Lois Peake and Graeme Barella are the first coaches to be selected to the GB Coach Apprenticeship Programme.

Lois, 24, is a senior England international who has a strong academic background, with a first-class degree in sport and exercise science and a distinction in her Masters on management psychology.

Graeme, 28, is a top-40 player in the senior rankings and has qualified for the Mark Bates Ltd Senior Nationals in both 2020 and this year. He is a Level 3 Head Coach.

We caught up with them to ask some questions about their coaching experiences and journey.

Graeme Barella

How are you feeling after your successful appointment and what can you tell us about the GB programme?

I’m really pleased to have been selected onto the programme. It’s going to be a great opportunity to learn and develop as a coach, as well as regularly working with the best young players that Great Britain have to offer. The programme will give me a chance to attend international tournaments and training camps with the squad, in addition to the Home Nations camps in the England.

What have you done / will you be doing as part of the apprenticeship?

The programme has only just started, but we have already had some insightful discussions about coaching methods and the best ways of getting the most out of training sessions. We will be working alongside a coaching mentor throughout the apprenticeship to help us learn more about how we can improve as coaches – mainly focusing on high performance.

Our homework is to read some books on the mental aspects of the game, which have just arrived in the post today! My first international training camp is coming up in March too, where I’ll be going to the EuroTalents camp in Slovakia. I’m looking forward to seeing the best youngsters in Europe, watch how they train and network with top coaches from other countries.

What are your coaching aspirations?

I’d love to get more involved with the coaching set-up within Table Tennis England – potentially with the senior players later in my career. I also hope I can take what I learn and improve the quality of table tennis in the North East of England, where I’m based. Essentially, I want to be involved in producing more high-level table tennis players in Great Britain!

What’s important to you as a coach (perhaps some qualities from you person coaching philosophy)?

As much as fun and enjoyment are fundamental aspects of the sport, setting high standards for performance athletes is an important aspect of how I want to work – finding ways for how we can produce more players capable of competing on the world stage. I try and use a holistic approach to player development too, utilising strength and conditioning, a good diet and adequate recovery in my coaching practices.

Any advice that you’d give to new and developing coaches?

Never be afraid of trying new things in the practice hall – it keeps the players thinking and stops them going through the motions, as well as making sure you’re always trying to grow as a coach.

Lois Peake

How are you feeling after your successful appointment and what can you tell us about the GB programme?

I am feeling excited and looking forward to working with young athletes in the talent and performance pathway and supporting their development. 

The GB programme aims to expand the number of coaches working within our sport, but also develop the individual coaches knowledge and understanding through providing a wide range of experiences. 

What have you done / will you be doing as part of the apprenticeship?

I have currently done some work with Aspire and Hopes squads. However, throughout programme I will have an increase involvement with squads within pathway. 

The apprenticeship consists of a wide range of opportunities to develop our coaching abilities, such as working with multiple squads in training environment located both in UK and abroad, coaching teams in international competitions, individual work with external coaching consultant. I’m keen to absorb, learn and improve my coaching from the experiences and interactions with other coaches and players.  

What are your coaching aspirations?

My coaching aspirations are to work on a regular basis with elite athletes within Table Tennis England and British Para Table Tennis talent pathways and to have large positive impact on these athletes’ holistic development.   

What’s important to you as a coach (perhaps some qualities from you person coaching philosophy)?

My overall aim as a coach is to have a positive impact on athletes I work with. To achieve this, I think its important to take a person-centred approach, changing your behaviour to meet the athlete’s needs; and understanding your athlete and how best to motivate them. 

Any advice that you’d give to new and developing coaches?

What has helped me is to keep an open mind, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and seeking honest and direct feedback. These things have allowed me to self-reflect on things that went well, areas that I could have done better and the things I will change for next time.