The Next Step

A rare and great book if you are not looking for instructions on how to play strokes. I have the Breaking 2000 as well but like this one much more. Reaction time is too short in table-tennis, to play well requires a level of thinking beyond the simple mastery of all the strokes. The author delves into all the advanced aspects of applying the tools. I have read many of the author's referenced literature yet found his summary views very clarifying and helpful. If I have a minor criticism it's that the book has occasional spelling/typo errors (e.g. 'then' i.o. 'than') and other clunky English constructs. I think this book is at a level that deserves a careful re-edit. Nevertheless the author is a very effective communicator and I am glad he decided to put his invaluable thoughts into writing.

This is the second book by the author that I have read. Again, I think this is a quality book. It doesn't focus on describing as many technical aspects as the first book, but contains lots of information and details. I enjoyed it, although probably not as much as the 1st book "Breaking 2000".

If you're like me, a beginner-intermediate level player, self-taught, developing techniques to acceptable levels and still enter any competition with uncertainty, don't hesitate: just buy this book and start reading.I'm currently at an impasse: I tried practicing the strokes, played training matches but still lost important and closed matches without a clue on how to improve my game. The information in this book helps light the path for me. Now I need to focus more on strategies and tactics with my mental game. Just playing good strokes is not enough any more.This book is not an autobiography like his previous book, breaking 2000, which is also a good book. But it was written in clear, systematic, analytic style that hits to the heart of the matter. This book doesn't teach how to do strokes but tells you how the strokes are built and how to tweak them for better results.Could not find a better book about table tennis than this.

Well presented material which I found interesting and informative, I feel reading this book has already improved my game. I look forward to other books by Alex.

This is a must have book for any table tennis (TT) player which is engaged in competitions at any level.The book is roughly divided in four sections (1) Prerequisites; (2) Strategy; (3) Tactics; (4) The mental game. In all of these sections you can certainly find lots of facts and thoughts to meditate on. By sure, after you read this book your attitude in front of the table will never be the same it is today. If you follow the recommendations implicitly or explicitly given by Alex regarding strategy, tactics and, mostly, the "mental game", your level of TT proficiency will certainly increase a few points.This is not a book about TT technique (such as are ITTF manuals, for instance) which enumerates extensively training routines, discusses foot work, has diagrams with the correct positions to play the strokes, etc. The book indeed discusses several technical aspects with some depth, but only those linked with the development of tactics (how to answer to opponent strokes, where to position in front of the table - left, center or right -, etc...); the strength of the book lies in its lucid and applied discussion of the mental issues related with TT playing: psychology, attitude, concentration and focus. In fact, 75% of the book can be useful for players of other (racket) sports with some similarity with TT: tennis, squash, badminton and padel.I participated in a TT tournament one day after I read almost entirely the "mental game" section of the book, and I can assure you: I've never had an "attitude" (in the most broad sense) in front of the table as I had then, and it has really been implanted in me by "The Next Step". This book is really, really going to change for the better the way how you play TT and, eventually, will contribute to change and improve other facets of your life.

I really enjoyed this follow up book as well as the original work titled "Breaking 2000". The book definitely benefited me as a player by teaching how to play folks of various styles, how to plan my strategy, etc. There is a LOT of good information in this book. The advice presented here is universal and applies regardless whether or not you are rated higher than the author. I can totally see someone ranked 2200+ being able to apply some of the proposed strategies and take their personal level even higher.Buy it!

Is by far the most complete bookIt contains a lot of info ready just to be appliedI bought a lot of books about tennis table : for me this the oneIt gives you anything you want;it's the reader s turn to practice and go to the next levelI clearly recommend this book

"From the very first pages Alex pulls you into his world of table tennis exploration as his ever inquiring mind constantly shines new light on all aspects of the sport.You will enjoy this journey if you truly want to improve.Are you ready for the next level?"Krzysztof Slomski[...]

This is a must have book for any table tennis (TT) player which is engaged in competitions at any level.The book is roughly divided in four sections (1) Prerequisites; (2) Strategy; (3) Tactics; (4) The mental game. In all of these sections you can certainly find lots of facts and thoughts to meditate on. By sure, after you read this book your attitude in front of the table will never be the same it is today. If you follow the recommendations implicitly or explicitly given by Alex regarding strategy, tactics and, mostly, the "mental game", your level of TT proficiency will certainly increase a few points.This is not a book about TT technique (such as are ITTF manuals, for instance) which enumerates extensively training routines, discusses foot work, has diagrams with the correct positions to play the strokes, etc. The book indeed discusses several technical aspects with some depth, but only those linked with the development of tactics (how to answer to opponent strokes, where to position in front of the table - left, center or right -, etc...); the strength of the book lies in its lucid and applied discussion of the mental issues related with TT playing: psychology, attitude, concentration and focus. In fact, 75% of the book can be useful for players of other (racket) sports with some similarity with TT: tennis, squash, badminton and padel.I participated in a TT tournament one day after I read almost entirely the "mental game" section of the book, and I can assure you: I've never had an "attitude" (in the most broad sense) in front of the table as I had then, and it has really been implanted in me by "The Next Step". This book is really, really going to change for the better the way how you play TT and, eventually, will contribute to change and improve other facets of your life.

This is a very good book for any table tennis player who regularly is involve in league and competition matches. This book has made myself to consider my own thoughts on my state of mind in all my games I play in.Graham Richards Norfolk, England

Interesting insight into the game of table tennis