Types of Learners
Many table tennis coaches world-wide have been teaching their students in a similar way but the question is If it’s the most effective way to do it.. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. So what types of learners are there…
Type #1 Hands-On Learner (Kinesthetic-physical)
This student does well by trying a new skill – like trying to serve that new serve, trying to balance properly, trying that new movement, trying to play the correct timing. With personally trying it out, the player can best learn the new skill. Using the body, hands and sense of touch works well wit this student.
Type #2 Visual learner (Spatial)
This student prefers using pictures, images, and spatial understanding and he/she does well by seeing the new skill – in person with his coach, in a YouTube video, or even in a photo. As this student can visualize the correct way to do it, he/she can learn to imitate the new skill.
Type #3 Linguistic Learner (Logical-mathematical)
This student does well by reading or listening to instructions about the new skill – drawing charts and diagrams on the dry-erase board helps the linguistic learner quickly improve his/her new skills. Using logic, charts, diagrams, systems of play, multiball charts and games and then reasoning works well.
Type #4 Physics Learner
This student does well by understanding the Whys – why does a topspin ball dip down in the air… Why does the first bounce on the deep serve need to be to this location… Why does the ball react differently when my opponent is using long pips or anti spin rubber? Why? Why?
Type #5 Group Learner (social)
This student often does well in a group – discussing various table tennis tactics and techniques and feeling teamwork in partnering with others. Table tennis is usually seen as an individual sport, but some find it much more enjoyable and exciting to learn new skill together as a group.
Type #6 Individual Learner (solitary)
This student often does well learning alone, in a private lesson with a coach where he/she can focus exclusively on small details. Also, this student prefers self-study methods.
Type #7 Audio Learner (auditory-musical)
This student learns better by listening to the sounds..soft hit ( brush on the ball , more spin ) vs. hard hit (dull sound of hitting the ball hard , less spin) . Also listening to the sounds of the bounce on the table, they adjust when to hit the ball at the right time – timing is important for hitting the ball correctly, it is very important to teach the students to hit the ball at right time, it can also fix a lot of problems od existing players. And finally this student may be more effective in learning using metronome – something we use in our club to understand the rhythm of strokes and movements .
If you are a coach, consider adjusting the way you teach table tennis, especially if your traditional method isn’t working. If you are a player, consider what type of learner you are and adjust your training routine accordingly. For example, if you aren’t able to understand how to move well, maybe you are a visual learner… So, consider spending 15-20 min on online videos each day watching professional players in training and tournaments and seeing how, when, and why they move. Also, consider explaining it to your coach so that he/she better understands how to teach you. In closing, realize that some of the learning types do overlap. You need to be able to intellectually understand the skill, you need to be able to visualize the correct movement, you need to be able to explain it, you need to be able to do it in training, and you need to develop the confidence to use it in match play!
See you behind the table soon !
