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NEW AGTTA TEAMS LEAGUE AGTTA is doing something new. Beginning in March we will be starting team competition. This is in addition to our Tuesday night league and does not replace any of our current programs. There are bound to be many questions as we go forward, but we will try to address the major issues first. For the latest updates, see our new Teams page.
Why Teams? The teams program is designed to enhance our players' table tennis experience and grow our club and our sport.
Who can participate? Any player who wishes to can get involved. We plan to have multiple divisions so that matches are competitive for players of all skill levels. (continued below) | |
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Where will matches be played? Team competition does not require using an entire gym, therefore matches can be held at a variety of locations. The management of Rhodes Jordan has agreed to allow for team competition during their normal Wednesday evening sessions. Some matches may be held at Lucky Shoals on Sundays. We are open to any other locations that anyone can provide, particularly on Saturday afternoons. What is the cost? AGTTA is launching the teams program at no cost beyond normal gym fees at whatever venue is utilized. What are the benefits of team competition? A team provides practice partners, new experiences, new rivalries, and more opportunities to enjoy our sport. We will be adding another page to our website to specifically cover team standings and news.
What do I do to get started? You can form a team or join individually and be placed on a team. Email topspin2000@gmail.com and provide the following information: Name, approximate rating, days you can play, other team members, and any other suggested places or times to play. Feel free to ask any questions you have.
There is still a lot to do before matches can begin. You are encouraged to make the most of your team experience by getting uniforms, sponsors, representing your town, practicing with your team, and celebrating your wins together. Team competition brings an entirely new aspect to what table tennis has been in Atlanta. You are invited to help make it a success. Sunday Group Training Every Sunday beginning at 1:30 AGTTA offers free group coaching. The Free Coaching Program has become one of the most popular features of our club. Classes geared toward juniors, beginner adults, and intermediate level players help our players develop their skills in a fun group setting. See our coaching page for information about our volunteer coaches. Sunday Training Guidelines 1. Please try to arrive by 1:30 and let our desk attendant or one of our coaches know that you wish to participate in the training program. Latecomers will be added at the discretion of our volunteer coaches.
2. Training tables are on the backside of the gym. Tables at the front are reserved for open play. 3. Training ends at 3:00. Practice balls will be collected at that time and all tables are available from 3:00 until closing for open play. Please do not use multiple balls except during training times and in the training area.
4. Participants will be assigned to available volunteer coaches with an effort to put players of similar abilities together. If you want to work with a particular coach let that coach know however depending on the makeup of the group you may sometimes be assigned to a different coach.
The Sunday training program is designed to introduce new players to basic table tennis fundamentals and provide practice time for more advanced players. Ethan Jin Shines at U.S. Nationals
Our newly elected Director of Player Development, Ethan Jin qualified for the Junior National B team falling just short of making the A team. Ethan has been traveling regularly to train with Coach Wang Hui from Texas and has also been working out at Spin New York. Ethan is currently rated 2330. Congratulations!
Congratulations to Mathew Mayfield, Brandon Geiger Gresham, and Jason Zhang who brought home medals from the Joola Teams Championships Ethan Jin and U.S. Cadet Team Upsets Swedes for Silver Medal in Vancouver
The U.S. Cadet team was well represented by players and coaches with connections to AGTTA and Georgia. Ethan teamed with Jonathan Ou as the U.S. Cadet A team took the silver medal in the Double Fish Junior and Cadet Open. U.S. coach Yang Shigang has truly raised the level of play - not just in Georgia, but nationwide. Former AGTTA member and coach, Keith Evans is also working with the Junior and Cadet teams. Additional Hour of Open Play on Sundays
In an attempt to provide more playing time, the Board of AGTTA voted to extend Sunday hours until 6:00 pm.
Coach on Sunday and Play for Free: Experienced players who are willing to coach or assist one of our current coaches have the opportunity to play at AGTTA for free on Sundays and Tuesdays. To volunteer you must be approved by our current coaching staff and be available to help out on Sundays from 1:30 until 3:00. You do not necessarily have to have coaching experience if you are willing to assist one of our coaches. Fair Play: You may have noticed the sign at the sign-in table on Tuesdays about using approved equipment and not using speed glue. AGTTA encourages all players to use approved equipment. We have a number of players who are not serving legally. If you are hiding the ball with your arm, not tossing the ball six inches, or lowering the ball below table level, you are not serving legally and you are getting an unfair advantage in games. Please make sure you are serving legally. Your fellow club members will greatly appreciate it. HELP WANTED AGTTA is a nonprofit corporation that relies for the most part, on volunteers to run our club. We currently could use help in several areas. Volunteer coaches, photographers, media specialists, tournament helpers, marketing specialists, grant writers, assistant league directors, and coaching assistants are just a few of the jobs that we could use help with. If you have a special skill that you feel could help our club, contact Jon Gustavson at topspin2000@gmail.com. League Prizes
If you are new to the AGTTA League program you may not be aware that at the end of each ten week series AGTTA awards trophies to class winners who have attended at least six sessions. In addition there is a $100 prize given to the player with the highest winning percentage who is also rated over 2000. The second place winner gets $50. The AGTTA League also records your matches, adjusts your club rating, and allows you to advance to higher levels of competition by matching you against a continuous group of players that will challenge you every week. | |
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