My daughter, Natalie Sun, has been training exclusively under the coaches of the World Champions Coaching Team (WCCT) since May 2006. She was ten years old then and had a rating of 1370. Two years later in November 2008, she now is 12 and rated at 2022. Not bad for 650 point in two years, averaging 325 point of advancement per year!!!

Kidding aside, the coaches in the WCCT are truly world-class professionals. The coaches in WCCT represent a unique combination of table tennis expertise from around the globe. I do not know if there exists a more capable private coaching team anywhere in the world. Coach Zhang Li and Coach Li Zhen Shi are masters of the game where even the current China national team coaches trained under them. Coach Stefan Feth is the result of the European elite training system where he trained and competed with top European players such as Timo Boll for years. Coach Nan Li, trained mainly in North America, understands the unique challenges facing serious young players in the U.S. Together they possess such vast knowledge about table tennis on skills, tactics, gamesmanship, and training that is unparalleled.

As a parent of a very serious young athlete, I would like to offer some key distinctions about the WCCT coaches as I observed from the sideline. I would like to stress that my observations are form a parent's point of view. I am not a student myself.

1. Their teaching is broad-based.

The WCCT coaches teach students to be all-around table tennis players. With their extensive background and experiences, they are able to analyze a student's ability and recommend a particular style of play that is best suitable to the student's natural ability. They then develop this specialty TOGETHER with other supporting capabilities. They train their student to be multi-dimensional without a single devastating deficiency. Unavoidably, this type of broad-based training is time consuming as more skills must be taught and practiced by the students. Nevertheless, it is easy to understand that the well-roundedness in the skill set is absolutely necessary if one is to advance to the elite level of this intricate sport.

2. They understand what the young student is going through mentally.

I was many times amazed at the patience the WCCT coaches exhibited during their lessons with my child. Sometimes, it was a particular shot that the child had trouble learning. Sometimes, it was just a bad day for my daughter. Sometimes during the earlier stages, the child was constantly frustrated because she could not understand the point of a particular drill. The coaches were always patient, encouraging and understanding. I think that is because they have all gone through the path themselves and truly understand the mental journey my child is going through. This creates a sense of shared-experience and a bond between the student and the teacher that seems to be instrumental in the development and advancement of skills.

3. They teach strong sport ethics.

As a parent, I have no illusion that there will be much fame and fortune in table tennis for my child. My humble wish is that my daughter may learn valuable lessons of life in her pursuit of the table tennis sport, that she will learn that hard work pays, and defeats are unavoidable; that sportsmanship is cherished, and winning is not everything. To the WCCT coaches, winning is NOT everything. They teach my child to play fair and they stress good 'table manners' all the time. They are teaching my child not only to be a good athlete in table tennis, but a good citizen in life.

4. They always put out 100% even when the student may not.

It is always inspirational for me to see that the coaches sweat more during a training session than the student, and I see that often in my child's lessons. The WCCT coaches always perform their best in conducting lessons. They move faster, they hit faster. They try harder than the students. That in itself is one of the most important lesson they are teaching to the students: apply yourself to the max. A young student may not realize it first, but a good habit and attitude is formed gradually through the good example of the WCCT coaches.

I feel extremely fortunate for Natalie that she is able to train under the WCCT coaches. To any parents of young table tennis players, I cannot say enough praises of the WCCT coaches.

Jerry Sun - Father of Natalie Sun (Mountain View, CA)

If you want to quickly improve your table tennis game and have a ton of fun at the same time, attend a World Champions Training Camp with Coaches Li, Zhang, Stefan and Nan. I've attended two camps and saw immediate results, winning the 2008 Western Open U1850 event in Berkeley (with a rating of 1590). This was my best win ever, and I fully credit the camp and coaches for it. They taught me the latest techniques and tactics used by today's top players, and patiently worked with me to incorporate them into my developing game - such skills as the right way to warm-up; balance, coordination and timing exercises; correct body position; proper stroke mechanics; shadow stroking techniques; counterdriving; quality pushing; modern forehand and backhand looping; service and return secrets; footwork; and the drop shot and flip. Of course, I had tried to practice these things a lot over the years, but having four amazing coaches/players who thoroughly understand today's game, teaching you the right way to play, makes an incredible difference. And, it's absolutely inspirational actually meeting and hitting every day with world champions Coach Li and Coach Zhang, and professional players of Stefan and Nan's status. Equally impressive is how caring, considerate and dedicated they are to sharing their love and knowledge of table tennis. They are perfectly happy to answer any question, demonstrate any skill and work one on one with beginners to experts to make sure you get as much as possible out of your camp experience. Imagine if you were a budding bike racer, and not one, but four Lance Armstrongs took you under their wings for a week to teach you how to win. That's the kind of awesome opportunity the World Champions Camps provide. You'll have the time of your life and your table tennis skills will soar.

Jim Langley (Santa Cruz, CA)

Coach Li and Coach Zhang are exceptional - they are world class players, coaches, and people who have the unique ability to improve both your game and your enjoyment of the sport. They have a rare combination of experience, coaching know-how and friendliness that enables them to help everyone from middle-aged beginners (like me) to aspiring Olympic athletes. They are simply the best, and I whole-heartedly recommend them to anyone seeking professional coaching.

Todd Sheets (Tampa Bay, Florida)

I have been training with former German national player and Coach Stefan Feth for over two years now. Stefan is not only a world-class table-tennis player, he is also a dedicated and highly professional coach, who quickly and accurately identifies the player's style and weaknesses, and then works together with the player using a customized plan. An admirable thing about Stefan is that while he is very precise and demanding (which is great for your game), he is also a great and fun guy. My game has improved dramatically over the past two years, and this is largely thanks to Stefan. Any table tennis player, regardless of his/her level, would find practicing with Stefan fun, hugely beneficial, and would notice improvement immediately. We are lucky to have in our area a coach of such a high caliber who is also such a nice guy.

On the summer camps:

I have attended a few Summer Camps coached by Coach Li, Coach Zhang, and Coaches Stefan and Nan. The bottom line is that these summer camps are just amazing! The camps are intensive and designed to give a boost to the game of every player regardless of level. The sessions are highly professional, well designed, most effective and fun. Four-time World Champion Coaches Li and Zhang are not just the highest level champions that you probably will ever meet, but they are also the nicest people you will meet. For them, table tennis is not just a game but it is a way of life, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Together with Stefan and Nan, these camps are bound to be the best thing that ever happen to your table tennis, in the most professional and fun environment.

Ran Abramitzky (Stanford, CA)

Walnut Creek to Mt. View....for people who don't know our sport (the greatest in the world), it might seem like a long way to train table tennis. For those who do really know, my going to see Stefan, Nan, Coaches Li and Zhang, you understand. I felt the improvement in my technical skill from the start, but they also work on mental and emotional development. We play the most focus intensive sport in the world. These coaches have been at the top and they know what it takes to get there.

They also know equipment and as you know that can make a world of difference. What works for your partner, may not work for you. They can work with you whether you are going smooth or pips out...shakehand or penholder.

If you have desire..they have the fire. I highly recommend both the private and group clinics they provide.

Ed Baxter (Walnut Creek, CA)

Stefan, I really appreciate your help and coaching for all these years. You have been coaching me since 2003 and as I mature as a player, your lessons are even more enjoyable now. I look forward to learning from you in the future and continue our path to success.

Thank you for your wonderful coaching!

Ariel Hsing (San Jose, CA)

I strongly recommend that everyone interested in improving their game try a lesson from the World Champions Coaching Team. Whether you go for private lessons or attending one of their high level training camps, you'll be glad you did. They have the competitive experience, the know-how, the people skills, and the proven coaching record to work with beginners and elite alike, the young and the ⦠rest of us. They can expertly coach a variety of table tennis styles and rubbers. For instance, Nan uses pips on her backhand. She's a perfect choice for anyone considering doing the same. If you've been amazed watching Stefan compete, then just imagine how much you'll benefit training with him!

Imagine taking lessons from World Champions, Coach Li or Coach Zhang! When you ask them a question, you won't have to wait while they think about the answer. *Smile*.

The team also has the language skills necessary to convey all the fine points of table tennis instruction and coaching -- fluent in English, Chinese, and German, it's all covered. That is a must have in a coach these days.

To find a whole package like that in a coaching team is not easy. Not easy at all. On top of that, you just won't find nicer people anywhere.

Brett Jackson (Pleasanton, CA)

I attended one of the World Champions Coaching Team's camps this past summer and found it to be very rewarding. I was the oldest camper there at almost 59 but felt that age didn't matter. Everyone was friendly and accepting of differences in ages and abilities.

The coaches are top notch & second to none in skill, experience, and in imparting knowledge to their students. They explained why a skill or concept is important, identified the keys to correct technique, helped me correct errors, explained and demonstrated how to practice each skill and had us practice these skills with various drills.

The camp helped me to get into better physical condition, to improve my strokes, and to better understand strategy and the mental part of the game. If I can get the time off I would love to attend another camp and would recommend to anyone else who wants to improve their play.

Frank Lackie (Portland, OR)

Stefan and Nan are not only the best players, they're the best coaches. They are patient, rigorous, and always encouraging. They know when to push buttons and when to step back to bring out the potential in each player. For more than 2 years, James has been looking forward to every practice and every camp coached by the World Champions Coaching Team. This team has brought out James' love for table tennis for which we will always be grateful.

Wan Chen - Mother of James Zheng (Sunnyvale, CA)

In the summer of 2008, I attended a week long camp run by former World Champions, Li Zhen Shi & Zhang Li, as well as US & German National Team Members, Nan Li & Stefan Feth. As a player one couldn't ask for a better line up of experienced pros to train with.

The camp was well run with great drills and opportunities of match play. Another approach that the Coaches took that I think is great and beneficial is the feedback discussion sessions that are held throughout each day. Also, during the drills all the coaches make their rounds and suggest necessary corrections to improve your technique and approach to the drill that you're working on. All in all it was a super fun week with plenty of useful instruction to improve one's game.

If you need more personalized attention, private lessons with Nan and Stefan are absolutely great! Their respective high achievements in the sport is a culmination of years of competing on the world stage, which gives them a great vantage point to be able to help you with all aspects of your game.

One other aspect that I like to comment on is the fact that the World Champions Coaching Team is made up of such friendly and warm people. This quality makes the whole experience of training and learning so much more effective and enjoyable and I think very noteworthy.

A final note, don't miss your chance for private lessons with Coach Li & Coach Zhang while they are in town running the camps a few times a year. After all, how often does one have an opportunity to learn from two World Champions?

Ali Shafai (Santa Clara, CA)

Nan and Stefan are excellent coaches. They are dedicated coaches and their attention to detail, professional approach and coaching techniques are really superior. They are warm & wonderful people. We have improved significantly in our skills and techniques in Table Tennis. Coach Li & Coach Zhang are wonderful coaches and we are lucky to benefit from their training camps in the Bay Area. You cannot beat getting coaching from 2 world champions at the same camp. It's AWESOME.

Prachi & Kanak Jha (Milpitas, CA)

Being inspired and encouraged by the excellent training from Nan and Stefan, my three kids Nathaniel, Isabel, and Anthony continue learning the fundamentals of modern table tennis skills. I can see what a dramatic improvement they have made in their top spin skills. One of the things that The World Champions Coaching Crew stress and encourages all of us on is to jog down notes and thoughts, skills you have just adopted and tactic you have just explored. For our family, this training is always a great experience that we look forward to going.

We want to thank you for your professionalism and high quality training.

Sammy Chu - Father of Nathaniel, Isabel & Anthony Chu (Milpitas, CA)

I participated in the camp during the summer of 2008 for two weeks. I had an awesome time! It was a really great environment, and it was a lot more exciting than regular practice because there were so many kids of my age I could train with. I usually don't get to train with kids around my age, so this was very exciting and fun. During break, we would all hangout together, and during practice, we would train together. This helped me make a lot of new friends.

The camp had a great schedule. First, we would all stretch, which is very important. Then we would do some footwork before starting practice. Everyone would get partnered up with someone around his or her playing level. We would practice with our partner while the coaches go around giving advice. Then there would be a lunch break. The afternoon session has similar routine but with one major difference: we would usually play some matches toward the end. I think this is great because it combines practice with some competition.

There were four great coaches: Coach Nan Li, Coach Stefan Feth, Coach Li Zhen Shi, and Coach Zhang Li. All of them were very patient, and they gave very detailed instructions to help me improve. I learned a lot from them while I was there! I think that Coach Nan and Coach Stefan were really fun to be around. They would talk and play with us during break. Coach Li and Coach Zhang have really good experience with table tennis and gives great advices.

I think this camp is great and I would recommend it to everyone.

Erica Wu (Arcadia, CA)

The world champion coaches are wonderful to work with! I saw immediate improvements right after our training camps. I also benefited greatly working with coach Nan Li. She knows exactly how to motivate me and what I need to do to improve. I am excited that the coaches are here in the bay area! They have made table tennis a challenging and rewarding sport to be involved in. I highly recommend them.

Ina Feng (Cupertino, CA)

Our ultimate goal for our daughters participation in Table Tennis is to show her how to be a winner in life.

We are indeed blessed to have the coaches from the World Champion Coaching Team to help us achieve that goal.

The coaches emphasize on mental toughness, systematic approach to technical challenges, and long term development. All essential qualities that are found in a champion.

As a bonus, our daughter now competes at National level and brings trophies home.

J. H. Hsia (Mountain View, CA)

I started training with Stefan, Nan, Coach Li, and Coach Zhang after I realized I needed to modernize the game I learned in the 80's and early 90's, if I was going to improve. Their knowledge of and ability to teach today's technique, strategy, and tactics were exactly what I was looking for. My game has improved immensely with their help, and they have dispelled many misconceptions I had that were causing me problems. Their coaching style keeps you relaxed and encourages interaction which I find helps me learn the skills that we are working on in each lesson. Their experience helps quickly identify problems and offer solutions to fix those areas. As a penholder, I especially appreciate the chance to learn from two of the greatest penholders to play the game. However, in the time I have spent with them, I have seen that their knowledge of the game allows them to teach a wide range of styles and grips. When I was a junior learning to play in the Northern California region, I always hoped that I could get the opportunity to learn from world-class coaches and players. Now that I'm quite a bit older, I'm happy that I finally have that chance now, and I encourage any one who would like to improve or learn about the game to make the most of this chance. After all, how many places outside of China can claim to have former World Champions available to learn from?

Dave Chu (Santa Clara, CA)

To me, table tennis resembles a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. It was so overwhelming at first as I had to improve on everything from head to toe, mostly and especially my head.

My coaches patiently take every step necessary to make sure that my pieces are put together nicely. They teach me not only the technical skills, but also how I can think about the game and play smarter. I learn the importance of discipline and persistence.

Thank you Coach Li, Coach Zhang, Coach Stefan and Coach Nan, for being there for me, in tears and laughter.

Thank you for taking me to the next level.

Natalie Sun (Mountain View, CA)

I have been training with Stefan for about 2 years now. During that time he has found my strengths and push me to the limits to improve on them, at the same time he has identified my weaknesses and we are working to eliminate them. I like the fact that when I train with Stefan I am getting a great workout both physically and mentally, I am learning to make quality shots and make quality decisions while playing. It has been fun and an extreme pleasure to train with a true professional like Stefan Feth, and I look forward to continuing my training with him to find my limits!

Dan Bruno (Concord, CA)

We feel very lucky to have Stefan Feth to be Jonathan's coach. Jonathan was 9 years old and rated at 1307 when he began his training with Stefan in 2007. His rating has improved to 1839 after 2008 U.S Open. 532 points increase within one year is incredible and is beyond our expectations!

We were not very sure if Stefan could teach a young age boy at the beginning. After a few private lessons with Stefan, we knew we found the right coach. He is not just an outstanding player but also an exceptional junior coach! One of Stefan's many methods is teaching Johnny by demo and drills. This works very well with my 10 year old son. Stefan also encourages Johnny to challenge himself during the training lesson.

Jonathan has had many other coaches in basketball, soccer, football and baseball. Among these coaches, Jonathan thinks Stefan is the best coach he has ever had.

Although we moved to Orlando in August, 2008, we are still in contact with Stefan whether it's for technical advice or coaching at tournaments. We truly found ourselves not only a great coach, but a family friend. People in the Bay Area are very lucky to have access to such an outstanding role model and mentor.