ARDS SPRING LEAGUE 2026

 Coaching Level 1 - third observation - Forehand Push - 19/10/2026 There are two kinds of shot, defensive and offensive. The forehand push is a basic defensive shot, often played to a short backspin service.  The forehand push is a better option than, for instance, a forehand flick, because the ball is too low or too heavily loaded with backspin. The forehand push is the most difficult of the basic shots because the bat is to the side of the body and thus outside of the eyeline.  Also, since its not a very exciting shot, players probably don't practise it enough, resulting in a decline in quality. Its very easy to make a mistake when executing the shot which is why its important to practise it. 1. Assume ready position, except that the right foot ought to be slightly in front of the left. 2. The bat angle is open and the point is to cut under the ball and return it with backspin.  The right foot must go under the table, its important too that the body is over the bal...

 Coaching Level 1 - second observation - Backhand Service 1. Check grip - any penholders? 2. Establish service position.  Stand in middle of table, knees bent, feet wider than shoulder width.  Square or slightly oblique to table. 3. Explain basic service rules: * Serve toss must be at least 6 inches * Ball must be shown in palm of hand * Service toss must be straight up within a 30 degree arc * Ball must bounce once on both sides of the table * Ball must  be served behind the white line  4. Basic service concepts * Involving the wrist can create more spin * A higher ball toss can create more spin * A short, two bounce serve can stop attacks * A fast, long serve can surprise an opponent * A half long serve can leave your opponent unsure whether to push or loop and cause a mistake 5. Backhand service The backhand service can be served into any part of the table.  It tends to spin into the opponents forehand.  It is an essential serve, used by all profess...

Coaching Level 1 -first observation - Backhand Drive - 10/10/2026 I decided to try to complete a coaching level 1 qualification which will enable me to coach beginners.  I have to attend 2 one day sessions, one in September and the final one in November.  There's also an online quiz and 3 x 30 minute lessons which are observed and signed off by the observer. I've now completed the first one day session which was in Banbridge, the online quiz (passed with a score of 88%), and two of the observed sessions. I was given the backhand drive as a coaching focus, so my first session was based on this fundamental shot.  This was fortunate since I'm a backhand dominant player. My session went like this: 1. Warm up - * horizontal and vertical arm swings (x 10)                              * wrist circles (30 seconds)                     ...