Testimonials

I have now had several lessons with Rik. Not only does Rik provide practical, clear advice as how one can improve he does it in a very encouraging, enjoyable and positive way. Highly recommended.
Denis Crapnell, Player

I have been having coaching with Rik for just over a year now. The sessions are always enjoyable, and Rik is excellent at pinpointing ways to improve each individual players technique, and move their play forwards both tactically and mentally. Last night I beat one of the players in the top Division of the Clacton League. This player has an 75% win rate. The fact that I beat someone who is ranked much higher than me was solely down to Rik`s coaching. During the fourth end, the player asked me "Have you been training out in China or something?" You don't need to go all the way to China, - Rik is a lot nearer!
Roger Hance, Player, Coach and Superstar Photographer

I have attended one of Rik’s adult coaching sessions at Tollgate as well as having an hour one2one session with him at Stratford St Mary. Rik is very passionate about table tennis and gave me some really good pointers on how can I take my game to the next level. It’s also a great way to sharpen your game up and fantastic exercise!
Greg Green, ex Colchester Mens Singles Champion

I have just returned from an excellent two hour table tennis lesson from Rik James. 
We covered a lot of forehands and backhands. Learning to gain more control and consistency of the backhand loops against chop and topspin. Followed by tactical play of serving, looping the return to the middle followed by two successive forehand forehand loops to various target areas and playing out the rally. My target of raising my standard of play for Division 2 in September is off to an encouraging start.
Louis Gunn, Player

I gave up playing table tennis about 20 years when I became tired and bored with the sport. Returned to it last year. Rik’s enthusiasm and passion has rekindled my love of the sport and after a few coaching sessions with him I’ve remembered some of my old shots along with learning some new ones. I thoroughly recommend Rik.
Amanda Hogger, Player

If your looking to improve your game both technically and tactically then look no further than this man. In the space of 5 sessions I have learnt an awful lot about the way the game should be played and the shots involved in the game. A charismatic character with a wealth of experience, Rik is a wonderful coach with a great enthusiasm for table tennis. I would recommend him as a coach to any player out there.
Matthew Horrocks, Player

Rik has been coaching at the Tollgate Table Tennis Club for just over 18 months and the youngsters improvement is there to be seen at all age groups and ability levels. At the recent Essex Assessment Trials the club had 14 representatives more than double the previous year.
Martyn Green, Tollgate Table Tennis Club

Highly recommend giving Rik a call, he's a great coach. 
John Poysden, Player

I've had nothing but excellent feedback for your coaching in Chelmsford over summer and I've seen the noticeable improvement in the players in a very short time.
David Gatherall, Chelmsford Coaching Officer

Rik is not only a great Table Tennis player but a great Coach too. My Son Ollie aged 10 began playing table tennis and started receiving coaching lessons from Rik about 14 months ago. With the help of Rik’s coaching skills my son has already reached goals and a playing standard which has not only surpassed my expectations but has surpassed that of others too. In fact, just this weekend Ollie reached a number one ranking in the under 13’s Essex Trials, a fantastic achievement.
Jane Chapman, Parent

I have known Rik for many years. He is honest, trustworthy and has great integrity.  Rik is a very likeable person and gets on with everyone. Rik’s understanding of the game and with having the ability to communicate well, not just too juniors but to people of all ages, makes him such a great coach. He is very inspiring & Rik’s attitude & coaching style really brings out the best in people. He coaches in a way that achieves great results & skill improvement but done in a way that makes it fun & very enjoyable too.
Mel Rampton, Chairman, Tollgate Table Tennis Club

Riks coaching has helped our son gain confidence and develop his skills in table tennis. Rik's enthusiasm has influenced our son to join the local table tennis club in which he looks forward to participate in the many years to come.
Karen Coble, Parent

Rik leads by example this gives him respect from both youngsters and parents alike. The result is he gets their attention and his enthusiasm is infectious. He is fun to work with and extremely reliable. I have known Rik for some 30 years which includes coaching my son who won the Colchester Men's Singles at the age of 18!
Martyn Green, Parent