When I first started playing table tennis (1996) at the age of 14, after watching ‘Forrest Gump’ I wanted to be World Champion! But I didn’t know how to get what I want in table tennis.
I was naive like ‘Forrest’ but truly believed I would become ‘World Champion’ one day.

Full-Time Table Tennis Club

As I entered I will never forget the overwhelming feeling when I saw the huge purpose-built table tennis hall that had 30 tables 15 each side and ample space between each table. It felt like I died and gone to ‘table tennis heaven’. I was brought back down to earth very soon quickly with a reality check. I was ranked about 100 England men at the time and I entered the French ranking at around 1500. My ranking did not phase me because I felt I could get to the top in no time. After a year of play, I shot up the French ranking but it was time for me to grow up. I had to admit defeat and put my dream to bed. I went back to England and started studying alongside some table tennis coaching at a private school (Kings College). This job was offered to me by my ‘then’ coach Gideon Ashison. 

So why am I telling a story about something I did not achieve?

If it wasn’t for my inner desire to become ‘World Champion’ I would never have reached the heights I have. I know in my heart if I pursued my training in France I would have been a full-time professional player and a possible top 300 and more, world ranked player. I have beaten many players around the 500 and that’s with limited structured table tennis training. 

What is structured TT training? 

Well, its at least 3-4 training sessions per week with a coach at hand giving specific, structured practice/training. In fact specific training I only ever had for 1 year which was in France. Most of us don’t put in what is required to reach top levels TT due to: Lack of time, lack of accessibility, lack of coaching expertise and we don’t have the inner desire.

Due to my inner desire, I reached my level and unfortunately most of the other aspects mentioned, I lacked as most of us do in England.

So how do we get what we want?

1. You need desire: Having coached thousands of players over the years, I noticed one key aspect which set good TT players apart from not so good. The ones who had what I call the ‘EYE OF THE TIGER’, basically pure passion. They will be at every training session, listen, ask questions and work harder than the rest. The amazing thing I found, whether they possessed the natural ability or not they would continuously progress due to that one simple thing ‘DESIRE’. 
2. Facilities: that accommodate, meaning accessible regularly and provide the coaching staff plus expertise 
3. Continuity: unfortunately 80/90% of players quit/stop playing at 17/18 because of: money, studies, work, companionship, and lack of vision. I read somewhere “80% of success is showing up”!

Getting what you want in table tennis

The only way to get what you want out of TT is to have all three tools mentioned and they need to be combined. Then and only then will you have a real chance of getting what you want out of table tennis. That means if you have the true desire then go and find the three mentioned and utilise the opportunity.

Remember there’s only 1 World Champion every 2 years out of millions who compete, so having that dream is great and don’t let anyone tell you any different. But do not be disappointed if you do not get that dream, instead look at all the other achievements you’ve made while heading towards that goal/dream.

If you want something badly enough, go and get it. Don’t wait for it to come to you because it will never come!