Expert in a Year


Book Description

Sam Priestley was never Mr Sporty. After failed attempts at rowing and running he had all but given up on the possibility of becoming a sportsman. That was until childhood friend, and table tennis coach, Ben Larcombe convinced him to act as the guinea pig in an experiment he had concocted - The Expert in a Year Challenge. Starting 1st January 2014 novice Sam was immersed in the world of competitive table tennis. He began training every day and over the course of the year notched up hundreds of hours of practice in an attempt to reach a seemingly impossible goal. There was blood, sweat, tears, injuries, frustrations and moments of elation as the pair travelled up and down the UK, and beyond, in their quest for training, mentors and competition. Sam found potential he never thought he had, got better at table tennis than most people thought possible, and discovered what it feels like when 1.5 million people watch you fail. Here is their story, including all the ridiculous training methods and unreachable goals, and the surprising lessons they learnt from playing table tennis every day for a year.







Adventures of the Ping-Pong Diplomats


Book Description

This story reads like an adventure novel. The only difference is that the events in a novel are made up; these adventures really happened; the people are real; and the political effects of their actions have produced 40 years of peaceful coexistence between the Peoples Republic of China and the United States. This is the only historically complete narrative which covers the actual ping-pong diplomacy events, provides the background foreign policy information to explain why these events happened, & shows what could have happened if there were no ping-pong diplomats. The world news media was prevented from general coverage of the U.S. World Table Tennis Team to China, while U.S. publicity about the return visit of the Chinese World Team to the U.S. on the Grand Tour was largely controlled to serve the political aims and objectives of the Nixon administration. For those average Americans who became our Cold-War Warriors willingly taking the risks involved, and those who worked behind the scenes to make their risks worthwhile; such experiences occur only once in a lifetime. America and the world are a lot better off because of their efforts. Its time to read the real story of ping-pong diplomacy!




Table Tennis Tactics for Thinkers


Book Description

"USA Table Tennis Hall of Famer and national coach Larry Hodges takes you on a journey not just of speed and spin, but of mind. You'll develop the habit of tactical thinking, learn what tactics to use against various styles and how to strategically develop your game so you'll have the tactical tools needed to win"--Page 4 of cover.




Sport Management


Book Description

Sport Management: principles and applications second edition provides a comprehensive introduction to the practical application of management principles within sport organisations. Ideal for all students studying sport management at an introductory level, it presents an international balanced view between accepted practice and what research evidence tells us about the application of a range of management principles and practices in sport. Structured in two parts it offers an introduction and explanation of the structure of the sport industry and covers the fundamental management issues unique to sport including: strategy, human resource management, leadership, finance, marketing, governance and performance management. Each chapter has a coherent learning structure complete with international case studies and accompanying online lecturer and student support material which: presents a conceptual overview of the focus for the chapter presents accepted practice supported by specific organisational examples at the community, state/provincial, national and professional level, these organisations will include examples specifically from the UK, Australia and New Zealand presents one big case for analysis per chapter, which is supported by online diagnostics and tutor resource materials presents research findings from around the globe presents a summary of guiding principles for the focus of the chapter based on a balanced view of practice and research presents a section of teaching and learning resources including a review questions, further reading, relevant websites provides online access to PowerPoints per chapter, tutorial activities per chapter and test bank of multiple choice questions for students per chapter This book combines clearly explained theory with a variety of pedagogical features that make it essential for students and teachers of sport management.




Table Tennis


Book Description

Step up to table tennis success! Table Tennis: Steps to Success combines the knowledge and experience of master instructor Richard McAfee with essential table tennis techniques and strategies for today’s player. With a unique 11-step approach designed to maximize table tennis instruction, you’ll learn the proper grip for your style of play, execution of the basic strokes, and the correct way to apply spin to the ball. Then, build on these core techniques with masterful footwork, serves, returns, and stroke combinations. Best of all, learn how and when to apply those skills in match play. With competitive strategies—adapted for both you and your opponent’s playing style—you’ll raise your game to a new level. And with clear instruction, comprehensive coverage, detailed photo sequences, and drills to ensure mastery of every technique, you’ll be playing—and winning—in no time. As part of the Steps to Success Sports Series—with more than 1.5 million copies sold—rest assured that Table Tennis: Steps to Success is the #1 resource for learning, and loving, the game. Contents Step 1. Preparing to Play Step 2. Hitting Drive Strokes Step 3. Understanding Spin and Footwork Step 4. Executing Spin Strokes Step 5. Serving Step 6. Returning Serve Step 7. Using the Five-Ball Training System Step 8. Understanding Styles of Play and Tactics Step 9. Playing Intermediate Strokes Step 10. Performing Intermediate Serves Step 11. Competing Successfully in Tournaments










Spin


Book Description

Table tennis is a weirdly addictive sport. All over the world, an army of amateur table tennis players compete in leagues, tournaments, pub battles, work challenges and 'friendly' family games. A 78-year-old can beat a 28-year-old. A 10-year-old can make a grown man cry. To win, you need ninja-like reflexes, the control and coordination of a tightrope-artist, and the tactical dexterity of a chess grandmaster.In this book, coach Tom Lodziak will help you improve your table tennis skills, win more points and win more matches. Tom shares tips on training, service, returning serves, winning points, tactics, playing matches and continual improvement. These are tips which work at amateur level. Tips which are achievable. Tips which will make a difference, even if you only play one hour per week. Are you ready to transform your table tennis game?




The Role of American NGOs in China's Modernization


Book Description

In the waning years of the Cold War, the United States and China began to cautiously engage in cultural, educational, and policy exchanges, which in turn strengthened new security and economic ties. These links have helped shape the most important bilateral relationship in the late-twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. This book explores the dynamics of cultural exchange through an in-depth historical investigation of three organizations at the forefront of U.S.-China non-governmental relations: the Hopkins-Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies, the National Committee on United States-China Relations, and The 1990 Institute. Norton Wheeler reveals the impact of American non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on education, environment, fiscal policy, and civil society in contemporary China. In turn, this book illuminates the important role that NGOs play in complementing formal diplomacy and presents a model of society-to-society relations that moves beyond old debates over cultural imperialism. Finally, the book highlights the increasingly significant role of Chinese Americans as bridges between the two societies. Based on extensive archival research and interviews with leading American and Chinese figures, this book will be of interest to students and scholars of Chinese politics and history, international relations and transnational NGOs.