Japanese TT coach motivates players

The presence of Japanese table tennis coach Satoshi Takashima is a source of motivation for young Jamaican players. That was the word from Richard Davidson during a visit by the new national coach to Davidson's Angels Table Tennis Academy recently. Davidson said his players were excited to meet Takashima and said he hopes to learn from the Japanese.

Takashima practised with the youngsters present, giving technical tips and advice to all.

Speaking during a training session at the Angels Academy training hall in Spanish Town, conducted by Takashima, Davidson exulted, "I think the children are motivated to see that they have an international coach to work with them at the academy."

Davidson, an accomplished coach himself, is optimistic that Takashima will be able to return. "I know it will take these children to the next level, preparing them to be more competitive for the Pre-Cadet Championships coming up in August," he said.

The founder of the academy expects to learn from the Japanese expert.

"I feel very comfortable and confident working with Mr Takashima," he said. Davidson feels he will gain some experience and improve his coaching skills to pass it on to his players.

FOOTWORK A WEAK AREA

Noting that Takashima has itemised footwork as a weak area for Jamaican table tennis players, Davidson concurred. Based on his observations at an International Table Tennis Federation training camp in Peru last year, and recently in Guyana, where Takashima observed young Jamaican and Caribbean players, Davidson intoned: "I've seen where our children don't like to move, and this what I'm working on. I'm seeing the little flaws in our technique.

"This is what I'm trying to work on because once we can better their technique at this age," he envisaged, "we should have some Caribbean champions in the future."