How to find a table tennis coach and what lessons cost
A few lessons with a good coach can fix habits that years of casual play will not. Here is how to find one and what to ask.
Where to look
- Full-time clubs. Most have resident coaches. Many of the clubs in our directory list coaching.
- City recreation programs. Some run beginner classes at low cost.
- Club regulars. Experienced players often coach on the side. Ask at the front desk.
- USA Table Tennis. It has a coaching certification program, and certified coaches may list their level.
Private or group?
- Private lessons give you full attention and a plan built around your game. They cost more per hour.
- Group classes cost less and give you practice partners. They suit complete beginners.
- Robot sessions let you repeat a stroke with a machine feeding balls. Some clubs offer them by the hour.
What lessons cost
Rates vary a lot by club, coach, and area, and we do not list them because they change. Ask for the current price per hour and whether packages of several lessons are discounted. A trial lesson is a fair request.
Questions to ask
- What is your experience coaching players at my level and age?
- Do you teach the grip I use? (See grips.)
- How long is a lesson, and is the table time included?
- Do you provide a paddle and balls?
- What will we work on in the first session?
Get the most from it
Tell the coach your goal: casual fun, league play, or tournaments. Practice what you learned between lessons, and ask the coach for one or two drills to do on your own.
Published Oct 3, 2026.