Educators and Trainers
Our staff of dedicated table tennis enthusiasts helps make our services the best around.
Steven Thompson
Level 4
Educator
Level 3
Trainer
Interested in the developmental and cognitive aspects within skill acquisition and player growth. Focused on the speed of conceptualization as the primary objective in learning a new skill. This knowledge is applied to the teaching methods used in table tennis students and the exploration into the potential of the mind's cognitive capabilities.
Interested in body mechanics. Focused on the use of the human bodies’ leverage points to achieve maximum output and efficiency. This knowledge is applied to maintaining healthy movements for longevity, and to help increase the balance, efficiency, and potential power per athlete.
Interested in neuromuscular interactions. Focused on the communication efficiency between the primary motor cortex, motor neurons, and skeletal muscle. This knowledge is applied to increasing the reaction time required of a table tennis player.
Interested in the balance systems. Focused on the proprioceptive, occipital, and vestibular senses used to maintain balance and body awareness. This knowledge is applied to enhancing the players understanding and insight into their body's location and movement.
Interested in the endocrine systems. Focused on the role a physiological response has on the performance of a player. This knowledge is applied to decreasing the effects of epinephrine on cognition and the neuromuscular system.
Interested in behavior modification. Focused on the psychological impacts of skill acquisition and the methods used to change a behavioral pattern. This knowledge is applied to the older table tennis player who has trouble modifying any pre-existing notions. The knowledge is also applied to younger and less attentive players who need specialized environmental adaptations to enhance and maintain a fun interactive learning experience.
Interested in technology. Focused on equipment that can enhance any attribute associated with a player's performance. This knowledge is applied to any table tennis specific device used to push players behind ordinary training and level of achievement.
Interested in group dynamics. Focused on the role of an individual and the effects on the interpersonal relationships of groups. This knowledge is used to help build character, self confidence and strong team culture.
Years playing table tennis: 8
Years of Table Tennis Coaching Experience: 4
Certifications: National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), SafeSport (the International Olympic Committee standard for protection of athletes), USATT Club Coach (coaching certification by the United States Table Tennis Association)
Jay
Ntukulu
Level 3
Educator
Level 4
Trainer
Interested in real time strategy. Focused on acquiring knowledge and aptitude of each option. This knowledge is applied to table tennis strategy awareness and its impact on style of play. Each player needs to understand their options and become proficient at each one before true game play begins.
Interested in creativity. Focused on the notion that if something is done one way; can it not be done another way. If taken to the infinite; one could be forever creating. This knowledge is applied to the table tennis players awareness of their style. Knowing that being creative ultimately creates an evolving playing style.
Interested in control. Focused on maintaining balance in the physical, physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of an individual. This knowledge is applied to the table tennis players state of being. Either game play, education, or training; having control of ones self is the most beneficial asset in skill acquisition.
Interested in learning. Focused on speed of retention and proficiency. This knowledge is applied to educating table tennis players with efficiency.
Interested in the Socratic method. Focused on making people mad (which means he is good at it). This knowledge is applied to get through to any stubborn "know it all" table tennis player.
Interested in human behavior. Focused on the correlations between stimulus and reaction. Ex.) If I play a certain way; how does it effect my opponents play? This knowledge is applied to the table tennis players ability to modify their opponents behavior with the use of techniques.
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Years playing table tennis: 8
Years of Table Tennis Coaching Experience: 4
Certifications: SafeSport (the International Olympic Committee standard for protection of athletes), USATT Club Coach (coaching certification by the United States Table Tennis Association)
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Level 2
Educator
Bill
Englebreth
Level 2
Trainer
Interested in improving the game of every table tennis player he meets. “When you improve your game, it makes me improve my game.”
Interested in players discovering the joy of acquiring new skills and the thrill of competition. “There’s nothing quite like the look on a player’s face when they land their first loop against backspin.”
Interested in promoting table tennis through league and tournament play.
Interested in seeing players develop from recreational level to league play to tournament play.
Interested in training table tennis officials - umpires, referees, league administrators, and tournament directors.
Has competed in 60 sanctioned tournaments and more than 480 league events over 18 years of competitive play. Bill is a national level umpire and regional referee with USATT and has officiated at 20 sanctioned tournaments including the three largest in the US: The North American Teams, The US Open, and The US National Championships. He is a co-founder of the Monroe Table Tennis Club, and has served as the administrator of the Central Carolinas Super League since 2009. Previous leadership and organizational experience includes military service (Captain - USAR, retired) and over 30 years pastoring churches as a United Methodist clergyman.
Year playing table tennis: 18
Years of Table Tennis Coaching Experience: 4
Certifications: SafeSport (the International Olympic Committee standard for protection of athletes), USATT Club Coach (coaching certification by the United States Table Tennis Association), USATT National Umpire (officiating matches at the highest national level), USATT Regional Referee (organizing and officiating tournaments up to 4 star level), ITTF Administration Course