Winning Table Tennis: Skills, Drills, and Strategies (book)

Five-time U.S. singles and 11-time doubles champion Dan Seemiller, possibly the best American table tennis player ever, shares his secrets for top-level play in Winning Table Tennis: Skills, Drills, and Strategies. Readers will learn the best table tennis techniques, strategies, and conditioning methods for success. The authors provide beginning through advanced players with practical tips that make a difference. The book features 29 drills for developing better shot-making skills. Seemiller's creative shot and grip innovations will give players an edge. The 124 photos and illustrations make it easy for players to learn the proper techniques and sharpen skills. Plus, the book offers drill variations designed to hone the skills of advanced players and professionals. Winning Table Tennis shows players how to * choose the right equipment, * serve and return serves, * use proper footwork and get into position, * practice more efficiently, * prepare for competitions, * make effective strategy decisions in singles and doubles play, and * condition the body for optimal performance. Also provided is a conditioning program to help prevent injuries and prepare players for optimal performance. CONTENTS Part I: Sharpening Your Skills Chapter 1. Standard Strokes and Advanced Variations All the shots, including Seemiller's own innovations Chapter 2. Serves and Returns of Serves The best way to train for serves and returns Chapter 3. Footwork Movement and positioning Part II: Preparing to Play Chapter 4. Choosing the Right Equipment Tailor your equipment to your style and level of play Chapter 5. Training Preparation and Care Warming up and stretching Chapter 6. Conditioning Drills Train physically and mentally Chapter 7. Total Conditioning For optimal readiness to compete Part III: Competing to Win Chapter 8. Tournament Preparation What to expect when you compete Chapter 9. Tournament Tactics Strategies for matching any opponent Chapter 10. Thinking Like a Winner From goal-setting to slumpbusting ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dan Seemiller knows table tennis, drawing from years of professional competition, international-level coaching, and his love of the game. Seemiller was the #1 player on the U.S. table tennis team from 1973 to 1983. He was U.S. singles champion 5 times and doubles champion 11 times, winning 8 years in a row. In 1977 he and his doubles partner made the quarter finals of the World Championsh