced things that I learned over time but the course also enhanced my knowledge and understanding of how important our vision truly is. I walked away, a wiser man and a coach that can deliver specific eye training to my players which can enhance their games.

Taking Vision training into the practice hall

As of last weekend, I have taken Steve’s vision training into the hall and it will remain in my warm-up routine for life. I have adapted a few of the training systems to suit my players and some new personal concepts but the general vision training in my view it’s a wonderful (Marginal Gain) of which I will always use from now on.

If you want to learn more contact Steve Brunskill – 01642 827282 / 07595641751. Email: info@swervettc.

In the meantime, I suggest for all players and coaches to open their eyes if they truly want to enhance themselves or their players.

What you can’t see you can’t hit

Ma Long Is The Table Tennis GOAT

The Greatest Table Tennis Player of All Time

Ma Long has become the greatest table tennis player of all time. I wrote a blog about a year ago comparing Ma to Jan Ove Waldner. Back then JO had my vote and honestly, Waldner will always be the greatest (for me personally). But in reality and factually Ma Long has the crown of the true table tennis GOAT.

World Table Tennis Champion 2019
World Champion for the 3rd Time in a Row

Why Ma Long is the greatest table tennis player of all time.

I first saw Ma when he was 16 years old. I remember instantly being drawn to him, he had this aura about him. A twinkle few have but they seem to shine above the rest and Ma was the new JOW. Special people like Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Michael Phelps come along once every 20 years. Ma Long, had a technique that I had not witnessed before, big strokes but they were so efficient that he could implement them graciously. He seemed humble and he was a perfect athlete which enabled him to execute all his shots with immense power. I knew straight away Ma would become world no.1 and one of the games great players.

What Ma Long has Achieved

Having followed him for 14 years now, I witnessed his ups and downs and the ups are great but it’s the downs that show people’s true character. Zhang Jike has many ups and when the down times came he never truly turned it around into a positive.

Ma Long was not picked for the 2012 Olympic singles, he lost 3 world singles semifinals to Wang Hao, he suffered injury in 2018 and was out for over half a year. Yet Ma Long has taken all the downs and managed to turn each one into a positive.

MA Long has defied all the odds and critics
Ma Long has defied all the odds and critics

Negative into positive

  • Losing three semi-finals TURNED into 3 world Championships titles
  • Not picked for 2012 Olympics TURNED into an Olympic Champion 2016
  • Injured and many felt his time was up TURNED by recovering just in time to win his third Championship World Title.

 Greatness is not just winning it’s how you face the tough times and find a way of turning them around in your favour. It’s easy when you win, the question is can you turn a loss into a winning situation, further down the line?

LIU Shiwen World Table Tennis Champion
The peoples champion becomes the world champion

Liu Shiwen

Liu has always been a peoples champion and often came up short on the big occasion but this month she finally did it. Liu is not the greatest player seen in women’s table tennis but she will go down in history as a world champion and someone who doesn’t take no for an answer.

The true greats, if you look carefully they do not have a flawless record. They often have huge failures and find ways of recreating themselves and producing super records via their ability to turn the tough times into something special.

A true champion has the heart of a lion, their spirit comes out when times are tough.a

Begin your journey to becoming the greatest possible player you can be…


Book Coaching Session

The World Table Tennis Championships 2019

2019 World Table Tennis Championships

I was privileged to experience two world championships in my time and the first was in my home country England, back in 1997. I’m not sure any event will top that for me but that’s me being bias; home country, my all-time favorite player Jan-Ove Waldner and an all European final. Table tennis has evolved so much since then and the sport is certainly growing both domestically and commercially. ITTF is a huge organisation growing at an extremely fast rate and making huge headway in many fields but especially in event production and hosting.

2019 World Championship event

From an outside perspective, I must admit this event looks spectacular; the lighting, the staging, organisation, tables, players, countries competing. The production is without a doubt in my mind, the best to date but there are some concerns.

Are we becoming an elitist sport? 

Back in 1997, I remember watching small countries such as Tanzania, Cameroon and many others competing in this prestigious event. Where are these countries now, in the team events? and the singles will be closed to 64 players! Has the ITTF excluded players and countries due to elite focus? or is there another hidden agenda?

 

World Table Tennis Championships 2019
World TT Champs 2019

Why I Love Table Tennis

We are all individuals and because of this we often find it hard to find things that suit us, we may feel alone or excluded and this can have many negative effects on us psychologically (Personal lives). Table Tennis was my escape and where I felt apart of a team and community who are united via a bat, ball and table. I could walk into any table tennis hall in the world and immediately be accepted and welcomed with open arms. Walking into a table tennis club you will often see the versatility and I find this unique to table tennis as a sport. Table tennis boasts players of all ages, all abilities, all backgrounds who compete in harmony alongside one another.

My First Club

I entered into London Progress table tennis club over 23 years ago and one image will never leave my mind, I remember it like yesterday. The first hall had beginners to intermediate level players and the players varied in age, ability, ethnic backgrounds. The second hall had advanced to professional players, once again most players were from different countries or ethnic backgrounds. Yet the atmosphere and unity was heaven on earth for me and this for me sets table tennis apart from all other sports.

Table Tennis as a Commercial Sport

I agree with ITTF looking to promote the sport and grow the image but I strongly believe we must find a way of keeping everyone involved somehow some way. Now that ITTF is growing commercially they must be able to find ways of making the most prestigious event accessible to all table tennis nations! There must be a special fund dedicated to aiding the small nations, and sourcing locations and venues that cater to everyone.

 

World Table Tennis Champs 2019
World Table Tennis Champs 2019 in Hungary

My prediction

Ma Long, will shock the world and become world champion once again, sealing his title as the (GOAT) of table tennis. For me, personally, Waldner will always be the greatest because I feel connected to him in so many ways and he was able to transform the game. But my mind knows that Ma Long, 100% deserves the crown ‘the greatest player of all time’. Ma Long has been the most consistent player over the past 10 years and he has won every major title, with a positive against every player he has faced. His game is near-superhuman and he is truly worthy of his achievements.

Ding Ning, will beat Hiu and I believe she has the experience and still plenty of passion to win this event once again. But I think Japan will be looking to break the Chinese Wall in 2020 Olympic games. I’m sure Japan will cause many shocks and china’s stranglehold will be under great pressure.

What are your predictions let me hear your opinion and thoughts

To be great we must work hard and smart but we must never forget our routes

Table Tennis From The Heart

We all love something or a few things but if you play table tennis from your heart, the game will change your life

Why Table Tennis 

 

Today I am with a very special group of international coaches and each day we spend together the more I realise why they coach. I could be wrong but I’ve never seen a sport that captures people’s hearts the way table tennis does!
I know there are huge fans for other sports but for me, there’s something different with table tennis. A true table tennis player or coach gives to the sport and to those around them from the heart and with a mindset of “I want to give and want nothing in return”. Table tennis people seem to love sharing and want to grow alongside others.
United Table Tennis Camp in Portugal 2019
United Table Tennis Camp in Portugal 2019

Julien Girard (Former Pro A Coach in France)

20 years ago both I and Julien crossed paths (as players) when I lived in France back in 1999-2000. We both went on to become coaches (I in England and Julien in France) with lots of success respectively. A few years back I saw an important message from Julien on Facebook and I immediately felt connected to him and his story.
I decided to reach out to him and our relationship began. I then had one of his players come to England and be a part of my set up for 3 months and he was the last sign I needed. It was time for me to form a physical connection but how would I do this?
United Table Tennis Coaching Team
United Table Tennis Coaching Team

How did it happen?

My wife and I occasionally watch X factor together and I saw a panel created by Simon factor and thought how can I create a super team in my field? That night I began researching Europe’s leading coaches. For me, the team was under my nose but I needed someone respected throughout Europe to have that true pulling power. Julien was that person and I felt if he was on board the others would feel join without hesitation. 
I began talking to Julien and over time we noticed how our path and mindset were in sync, this was my trigger and I dropped the bombshell. Would you be apart of a special European team? to my delight, Julien did not hesitate and this gave me the power I required in creating the United Table Tennis Coaching Team.

The Aim

UTTCT was created to provide an opportunity for all table tennis lovers, for those who want to be apart of a coaching and playing system, normally only accessible to professionals. If you have a dream, wake up and make it happen.

Table tennis has the ability to grab your heart and give you the key to virtually anything on the planet.

Table Tennis Fan

Are you a table tennis Fan? I know I am! I’m a fan of table tennis clubs, events and players and they can often be idealistic in my personal perspective.

Portugal Table Tennis Camp with UTTCT

I will be heading over to Portugal tomorrow to host a training camp alongside side some of Europes best players and coaches (UTTCT). These kinds of experiences bring out my inner child because I am in ore of each coach and both Romain Ruiz Romain Ruiz (arguably the best Boomerang flick in the world) plus Stephane Ouaiche (possibly Europes most talented player).  

Most of us are seen or respected by others or someone

 

I believe most of us a fan or fans, whether it be our own family or friends! More often than not there is someone who looks up to you and respects what you do or the field you’re in. I’ve had a few moments in my career (life) where people really appreciate my work and passion or ability. I remember many years back when I was a player a few kids approached me asking for my autograph. I was young at the time and it felt nice but not special. Maybe deep down I knew that I’m playing in a big event and they see me as apart of the event so I must be famous! I had a similar occurrence at the World Championship of Ping Pong which I competed on 3 occasions. In one event I lost to the current world champion Andrew Baggaley. Yet again I did not feel like a person who’s truly respected just another guy who’s in a televised event and apart of a system.

A True Table Tennis Fan

 

3 days ago, I experienced something different, a person who seemed to truly honour my work and showed me such respect and gratitude. I was in the middle of a private coaching session at one of my coaching locations in Kenton Kulanu (North West London). The door alarm rang and I thought it’s for the ladies in the office but I quickly went over to answer the door and true to my thought it was someone for them. 15 minutes later the doorbell rang again, this time I thought I’ll leave it must be for the office because my next session is in 30 min.

The bell went off again, so (the gentleman that I am) went to answer the door again! and this time someone said I’m from my name is X and I am from Korea. I quickly intervened and said please wait a moment. I went over to the office and said to the ladies there’s someone at the door for you from Korea. Thirty seconds later, the lady (who went to greet the guest) popped her head through my coaching door and said you need to come down the stairs, it’s a man from Korea who says he’s your table tennis fan. I naturally thought she was joking and it was a windup, nevertheless, I went downstairs opened the front door and an Asian looking man was standing behind the gate waiting. As soon as he saw me his body tightened (with joy) and he lifted his arms pointing at me saying “OMG it’s you, it’s Eli, it’s really you”. I must admit I thought it was a prank and greeted the gentleman nicely while he continued saying what an honour it is to meet me. 

It’s was not a Joke

I took the man upstairs to see my session and of course, his phone came out, asking for videos and pictures. At this point it felt real, he explained that he was in London for a few days and had seen me on social media and youtube. He was a big admirer of my coaching style and he really wanted to see me in person. Wangsu decided to try his luck and jump on two buses from Heathrow to see if by chance he could meet me. He went on to tell me many players watch my videos and coaching in Korea and if I was ever to come over he would host me. I must admit I have never felt more proud in my coaching career. What an honour, to have touched someone’s life from another part of the world and all through my passion and love of table tennis.

 

Table Tennis Coaching young players
Table Tennis Passion

Your profession is special 

I do believe we are all special in our own right, but some professions are not as glamorous as others and some are even frowned upon. Last year I played football with some guys from my home town and two of the boys are bin men. Let me tell you, even though it’s naturally not a profession people would want, these guys are special in their own right. Firstly because many won’t do it, secondly it’s uncomfortable, thirdly it’s tough and lastly, it can be frowned upon. Yet it’s essential in our society and we are able to dispose of smelly and useless things because of these guys. The point I’m trying to make is we should try to respect everyone’s profession as long as it serves a positive purpose. Ultimately the key is to respects what people do but if you are in a special field where you are lucky enough to be recognised and admired, then stay humble. Appreciate the good fortune you have and try to support and encourage people to be the best they can be.

The most beautiful thing

For me, the honour of having Wansu as a fan was greater than what it may have felt for him. I offered to play with the Wansu before heading to my next job and again his gratitude was overwhelmed me. I gave wang my number and said if you’re ever in London don’t hesitate to contact me. Later on that day I received the most beautiful message from him. 

Hi It’s Wansu from Korea. It was very short, but will last forever in my memory. Thank you for welcoming me with warm heart. See u soon!!

To me there’s no greater gift than giving and my whole life I’ve always wanted to give, I’ve come to realise that giving, gives back twice as much. It’s just a matter of time before you give so much that you will receive in abundance, sometimes you just have to be patient. Wangsu asked to see and receive my new Kudus serve Kudus Serve, he was amazed and loved the experience.

Table Tennis Coach

As a Table Tennis coach, you would never expect to be greeted as a top player does, I can only say that I am truly blessed. I am also super happy that coaches are appreciated and respected because they are in my opinion they create most of the magic hidden behind many clubs and players.

 

Table Tennis Obsession

I have never seen a top achiever without some kind of obsession, do you have a table tennis obsession? and what are the effects?

Addiction

I think most have some kind of addiction whether it be social media, eating, smoking, running, these things in our lives give us the high’s we crave. Many perceive addictions as negative connotations and in many respects that’s correct. Addiction can cause many issues; physically, mentally and further afield (personal environment and even external-surrounding environment). Furthermore, an addiction is something that you crave and often do without thinking consciously.

Obsession

Like an addiction, it can have many negatives and cause problems in many respects but obsession is often an element that is required for true success. Unlike an addiction, someone who is obsessed often thinks about what he/she is doing and why they are doing it (for an ultimate outcome). It does not feel like a need but instead, it feels like a must. The negatives of an obsession it can cause issues physically, mentally and socially. If an obsession is structured correctly it can have mainly positive outcomes.

My Table Tennis Obsession

Life shouldn’t just happen, I believe you should make your life I look around and so many people choose to follow what they think is right or what others are doing. I ran a table tennis session last night at one of England’s leading clubs. One of the students asked me can we do our own warm-ups? my inner thoughts YES I love that, yet out of 12 students, only 3 did their own warm-up where the other 9 followed one of the students. of course, I had to give a little speech and explain that we are all individuals and each one must find their own pathway.

I found table tennis at 14 and that becomes my pathway, I became obsessed with the sport which meant friends came second, social life came second, in fact, any event would come second to table tennis. I would want to play every day, I wanted to develop and grow, I wanted to study the sport and watch as much as possible. All this hunger and craving for more became my obsession towards being the best table tennis player.

some may relate to this, I remember going to tournaments before the doors would open (I wanted to be the first in the hall). This would strike fear into my opponents when seeing me the only person in the hall practicing his service. I would practice more than anyone there were days where I would enter the hall midday (light outside) and leave the hall in the morning (light outside) Yes, I would play through the night. I would always ask players to knock with me regardless of age or ability and time was unimportant, I just wanted to play.

Is obsession enough?

In short no, you need many elements to become great or the best? but obsession can enable you towards your desired goals. It can drive you towards doing things you wouldn’t want to do but know are essential for success. Obsession has the power to make your own world and forget all the outside noise. Today I am a full-time coach possibly more obsessed today compared to when I was a player. I wake up thinking about the sport, I work in the sport, I go to sleep thinking about the sport and I’m pretty sure I dream about table tennis. Is this an obsession 100% yes! is it healthy? debatable!

 

Eli Baraty eBaTT Table Tennis Obession
Table tennis Obsession

Time management:

Being obsessed allows me to become great/special in my field, I am able to constantly grow and deliver more for myself, students and the sport. The issue naturally becomes where do I draw the line and enjoy other elements of life?

  1. Family: I am not perfect but when I am with my family and kids I do my utmost to focus on them. This means the phone on silent, enjoy a hug and a play and forget the past, or future.
  2. Friends: schedule a time in the diary where I don’t have events or coaching and meet up. No, table tennis talk
  3. A unique experience: I try to do something different once a month – go-karting, swimming, visit a location unseen before, a new restaurant, take my wife out, cinema, etc.
  4. Love: show those around me my appreciation, a little gesture of goodwill; a gift, a letter, a phone call, a text, or a simple beautiful word

No one is perfect:

By sharing our thoughts and experiences we enable ourselves to grow and learn and enable others to do so alongside ourselves. Having an obsession, in my opinion, is the no.1 key element required for true success inside your industry. But remember life is given to us, as a gift so do your best to fulfill your time on this planet which means a little variety, not just one thing.

If you’re doing something you love and the positives out way the negatives then just keep doing it.

eBaTT – Table Tennis Recommendations

Cary Cup – Triangle Table Tennis Club (USA)

Triangle table tennis club based in the US holds a wonderful tournament once a year called Cary Cup

Michael Levene – Chairman of Triangle Table Tennis Club

21 years back I played a small event at Barnet Table Tennis center where I first met and saw Michael play. He instantly captured my attention due to his charismatic energy and ultimately his playing ability which saw him go on to win the main event. I, later on, enjoyed training with Michael and playing alongside (representing GB) in Israel, where we managed to capture a team bronze medal. Not long after Michael moved to America and we kept in touch from time to time via social media and phone calls. Michael opened a club called Smash and then went on to become chairman of the best table tennis club in America Triangle Table Tennis Club

 

Filip Szymanski Cary Cup Champion
Filip Szymanski eBaTT Player

Cary Cup and Flip Szymanski

I have been coaching, mentoring and working with Filip Syzmnski for the past 13 years. Funnily enough we also first met at Barnet Table Tennis Club. Michael contacted me a few months back stating his interest in delivering a special event through the Cary Cup. This meant he required some special players who would provide that special feel and showcase the sport in a special light. We spoke about players like Liam Pitchford and Stephane Ouiache and Filip. Luckily Filip was available and the motion was set. Filip went into the event as the second seed representing eBaTT (Eli Baraty Academy of Table Tennis). Filip 35 years young, loves playing under the spotlight and he shined throughout the event going on to win the Cary cup.

 

Flip Szymanski in Miami
Pre-championship training

Table Tennis is a beautiful sport that connects people from all over the world

 

Long Backhand & Forehand Push (Video Tutorial)

eBaTT – Table Tennis Tutorial – P1 April 2019

How to execute a good/high-quality Long backhand and forehand Push

The Long Push

A relatively simple stroke to execute but hard to deliver at a high level consistently. The aim is to get the stroke technically correct and impart plenty of backspin or float disguised as backspin. If executed correctly the shot can elevate pressure on your opponent. It is possible to push any short ball but of course easier to control a backspin shot. If executed correctly this stroke can put your opponent under pressure; cause them to miss or deliver a slow/weak ball which allows you to take command over the rally.

Video Tutorial

The Aim:

1. Produce backspin and float with a similar-looking stroke,

2. Develop the correct technique (hacking motion)

3. Point of contact on the bat low to mid bat, for heavy spin and top end, high up the rubber for less spin and a change of angle may be required for spin change and control over different spins created by your opponent.

4. Timing point, when to connect with the ball in flight (in or around the peak of bounce)

To execute a high-quality long push it’s important to use good equipment that allows you to develop your strokes, here are some recommendations which you can purchase from Amazon NOW.

Beginner – New to the game BUY NOW on Amazon


Intermediate – Minimum of 6 months of play: BUY NOW on Amazon: 

Advanced – Local club level, or 1 year plus of play: BUY NOW on Amazon

How it’s done:

1. The grip tightens just before the point of contact this increases control.

2. Contact point, the aim is to hit the ball near the bottom or middle section of your rubber for heavy spin and top end for less spin.

3. The technique, hacking motions, and a follow-through stroke

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to receive our two coaching video tips every month, published on the 1st and 15th. 

Thank you to Bernie for creating and filming the video’s

Please share and comment…

3 Table Tennis Characters – Which one are you?

There are 3 table tennis characters and you fall into one of them!

History of human survival

Humans have evolved with a “fight or flight” response when facing danger or potential dangers. Our ability to flee or stand up and fight has helped our ancestors avoid or even defeat predators. There is another system we use to avoid harm which is the freeze effect. This is when running away may not be an option and escaping is too late but fighting may prove too hard due to strength or being outnumbered.

When under stress or when we feel our safety is compromised, that’s when we typically will experience one of these three physical reactions: Fight, Flight or Freeze.

 

Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier Rivalry
Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier two Warriors

Which response is the most effective? and do you see yourself in one or all? Let’s find out!

Flight:

In today’s table tennis tournaments and events, we often see the flight reaction, this is where players will avoid certain tournaments. They may lose to someone on purpose to avoid another player later on in the event, fake an injury, enter low-level events to accumulate points but avoid facing higher level players.

Pro – From all angles, this seems like a very negative approach but there is one positive notion from a flight response. If you pick certain events and schedule your calendar properly, it can allow you to prepare for events, avoid injuries, and provide longevity. This is the positive aspects of “live to fight another day”

Con – Hiding, avoiding, faking an injury mid-match, selecting events that only suits you criteria will only have a negative outcome. Eventually, the lions will find you hiding place and when they do, your number will be up.

Freeze:

Lin Quayan Freezes from 10-4 up to lose the match at the 2017 World Cup

I believe we have all experienced this before, we have prepared and yet when it comes to the big occasion our mind and body’s don’t align. Our mind says let’s do this but our body starts shaking, we struggle to serve, we think about the consequences and nothing seems to work.

Pro – Again not many positives can be found here but there is one, this means you have not truly prepared or over-prepared. There is something missing or you’ve done so much that you expect a certain result and it put too much pressure on yourself. This is where you must learn to prepare as best as possible but at the same time when the moment comes to understand that the outcome is not always in your control. Therefore all you can do is provide your best with what you have done and can do.

Con – You think and know your ability is far greater and you’ve proved it in the club or in the past but yet occasionally or often you freeze. The freeze effect can become habitual and cause plenty of distress, sometimes have such effect players move into the flight mode. This is when they leave the sport and feel the best way for them to come out on top is by disappearing altogether.

Fight

At the 2 minute mark of the video you see Kalinkos start to make a mountainous fight back (an amazing match to watch – but notice how Kreanga starts fighting mentally, physically and vocally). Its a shame about the poor video quality video

For survival and sport, this is the role we must possess to come out on top more often than not. This character is often the toughest to possess because you must have courage, be willing to face defeat and a lot of pain.

Pro – Fighters are often seen as heartless or pure heart regardless of view its the heart that will get you to your chosen destiny. If you fight each battle and you’re willing to accept losses on the way you will win the war and the journey will have been great no doubt.

Con – You may be seen as a mean or bad person and you’ll face lots of hurdles all in an attempt to stop your inner desire of becoming a true champion. There will be times when you don’t feel the power or energy to fight but you know deep down those are the times when it truly counts.

Can we change our character?

It’s said our response cannot be controlled and we never truly know how we will respond to a crisis situation. But I have two theory’s

  1. Uncomfortable situation: I like to put myself and my players in an uncomfortable situation as often as possible. This shows me their character and which one of the above they truly are! We can then work together to develop all three and find a way of making the fight (character) their no.1 characteristic.
  2. Breathe: Lots of research has shown me that deep breathing (trigger’s your parasympathetic nervous system) which can ground into the moment. This method enables you to notice more clearly (be aware) by seeing, hearing and physical (not emotionally) feel. This method reassures your mind and body that it’s ok and this period will pass and you will soon regain control.

In the wild it’s all about survival of the fittest, do you have what it takes to become king of the jungle?

Inner Game by Timothy Gallwey

I will be attending the inner game conference held by Timothy Gallwey himself in Hertfordshire University on April 29th, 2019. It’s a full day packed with guest speakers and information provided to uplift your sporting game. If you wish to be a part of this special event see details below.

“Knowledge is Power”

I’ve grown as a person and coach because I’ve opened my mind to learning. Join me at the… THE INNER GAME

Conference with Timothy Gallwey

Venue: University of Hertfordshire, De Havilland Campus, Hertfordshire, AL10 9UF.

Date: 29th April

Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm / Registration 09:30am.

Email us at info@coachingkids4selfbelief.com for more information or to register your interest.

Accredited by TTE, LTA and many more.

I will be following this conference with a blog for the masses.