by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor

Overall, a total of 22 coaches, 18 men and four women, attended.

Young coaches

“Many young coaches were involved, very important for the future of Peruvian table tennis”, said Rafael Armendariz. “Five intense days, six hours a day was the schedule.”

An intense itinerary as is the norm for ITTF/PTT Level One Courses, the full range of topics was addressed. Items covered included foot work, rules, basic nutrition, psychology, first aid and sports planning. “Keep the table tennis simple” was the slogan.

Positive response

“Notably Hector Estrada, who travelled from the city of Tacna gained the highest marks and understandably delighted”, added Rafael Armedariz.

Equally, Antonio Gómez, the President of the Peruvian Table Tennis Federation was more than pleased.

“The goal is to teach the coaches so we produce better players and thus better days for the Peruvian tennis table”, he said.

Effective initiative

An effective initiative, the gathering in Arequipa follows similarly successful courses in Cusco, Huancayo and Chiclayo.