The Inner Game of Table Tennis: Summary

John Whitmore (2007)

Coaching focuses on future possibilities not on past mistakes

We are able to control only those things we are aware of. Those things we are unaware of control us! Awareness gives us influence and power to develop

Our potential is realised by optimising our own individuality and uniqueness, never by moulding these to conform to another’s opinion of what constitutes best practice.

Coaching questions should compel an answer, focus attention more precisely and create feedback. Instruction does none of these.

It is up to the coach to provide the environment so that the player can maintain the ideal frame of mind for performance, by building awareness and responsibility continuously throughout the daily practice and the skill acquisition process.