by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager
Venue for the practical sessions was the Sports Hall of State Secondary School no.85; the theory sessions were completed in conference room of the National Olympic Committee.
All the necessary facilities were provided; six Double Happiness table tennis tables, 300 balls, a projector and most comfortable seating area for theory sessions
The expert on duty was Aleksey Yefremov of Belarus who focused on four main aspects: sport science, advanced techniques, physiology and psychology all itemized in the ITTF Advanced Coaching Manual
“Two sessions per day were held, theory and practice was mixed with video demonstrations, multi-ball sessions, physical preparation and the learning of advanced techniques and sports science.” Aleksey Yefremov
Notably the course was well received as was the first ITTF/PTT Level One Course to be staged in the country when once again Ashgabat was the home in January 2014.
Overall, a total of 11 participants from five regions of Turkmenistan were present, four were female.
“In addition, six young female coaches who had just started to work in sports schools but couldn’t attend the ITTF/PTT course in 2014 were present as unofficial participants. They did not sit the Level Two exam.” Aleksey Yefremov
Different ages and experiences but all shared the same interest, responded the efforts of Aleksey Yefremov as he explained modern table tennis techniques, footwork variations, service and return of service techniques.
“All the coaches spoke Russian, so communication was easy. It’s interesting in Russian the ITTF Level Two Course takes a little bit more time than in English or in Spanish.” Aleksey Yefremov
Notably there was national television coverage, with course members being interviewed; in particularly, Humay Durdyyeva, the National Olympic Committee Head of Sport Department of Turkmenistan was very positive.
A successful course and there was also a distinguished guest Agamurad Allanazarov, President of the Turkmenistan Table Tennis Association was a welcome guest.
