NBTT Online Coaching - Meet the Coach

NBTT Online Coaching

My Origin Story

My Mentorship

My Personal Game

My TT Philosophy

My Student Reviews

My Origin Story

I didn’t pick up a racket until I was 21. Nearly a decade later, I am a USATT 2000+ player and lead coach at EC Sports

I encountered table tennis for the first time as a junior in college, in a small gameroom on my campus. The tables were barely standing and the best players were probably 1300, but I was amazed by what they were able to do. Immediately I became obsessed with the sport and began devoting every ounce of my energy to improving my game and trying to catch up to the best players on my campus. I was your classic beginner, blowing paychecks on equipment and obsessively consuming content on YouTube trying to learn as much as I possibly could. One semester I enrolled in an Intro to Table Tennis class just so I could get more time on the table, and that decision changed the course of my life forever.

My Mentorship

My obsession caught the eye of a table tennis legend

I walked into my first Intro to Table Tennis class and was greeted by a small, kind Chinese woman. This course was designed for brand new beginners so at this point I already knew most of what she was teaching, but from the first time we got on the table I could tell immediately that she was unlike any player I had ever encountered. I couldn't return a single serve, the arc of her topspin was insane, and even my best shots came right back to me like they were nothing. Come to find out, she was a former Chinese National Team member, Olympian, and World Rank #26, Amy Feng.

I was asking her questions constantly, coming early to class and leaving late, and eventually talked her into coaching the Table Tennis club that I started on campus. Amy always calls me a genius because of how quickly I'm able to learn and implement the basic concepts that she taught in our sessions, and she saw my passion for helping my fellow clubmates do the same. My obsession with the sport and passion for teaching caught her eye, and one day she made me an offer that I couldn't refuse: She would teach me everything she knows about table tennis—the secrets of the Chinese National Team—if I agreed to coach alongside her.

At the time, she was in need of a beginner coach at her club so that she could put more of her focus into her advanced students. I didn't hesitate. For the last 9 years, I have spent 20 to 40 hours a week at our club, mentoring under Amy. She broke my janky college technique down to nothing, and built me back up with the fundamentals that she learned as a child. She taught me how to adapt elite-level mechanics and tactics to students of every age, background, and body type. Over the years I went from coaching complete beginners, to intermediate competitors, to today where I am proud to serve as the Lead Coach alongside her, coaching our most advanced and gifted players.

My Personal Game

I spent the last 6 years grinding to push my own level above USATT 2000 to prove that these methods work

I knew from the very beginning that I started too late to become an elite-level player, so my sights have always been set on becoming an elite coach. Between full-time employment and part-time coaching, I pushed myself to train and compete as much as possible to break into the 2000s so that I would have credibility as a coach that players can trust. I've been where you are now, I've fought hard to improve my performances and every training session has brought me closer to my goal of maintaining a rating that gives my students confidence in what I tell them.

However, those who know me best—especially Amy—will tell you that my coaching level far exceeds my playing level. My special interest is not just playing the game; it is analyzing it. My passion is breaking down complex techniques into logical, actionable steps that allow my students to surpass their own expectations. My personal playstyle is two-winged power looper, but I've taught myself to play with all styles and all forms of equipment (including pips), so that I can help anyone who comes through my door. My goal has never been to become an elite player, but I've fought hard to achieve a level of play that my students can trust. My next personal goal is 2200, and I keep grinding and pushing my limits so that my students know that they can too.

My TT Philosophy

Everyone has their own unique playstyle, techniques, and path to the top

At NBTT, I don't teach hacks and shortcuts. I teach the pure, fundamental techniques that were passed down from world-class competitors. Coach Amy first made the Chinese National Team at the age of 11, and attended special table tennis schools in China throughout her entire education. She has competed at every level possible, and has learned from some of the best coaches in the world. The fundamentals that were taught to her, she then passed down to me, and now I will pass them down to you. Whether we are doing a video analysis or a live session, my goal is to give you the detailed analysis, structure, and understanding that you need to elevate your own personal game. No two people play the same, no matter what level they may be, and understanding how to build up the correct fundamentals for players of all styles is the key element of my coaching pedagogy.

My Student Reviews

Will Galysh

Advanced CompetitorUSATT 1900+"I came to Nathan as a beginner player that wanted to learn chopping. He was incredibly supportive of this choice and went out of his way to learn the mechanics of the defensive style and teach them to me. In less than three years, training only once a week, he helped me raise my usatt rating up to 1962. Aside from the incredible coaching, Nathan is a very friendly person that loves interacting with his students and the online community. Would definitely recommend!"

Jayk Aksoy

Advanced CompetitorUSATT 1800+"Nathan is one of the best table tennis coaches in the southeast. I started table tennis at 20 years old and Nathan coached me to a USATT rating of 1850 in just under 3 years. Nathan’s coaching is based on building up fundamental table tennis techniques and principles and learning how to apply them at a high level. Nathan’s coaching is very efficient and provides a clear path for improvement. He is also a very cool guy and super easy to work with. Cant recommend him enough 10/10"

Tripp Roche

Advanced CompetitorUSATT 1800+"Training with Nathan has completely changed the way I look at the game. He breaks down advanced techniques in a way that’s easy to understand and apply, and his passion for the sport really shows. Working with him has made a huge difference in my confidence and skill level."

Tyler Schwartz

Advanced CompetitorUSATT 1800+"Nathan tailors his coaching to the way I learn. Practice is fun and I leave with a clear understanding about my next steps to advance. Whether it be a technique or a mental shift, I know I can go to Nathan for advice. He taught me how to play table tennis since I was a very beginner and what a journey it’s been! "

Hyang Kim

Intermediate CompetitorUSATT 1600+"Very great! I've improved my shot quality by a huge margin in just a few lessons working with Nathan. My consistency has also improved immensely. I would recommend him as a coach to anybody looking to improve their game very quickly!"

Dylan Chisolm

Intermediate CompetitorUSATT 1500+"I’ve always loved getting coaching from Nathan because he’s got such a strong gift for analyzing what I’m doing and clearly communicating what needs to be changed or adjusted in a way that I’ll understand. He’s also funny, engaging, and unafraid to push me and challenge me, though he’ll always be willing to meet me where I’m at!"

Nikola

Intermediate CompetitorUSATT 1100+"Amazing. Had the pleasure having an in person session a few times and it was awesome every time. Nathan was willing to listen, understand where the problem is in my technique and help me fix it! I just recently beat a 1500 usatt player and it was in big part because of what Coach Nathan has thought me!"

Aiden

Beginner CompetitorUSATT 700+"It’s been a year for my son Aiden to get ping pong lessons from coach Nathan. It’s been the best experience for him. Not only he’s improved beyond expectations, but the special connection between him and coach Nathan is absolutely incredible. He looks forward for his practice every week and it’s been so great watching him improve over time! Very thankful to coach Nathan."

Benjamin

Recreational PlayerUnrated"Nathan is such a wonderful coach. He is very patient and knowledgeable. His teaching style is fun for young kids, and the way he explains techniques is very effective. Overall, we are lucky to have him as my son’s coach."

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