In the last year alone: our players have won 3 gold and 3 team silver medals at the National Schools Finals; two divisions of the Senior British League; won two divisions of the Junior British League; and were National Cadet League winners. Our Under 14 No. 1 female player capped the year by winning single and team gold at the United Kingdom Schools finals.
Our previous achievements include: the National English schools U11s, 13s, 16s & 19s team first place from 2010 – 2016, the 2016 Junior British League Boys Premier Division title and the 2019 Junior British League Girls Premier Division title.
London Academy is not just a table tennis club: It is a place where players can gain their education, alongside a high level of table tennis training. We provide opportunities for young people to develop the social, psychological and physical skills that help them become the best they can be.
Many of our members are from disadvantaged backgrounds and through the power of sport, their lives have been turned around; ranging from school trouble-makers to timid youngsters, joining London Academy has been a turning point in many of our players lives.
Our Approach
London Academy Table Tennis develops players at all levels to achieve their best both on and off the table. We take a universal approach to training which focuses on each members’ development as both players and students.
Our staff and players all work to the same set of guiding principles. We challenge students to develop their skills, focus, eat and sleep well, while showing respect for the sport and for each other.
We help players develop by emphasising the following: communication between coaches and the players; long and short-term tailored development plans; clear goals; and continuous evaluation and analysis of each player’s development. This allows the coaching staff to guide each player in developing their own personalised training schedule based on their needs.
Development Model
We operate on a pyramid model. Beginners start off playing once a week. If they show promise they may be invited to train on more days. These extra sessions are more physically and technically demanding. If players perform well at the intermediary level, they may be invited to join our elite training sessions. This system has taken multiple players from absolute beginners to representing their countries in the space of just a few years. The pyramid also requires older more experienced players to help mentor and coach their less experienced team-mates. This has proved to be incredibly beneficial for everyone involved.
Our regular training sessions are supplemented by competitions, holiday training camps and even trips abroad.
Training Priorities
London Academy players begin by focusing on technique and mobility. As the players progress we will add different elements such as tactics and approaches to different game styles and challenges. Players learn to celebrate wins and learn from losses, while always maintaining a positive, forward looking, mental attitude.
Footwork: Players develop their footwork in two ways. Improving their fitness, mobility and footwork techniques, while developing knowledge of how their position around the table affects game play.
Technique: We start with basic strokes: topspin, backspin and float (no spin) on both the forehand and backhand wings. From there, players learn to generate greater spin and power. Eventually we hone these skills to work equally well, both close to and away from the table.
Tactics: As each player’s style naturally emerges (aggressive, defensive, counter attacking, etc…) we teach them the tactical approaches that will enhance their approach to winning matches.
Starting with the basics of serve and return, and then moving on to open play, players learn to maximise their own strengths while successfully exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses.
Our aim is to develop each student’s abilities to the highest level possible, up to and including international competition.
Our Coaches
We have a full spectrum of development coaches, working with players from absolute beginners to elite competitors. Our coaches gauge each player’s development across multiple metrices including technique; fitness; attitude; tactics; well-being & personal goals. All of our coaches are Table Tennis England qualified.
London Academy welcomes all ages and abilities; whether you would like to join our full time programme, community club or simply just have a go on the table, please get in touch.
London Academy Table Tennis Club is a richly diverse and vibrant club with many members and 10 coaches dedicated to the highest standards and achievement for every young person.
Experiences
London Academy is not just a table tennis club: It is a place where players can gain their education, along with a top level of table tennis training; we provide opportunities for young people to develop the social, psychological and physical skills that help them become the best they can be.
Benefits
There are several benefits for our students and players: regular training sessions develop self-discipline, punctuality and respect; regular competition environments develop will-power, self-belief and determination; and importantly, regular training with their teammates provides fun and friendships.
Changes
Many of our members are from disadvantaged backgrounds and through the power of sport, their lives have been turned around; ranging from school trouble-makers to timid youngsters, London Academy has produced a selection of well-rounded and ambitious individuals.
London Academy welcomes all ages and abilities; whether you would like to join our full time programme, community club or simply just have a go on the table, get in touch with us.