Table Tennis Coaching: An Insider's Insight

This month were talking to our Accounts and Audit Apprentice Joshua Weatherby from our Sunderland office. While his day job sees him working towards his ACA qualification, completing sets of company & charity accounts and assisting on audits and independent examinations, outside of work, his life is spent very differently. Josh spends much of his time coaching table tennis to players across Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough, helping people of all ages and abilities develop their game and enjoy the sport. While accounting keeps him busy during the day, you'll often find him in a sports hall during the evenings and weekends, either coaching or competing.

Josh, where did it all begin for you?

My table tennis journey started when I was eight years old. My dad played recreationally and first introduced me to the sport, and what began as friendly games quickly turned into a passion. I joined a club in Middlesbrough, where I still play today, and have continued to compete ever since. Although I took a three-year break from the sport when I started my working career after leaving the England Junior setup, it was during this time that I discovered a love for coaching. What started as a way to stay involved in the sport has grown into something I really enjoy and look forward to every week.

What does a typical coaching session look like?

One of the things I love most about coaching is the variety. The players I work with range from 10 to 70 years old, and no two sessions are ever the same. While I coach both groups and individuals, most of my work nowadays is on a one-to-one basis. Every player has different goals, strengths and challenges, so I tailor sessions to suit their needs. Depending on the time of year, that could mean focusing on technical improvements during the off-season or working on match tactics and competitive preparation when tournaments are coming up. Seeing players improve over time and achieve goals they may have been working towards for months is incredibly rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

For me, coaching is about much more than teaching someone how to hit a ball, it's about sharing knowledge and helping players reach goals they may not have thought were possible. One of my proudest moments so far was seeing a player I coach achieve their goal of winning an event at the Sunderland Closed Table Tennis Championships. Watching people grow in confidence, improve their skills and enjoy the sport more is easily the most rewarding part of what I do.

What do you think makes a great table tennis player?

Table tennis is a lot more demanding than many people realise. Physical qualities such as reaction speed, hand-eye coordination, movement and flexibility all play a big part, but the mental side is just as important. Adaptability, determination, tactical awareness and being open to feedback can often make the difference. One of the biggest challenges as a coach is recognising that every player learns differently and adapting your approach to suit them. For anyone thinking of giving table tennis a try, my advice would be simple: go into it with an open mind. It's a fast-paced, highly technical sport that's unlike what most people expect, and with the right guidance it's something you can enjoy for life.

How do we find out more? 

The best place to start is the Table Tennis England website. All local clubs are listed there, along with contact details for each one, so it's easy to find a location and level that suits your needs. Whether you're picking up a bat for the first time or looking to get back into the game, there's something for everyone.