Annett Kaufmann: My family is my psychologist
Continuation of interview with compass talent Annett Kaufmann, to get to know her beyond table tennis, as she shares her insights on fitness training, breathing techniques, daily routine and hobbies.
Fitness training, breathing, school discipline. Also, Marvel and Grey’s Anatomy. Here in the second part of our interview we can learn more about Annett Kaufmann.
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Joy in training. For compass player Annett Kaufmann, the joy and positive feeling for table tennis is the basis of everything. Photo: compass Foundation
How do you work with your physical fitness? A lot of training requires a strong and sustainable body.
“I have Melanie Heilemann – it’s the best thing ever to work with her. She knows my body as well as I do. I can tell her what I want to improve and she immediately knows how to work on it. But not only does she know my body, she knows me as a person. I’ve been working with Melanie for three and a half years now, twice a week in person and then additionally I work out on my own.
I have significantly improved my physical performance, I no longer get tired as quickly as before. I can cope better with the load of training, games, tournaments and additionally with school and homework.
Melanie also taught me how to deal with anxiety and remain calm. I do that by breathing. I breathe in – and think I’m good, I breathe out – and tell myself I can do this. That helps me a lot. I’m not really patient in general so I can get into negative emotions really quickly. At first, I didn’t believe in this breathing technique, but now I’m convinced it works. I also have a shortened method that I can use during the little breaks in the game.”
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Annett and Melanie Heilemann in training together. Photo: Melanie Heilemann
Do you also go to a sports psychologist?
“No, my family is my psychologist. My mother, my father, and my sister Alexandra because they can help me directly. My parents both have a sports background and Alexandra is a player and coach herself.”
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Small talk with sister Alexandra at a unit in Böblingen. Photo: compass Foundation
What does a normal day look like for you?
“I wake up at 6:00 a.m. At 7:15 a.m. I leave the house and go to school. At 7:30 a.m. I meet some friends in front of the school and at 7:45 a.m., classes begin. I have a best friend at school who helps me a lot. She explains things to me when I was absent and missed class and takes notes for me.
At 1:15 p.m. I go home, eat, do some homework, and then go to practice. When I get back home after training, I finish my homework and everything I need to prepare for the next day. Then, after a shower, I can eventually go to sleep.”
What do you do outside of table tennis?
“Meeting friends. I try to play the piano, even though I’m not talented at all but I like to try new things! I play some volleyball and like to draw. And I spend time with my family. Also, I love watching series, for example on Disney+. I especially like watching Marvel movies and Grey’s Anatomy!”
What is the difference between men’s and women’s table tennis?
“The strength or the power of the stroke. Otherwise, we play with the same rackets, the same balls and on the same table. Following the same rules. So, there are no other differences.”
Counter runner a la Timo Boll. Photo: compass Foundation
What would be your advice to girls who want to become number one in table tennis?
“Play with joy and not for success. Don’t give up – there are always hard times and good times.”
You can find more information about Annett on her Instagram channel.
Click here to read part 1 of this interview.
I’m a hungry guy who wants to win titles. I want to maximise my potential. Let’s see how that translates into results. Anyway, when I stop one day, I’ll know that I did everything I could to become as good as I became.
Benedikt Duda
Annett Kaufmann: My family is my psychologist
Annett Kaufmann: My family is my psychologist
Continuation of interview with compass talent Annett Kaufmann, to get to know her beyond table tennis, as she shares her insights on fitness training, breathing techniques, daily routine and hobbies.
Fitness training, breathing, school discipline. Also, Marvel and Grey’s Anatomy. Here in the second part of our interview we can learn more about Annett Kaufmann.
none
Joy in training. For compass player Annett Kaufmann, the joy and positive feeling for table tennis is the basis of everything. Photo: compass Foundation
How do you work with your physical fitness? A lot of training requires a strong and sustainable body.
“I have Melanie Heilemann – it’s the best thing ever to work with her. She knows my body as well as I do. I can tell her what I want to improve and she immediately knows how to work on it. But not only does she know my body, she knows me as a person. I’ve been working with Melanie for three and a half years now, twice a week in person and then additionally I work out on my own.
I have significantly improved my physical performance, I no longer get tired as quickly as before. I can cope better with the load of training, games, tournaments and additionally with school and homework.
Melanie also taught me how to deal with anxiety and remain calm. I do that by breathing. I breathe in – and think I’m good, I breathe out – and tell myself I can do this. That helps me a lot. I’m not really patient in general so I can get into negative emotions really quickly. At first, I didn’t believe in this breathing technique, but now I’m convinced it works. I also have a shortened method that I can use during the little breaks in the game.”
none
Annett and Melanie Heilemann in training together. Photo: Melanie Heilemann
Do you also go to a sports psychologist?
“No, my family is my psychologist. My mother, my father, and my sister Alexandra because they can help me directly. My parents both have a sports background and Alexandra is a player and coach herself.”
none
Small talk with sister Alexandra at a unit in Böblingen. Photo: compass Foundation
What does a normal day look like for you?
“I wake up at 6:00 a.m. At 7:15 a.m. I leave the house and go to school. At 7:30 a.m. I meet some friends in front of the school and at 7:45 a.m., classes begin. I have a best friend at school who helps me a lot. She explains things to me when I was absent and missed class and takes notes for me.
At 1:15 p.m. I go home, eat, do some homework, and then go to practice. When I get back home after training, I finish my homework and everything I need to prepare for the next day. Then, after a shower, I can eventually go to sleep.”
What do you do outside of table tennis?
“Meeting friends. I try to play the piano, even though I’m not talented at all but I like to try new things! I play some volleyball and like to draw. And I spend time with my family. Also, I love watching series, for example on Disney+. I especially like watching Marvel movies and Grey’s Anatomy!”
What is the difference between men’s and women’s table tennis?
“The strength or the power of the stroke. Otherwise, we play with the same rackets, the same balls and on the same table. Following the same rules. So, there are no other differences.”
Counter runner a la Timo Boll. Photo: compass Foundation
What would be your advice to girls who want to become number one in table tennis?
“Play with joy and not for success. Don’t give up – there are always hard times and good times.”
You can find more information about Annett on her Instagram channel.
Click here to read part 1 of this interview.
I’m a hungry guy who wants to win titles. I want to maximise my potential. Let’s see how that translates into results. Anyway, when I stop one day, I’ll know that I did everything I could to become as good as I became.
Benedikt Duda
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