In Europe, the month of August is the traditional start for the table tennis season. It follows the pattern of football, start in late August and finish in mid May.

However, over the years the concept of a season for many sports has been eroded, disappeared, twelve months of the year is increasingly the norm.

Did we not just have some sporting contest in South Africa to underline that point?

Venue Chosen Once Againl
Nevertheless, for the league, whether international or national, in Europe the month of August is the time to start, the month of July is the time for physical preparation.

“For the second time in a row, the Croatian Men’s National Team has been preparing in Pohorje, a resort in Slovenia”, explained Dr Miran Kondric who hails from Slovenia and is a member of the ITTF Sprts Science Committee.

Understands Value
“Coach Zvonimir Koreni knows that physical preparation is an essential component of sports performance at every level, so he decided to take six players from first team to the camp”, continued Dr Miran Kondric. “Unfortunately before the camp started, the leading Croatian player Zoran Primorac suffered an injury and could not take part; however, under the surveillance of physical preparation coach Ivan Šestak and myself players have fulfilled seven days programme.”

Zoran Primorac
Zoran Primorac is now 41 years and hails from the generation that put Europe at the forefront of men’s world table tennis; he has played in every Olympic Games since table tennis was introduced in 1988 and will no doubr be present in London in 2012.

Looking at the current world ranking and his severe patriotism, I suspect an appearance at the London 2012 Olympic Games is his number one goal.

Perfect Conditions
“Pohorje is near Zagreb and the conditions at 1050 m of sea level are perfect”, said Zvonimir Korenic. “Equally every aspect of the programme has been organised in detail by Dr. Kondric.”

The town of Pohorje is geographically ideally situated.

“It is located in Slovenia's north-eastern corner and is famous for its traditional Golden Fox Trophy, the annual World Cup Women's Alpine Skiing Competition, held in early January”, continued Dr Miran Kondric. “Wherever travellers come to the Pohorje region, the stunning green of Slovenia’s mountain world, greets them; they see remarkable peat moors with lakes, extensive grassy plains, slopes that in winter become attractive ski areas, mighty forests and gigantic trees, well-marked mountaineering and hiking trails, hospitable inns plus inviting sporting and tourist centres.”

Hard Work
A fine location but of course the players are not in Pohorje for sight seeing! They are in the town for hard work!

So, Miran Kondric cracked the whip and the players responded

“I like such kind of training”, said Andrej Gacina. “Not only the physical training is good but the conditions are perfect; it is not too hot in particular for period of the year, the training is well structured and the food is excellent; they are spoiling us here but we give our best to be prepared for next season.”

Slovenian Interloper
The Croatians are preparing thoroughly with Slovenia’s Bojan Tokic also being in the group.

“I have started with the preparation for the season on Tuesday 15th June; at the Faculty of Sport in Ljubljana we have already made some measurements and after one month I feel that I have improved myself”, explained Bojan Tokic. “This year I have had more time to make a good base for technical and tactical preparation and that’s why I expect much more from next season.”

Splendid Attitude
Most certainly whatever the task Bojan Tokic will give heart and soul to the cause; it may be playing or in another field. “I give all my prize money to Sandra”, he said after exiting the Men’s Singles event at the Qatar Open in February 2009 when the fund the support Sandra Paovic of Croatia had just been established.

Physical Preparation First
“I am very glad that Croatian team again chose Pohorje for their physical preparation camp; the development of a table tennis player, like that of any other athlete, depends upon physical preparation, technical preparation, tactical preparation, and psychological preparation”, explained Dr Miran Kondric. “Physical preparation must come first because such physical attributes as endurance, speed and strength are necessary in getting to the ball quickly, in moving fast and in hitting the ball powerfully.”

The thinking is logical and of course very correct.

“It is simple as that”, continued Dr Miran Kondric. “Table Tennis players need to understand that their physical development ultimately determines their level of success and prevent them from injuries.”

Clear Message
The message is clear, if you are to succeed in the forthcoming months at high level, then physical fitness is essential; in Pohorje, the Croatians with a Slovenian guest are setting the example.

Source: www.ittf.com

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