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

Jonathan Pino – Three Point Forehand Loop

August 28, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Jonathan Pino is execute the Three Point Forehand Loop Footwork… Read More

Rachid El Bou Bou – Opening Transition and Ball Placement

August 27, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Rachid El Bou Bou is working on the sequence of… Read More

MLTT Meet the Teams: New York Slice

August 26, 2026
(by Steve Hopkins, photo MLTT) The New York Slice just missed the playoffs in their first year in… Read More

Taiwo Adeyinka – Backhand Blocking

August 26, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips,  Taiwo Adeyinka is working with one of his student on… Read More

Pushing: Five out of Six Doesn’t Cut It

August 25, 2026
(By Larry Hodges, Member of US Table Tennis Hall of Fame) When you push long, you must do… Read More

Jonathan Pino – Footwork and Looping Drill

August 25, 2026
(by: Bowmar Sports) In this Butterfly Training Tips, Jonathan Pino is focusing on a Footwork and Looping Drill… Read More

Geovanny Coello, National Grand Prix Champion In The Adult Category

August 24, 2026
(by Butterfly Americas) Butterfly-sponsored coach and player Geovanny Coello was crowned champion of the National Table Tennis Grand Prix – Adult… Read More

Amicus Prime: The Perfect Training Partner

August 24, 2026
(by Butterfly Americas) Meet Amicus Prime, the table tennis robot built to keep you improving every day. Control… 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 */