Table tennis is one of the fastest and most technically demanding sports in the world -- and understanding it requires more than just practice. Developed in close collaboration with the German Table Tennis Association, this textbook combines scientific expertise with practical experience to provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to modern table tennis. It is designed for sports students, coaches, and instructors who want to deepen their knowledge of training science and pedagogy while directly improving their own performance.
From fundamental techniques and tactical principles in singles and doubles to evidence-based training methods, the book equips readers with the tools to both enhance their own playing skills and design effective training sessions for diverse target groups. Integrated video materials -- including stroke and footwork techniques -- make it easy to transfer theory into practice.
Insightful, practical, and scientifically grounded, this book is an essential companion for anyone who aims to understand table tennis at a deeper level and to pass on that knowledge with confidence and expertise.
Table of Contents:
1. Introdutction.- 2. Fundamentals of Table Tennis.- 3. Performance Profile in Table Tennis.- 4. Technique in Table Tennis.- 5. Technique Instruction in Tabele Tennis.- 6. Tactics in Table Tennis.- 7. Training Planning and Organization in Table Tennis.- 8. Table Tennis in High-Performance Sport.- 9. Health-orientated table tennis.
About the Author :
Dr. Timo Klein-Soetebier heads the Teaching and Research Department for Table Tennis at the German Sport University Cologne. Each semester, he educates nearly two hundred students -- including future physical education teachers and sports scientists -- in the theory and practice of table tennis. His academic work focuses on key performance factors in the sport, including perceptual processes, psychological training methods, match analysis and innovative instructional approaches. Through his unique combination of research expertise and practical experience, he bridges the gap between science and applied coaching.
Axel Binnenbruck is lecturer at the Institute of Sport Science at the University of Münster, where he coordinates the Sports Games module. He teaches across all sub-disciplines -- throwing games, kicking games, and rebound games -- providing him with a broad and integrative perspective on game-based sports. His extensive teaching experience and comprehensive understanding of game pedagogy contribute a multidimensional and practice-oriented approach to the study and teaching of table tennis.
