On Saturday 26th March, Table Tennis England held a dynamic and insightful Coach Development (CPD) event for feeder coaches in the North West, hosted at the iconic National Cycling Centre in Manchester. The event brought together coaches from across the country to engage in three-of-five focused workshops, each designed to enhance coaching knowledge, foster collaboration, and support the development of players at all levels of the sport.
There was a strong emphasis on both technical and holistic development, the day offered coaches the opportunity to learn from experts in performance, psychology, and grassroots coaching, as well as to share their own experiences and challenges.
Workshop Highlights:
Player Analysis
Evie Collier, a key member of Table Tennis England’s performance team, delivered a detailed session on player analysis. Coaches gained valuable insights into the kinds of data the performance team uses, including ranking trajectories, match results, and technical match analysis. The workshop illustrated how these elements inform player development strategies and competitive preparation, bridging the gap between data and on-the-table improvements.
Evie commented on the day explaining that
“The Coaches CPD event at the Manchester Feeder was a fantastic opportunity for coaches to come together, share insights, and build connections within the coaching community. Integrating workshops with expert practitioners alongside a world-class table tennis event added immense value, enabling coaches to learn not only through discussion but also by observing top-level players and coaches in action.”
Mental Health & Building Resilience – Supporting the Whole Athlete
Lyndsey Simpson delivered a thought-provoking session on mental health, emphasising its critical role in the sporting environment. Her workshop, Mental Health & Building Resilience, provided coaches with practical tools to foster emotional well-being and resilience among players, particularly in grassroots settings. The session sparked important conversations about safeguarding mental health in sport. Coaches can further explore Lyndsey’s insights on her guest episode of Serving up Trouble, available on available on YouTube.
Building a Player Pathway – Designing for Long-Term Success
This session, delivered by Lauren Evans, North East Area Manager, explored how clubs can effectively structure their athlete development pathways. Drawing inspiration from research such as Michaela Karlsson’s article “The Pathway to Sporting Excellence in Swedish Table Tennis”, and frameworks like the Athletic Talent Development Environment (ATDE) model, coaches were encouraged to reflect on their own systems. Through collaborative discussion, they identified strengths and areas for improvement in their current pathways, paving the way for more intentional and supportive player journeys.
An Introduction to Sport Psychology – Navigating the Mental Game
Sport psychologist Neil Roach led the Introduction to Sport Psychology workshop, focusing on the psychological preparation required for competition. Coaches were introduced to key topics such as pre-performance anxiety, confidence building, and how to support athletes during setbacks. The session equipped coaches with foundational knowledge in sport psychology, helping them recognise and respond to the mental and emotional needs of their players during competitive moments.
Developing Young Players & Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Also led by Lauren Evans, this session centred on effective coaching practices for young players. Using the Resultant Model—which considers competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and creativity—coaches examined how to nurture holistic development. They explored age-appropriate strategies, shared experiences and challenges from their own coaching journeys, and highlighted fun, engaging activities that resonate with children. This interactive workshop reinforced the importance of creating inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable environments for young athletes.
The Manchester CPD event not only provided a wealth of theoretical knowledge but also fostered a sense of community among coaches. By investing in their own development, these coaches continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of table tennis in England.
