by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

The Course Conductor was Amir Amidi; also he is a member of talent identification committee of Iran Table Tennis Federation.

Proceedings throughout were conducted in a dedicated hall for table tennis with all necessary facilities and requirements provided; high international standards were met.

“A total of 29 male coaches from 13 provinces participated, all familiar with table tennis. Among them were high level coaches and prominent players.” Amir Amidi.

Undoubtedly a more than reasonable amount of knowledge was present.

“Most of them were familiar with the basics of coaching to a desired extent and were very enthusiastic and interested in the class activities. Most of the coaches were already experienced in coaching different age groups. Highlights of this course were specific exercises for developing co-ordination which were taught to the coaches; videos were shown, all the training exercises were also warmly welcomed by the participants;.” Amir Amidi

Well organized Amir Amidi followed the contents of the ITTF Level One Coaches Manual. He focused on basic techniques, sports science and training methodology.

A successful course, it followed the efforts of Mr Christian Lillieroos who visited this year to conduct the ITTF/PTT Level One Course followed by Course Conductor Training.

“My thanks to International Table Tennis Federation for supporting the development of table tennis in Iran and to Mr Lillieroos who gave me much knowledge. Also, my thanks must go to Afshin Badiee, the ITTF Development Officer in Asia for his guidance, support and advice. My special thanks goes to Iran Table Tennis Federation for meeting all the requirements to spread these courses in all parts of the country.” Amir Amidi.

A welcome visitor was Mahmoud Nazari, Secretary-General of the Table Tennis Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran