Butterfly Awards Scheme

 

Introduction The ETTA Butterfly Skills Awards are primarily intended for the young player between the ages of 5 to 16. However, they are also suitable for adults just starting to play the sport, or improve their play. The programme includes adaptations for disabled players. The aim is to assist in the development of basic table tennis skills in a fun and safe environment. By the time a player has worked their way through to the highest level, they will have all of the skills necessary to compete with confidence in ETTA event.

Of course there are many advanced techniques and skills not covered in this programme. it is not intended as a guide to producing a higher level player. However, a player who has completed these awards will have all the building blocks in place to develop their game as far as their talent and commitment will allow.

The Polybat awards, which are aimed at young people with severe physical impairment, are now incorporated fully into the Butterfly Skills so that there is a logical progression through the entire programme.

Players may enter the programme at the Bronze Level (Silver for Polybat) or at whichever level (Starter, Improver or Advanced) is most appropriate to their age or ability.

Butterfly Skills Bats

A Range of 3 bats are available to accompany the scheme. Each bat has a 5-ply wooden blade with attractive and comfortable handle, is covered with Butterfly 1.5mm, ITTF approved, Pan Asia reverse rubbers with red on one side and black on the other. Pan Asia rubber provides the right balance of speed, spin and control to encourage and enable the learning of the correct strokes. The bats are endorsed by Timo Boll, the 2007 European champion. Details of each bat can be found below.

Butterfly Skills Starter Bat
Ideal for youngsters starting table tennis of junior school age. Junior sized blade and smaller straight handle. Slightly slower blade to provide the fell and touch for easier stroke development.

Butterfly Skills Junior Bat
Selected as ideal for the improving player. Smaller size 5-ply blade and handle in flare shape. Faster blade to produce more power for the strokes.

Butterfly Skills Senior Bat
Ideal for older youngsters and senior players. Regular size blade and handle. Recommended as the ideal bat for improving table tennis. Faster blade to produce more power for the strokes.

Club Members
Club members may purchase these bats via the club. Please contact your coach for information and advise. The club carries a small supply of each bat for members to view.

What's Next for Club Members The club is in the process of grouping players according to experience and current standard. Each group will be allocated to an award level which is considered suitable for the group and will commence an award during March. Members will work towards an award over a number of weeks after which an assessment will take place. Those players who are successful will be able to apply for a Butterfly Skills Award certificate and a special tube of 3 branded Butterfly Skills Award Balls in a special presentation tube. Which Award for Me? Club members can check here shortly to see which award they have been allocated to. The majority of club members will commence at Improver Bronze level or higher. Premier Schools Players will commence between Starter Bronze Level and Improver Bronze level at the discretion of the coach.