Site Products
seemiller jump

Seemiller – The American: 1978 US Open Final

Posted on

Seemiller: The American

(by Steve Hopkins)

One of the most storied players in American table tennis history, Dan Seemiller.  He first qualified for the US Team in 1972, was the top ranked player in the country by 1974, won five US National Championships, and logged an amazing international record that at one point included completing two consecutive World Team Championships without losing a match.  Later in his career, he became a highly decorated and successful coach, a tournament promoter and director, an author, and he also served as President of USTTA.

The signature grip and style that bears his name is still referred to by many internationally as “the American grip”.  Seemiller is the quintessential “American” player – with emotion and grit and heart.

In February, as Dan was training for the Olympic Trials, he began posting memories to his Facebook page.  Over the next few weeks, we are going to share some of those photos and quotes in this series “Seemiller – The American”:

________________________________________________________

This photo shows a forehand jump smash from the 1978 U.S. Open Men’s final in Oklahoma City.  My opponent, Norio Takashima from Japan was the world’s best defensive player and ranked No.3 in the world.
My big worry was my shoulder-more specifically my tricep muscle.  It was so sore I could not sleep the night before and could not lift my arm over my head.  Why?  So many defensive players I had to play in the teams, doubles, and singles events.  PBS and national TV were filming the final and I was so worried I would have to default. Takashima could embarrass me if I couldn’t loop.  I was down 2-1 in games but leading 19-18 in game 4.  We were both baiting each other to attack when I missed an easy push with my antispin.  I became a bit nervous and hurried the next point and ended up losing 21-19.
I was glad that I was able to play once the adrenaline kicked in but certainly disappointed.

Latest News

Beating Your Hidden Opponent: Choosing the Inner Coach Over the Inner Critic by Dr. Alan Chu

September 18, 2026
(by Dr. Alan Chu, PhD, CMPC) You may wonder: Who would be my hidden opponent? Upon reflection, every… Read More

Rachid El Bou Bou – Backhand Loop from the middle range

September 18, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is executing the Backhand Loop from… Read More

Kanak Jha vs. Huang Youzheng | WTT Champions Macao 2026

September 17, 2026
(By Butterfly Americas) Relive the action from WTT Champions Macao 2026, where Kanak Jha faced China’s Huang Youzheng… Read More

Carlos Hernandez – Florida Open Highlights

September 17, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Bowmar Sports Tournament Highlights, Carlos Hernandez is in action at the Florida Open… Read More

Anav Gupta – Two BH’s, One or Two FH’s

September 16, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is focusing on the stroke chemistry drill Two… Read More

🎥 Episode 15: Ask The Expert Live With Logan Rietz | Ever thought about trying out long pips?

September 15, 2026
(by Bowmar Sports) Long pips can be challenging to understand, whether you’re using them or playing against them.… Read More

Anav Gupta – Double Bounce Serve Return

September 15, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Anav Gupta is executing the double bounce serve return from… Read More

Playing the Fisher

September 14, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame) The fisherman (or fisherwoman?) . . .… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

/* Constant Contact Universal Code */