Table Tennis

Think table tennis is just ping-pong in the garage?

Think again.

30 Minutes Table Tennis is a fast, entertaining introduction to one of the quickest, most skilful and surprisingly tactical sports in the world.

In around half an hour, you'll discover how table tennis grew from a Victorian parlour game into a global Olympic sport, how the scoring and serving rules work, why spin is so important, and what separates attackers, defenders, blockers and elite champions.

You'll learn how players create devastating topspin, disguise serves, construct third-ball attacks and turn apparently simple rallies into lightning-fast tactical battles. You'll also meet some of the sport's greatest players, explore China's extraordinary dominance, discover the biggest competitions, and enjoy some of the weirdest stories in table tennis history - including marathon rallies and the remarkable tale of Ping-Pong diplomacy.

Inside you'll discover:

• How table tennis really works

• The rules explained simply

• The secrets of spin, serving and shot technique

• Different playing styles and tactics

• The greatest players and biggest competitions

• Why China became the sport's dominant superpower

• Weird, funny and unbelievable table tennis stories

• How to watch a match like an expert

• Ten moments every fan should know

• How to start playing yourself

• A handy glossary of essential terminology

Whether you're completely new to the sport, want to understand what you're watching at the Olympics, or simply want to know why your supposedly harmless backspin serve keeps ruining family holidays, this book gives you everything you need to get started.

Short. Clear. Entertaining.

Read it in around 30 minutes and you'll never look at ping-pong the same way again.