Taking place between the WTT Youth Contender in Havirov (CZE) and the WTT Youth Star Contender in Otočec, participants and their coaches were able to train in the competition venue and on the competition tables of the following WTT Youth Star Contender, led by ITTF High Performance Elite Coach Massimo Costantini, assisted by ITTF High Performance Manager Dominique Plattner.

Players and coaches from France, Croatia, Portugal, Egypt, Germany and the host country Slovenia worked hard and were motivated to reach their goals, showing great attitude and determination in the training sessions, amongst them Annett Kaufmann (GER), fresh from her win of the U15 Girls event of the WTT Youth Contender Havirov, and Hana Goda (EGY), who went on the win the subsequent U15 Girls competition in Otočec.

Each of the five training days was split into two sessions with the morning session focusing on specific aspects of footwork along with control and consistency combined with transition, while the slightly shorter afternoon session focused on the individual needs of each player, involving service practice and multiball training.

“For Ines Matos and me it was the first time in an ITTF High Performance training camp. The experience absolutely lived up to all the expectations. The conditions in Otočec were great and we were able to focus completely on trying to develop our knowledge of the game. All the girls gave their very best, worked hard and created a great practice environment. At the end of the day, that is always all you can ask of them. We are thankful for the opportunity and we found motivation in these days here to continue working hard at home”. Ricardo Oliveira (POR)

Due to the untiring efforts of the local organizing committee from NTK Krka Novo Mesto around the vice-president, Tomaž Kralj, great conditions were provided to all participants, both in the excellent training venue and the hotel, located in close proximity to the venue, enabling all participants to focus fully on their training.

Beside this the participants got the chance to work on their physical state in a gym, which was located in the same building as the venue.

“Otoceč provides us a good vibe. Getting back to work with young players is always a full tank of energy and enthusiasm. This camp in Slovenia was the second one in this challenging year, and I believe it was successful. We are looking forward to set up other opportunities for our most prominent players, so please do check our website as we will be announcing new training opportunities as and when we can confirm them.” – Massimo Costantini

ITTF High Performance & Development would like to thank NTK Krka Novo Mesto around vice-president, Tomaž Kralj for their tireless efforts in providing an outstanding training environment and the Slovenian Table Tennis Association, its players and coaches for joining our camp. It is a challenge to hold any activity or event whilst having to observe COVID-19 prevention guidelines, and we are very grateful for the effort undertaken in Otočec.