| modern sport enthusiasts accompany their physical | | | | between a book library and a video library is the |
| activity with other things. They wear clothing promoting | | | | existence of these types of videos. You can record |
| their sport, have posters of their favorite players, and | | | | matches by your favorite players; even better, you |
| buy accessories related to their pastime. However, | | | | can scour around for compilations of "best plays" that |
| one hallmark of the dedicated sportsman is in his | | | | show highlights from some of the more difficult high |
| library. In the old days, the really good sportsmen knew | | | | level matches. Best Play type videos are a favorite of |
| that their games were as much mental as physical, so | | | | mine since you can view pivotal moments and WHY |
| they often had large shelves full of books written by | | | | they turned a match around. |
| various experts at their game. These books were | | | | Advanced Tactics Videos - like a how-to instructional |
| rarely for display purposes either - they were often | | | | video, advanced tactics videos are important for table |
| well leafed through and read almost daily. | | | | tennis players. Sure, reflexes will help a lot, and being |
| Today, book collections have been either | | | | quick on your feet and with your wrists will get you far, |
| supplemented with or replaced by videos. The best | | | | but unless you learn things like planning ahead, |
| thing about video collections is that they can cover | | | | predicting your opponent's moves, and the proper use |
| much more detail than simple text based books and | | | | of baiting, traps, and feints, you'll be dog food for a |
| illustrations, including the actual demonstration of a | | | | thinking player. |
| technique as opposed to a description accompanied | | | | Equipment and Clothing Guides - this isn't really a must |
| by pictures. Table tennis is one sport that benefits | | | | for a video library, but it doesn't hurt either. These |
| from books and videos greatly because the mental | | | | videos are usually short and contain information on the |
| aspect of the sport is equally balanced with it's | | | | care, maintenance, and repair of your table tennis gear. |
| physical demands. If you're into table tennis, you should | | | | You should have one around just as a reference if |
| consider trying to locate videos of the following nature | | | | ever you find yourself needing it. |
| to supplement your training: | | | | Consumer's Guides - lastly, video consumer's guides |
| Instructional Drill Videos - a lot of professional table | | | | come out on a regular basis from sporting goods |
| tennis players offer instructional videos ranging from | | | | manufacturers and table tennis associations. These |
| basic to intermediate and advanced levels of play. | | | | videos are essentially just catalogs that show the |
| Getting a good range of all three will offer you a lot of | | | | latest products that come out in the field. If you can |
| tips you can use to improve your game. Furthermore, | | | | find one with reviews that give honest opinions of the |
| there are even video courses made to cater to | | | | pros and cons of certain products, it can help you |
| specific techniques or weaknesses that players often | | | | make a good selection when picking up new stuff. |
| have, so if you know you're having trouble with, say, | | | | Avoid videos made by sporting goods manufacturers |
| angling your backswings properly you can buy a video | | | | however, as these will be heavily biased towards the |
| that addresses the problem. | | | | "strengths" their products. |
| Recorded Matches - perhaps the biggest difference | | | | |