Editor’s Note: An interview exclusively posted on Patreon.com/wphliveDr. Z. is one of the most prolific Master’s national champions in the history of handball, winning a combined 31 National Handball Titles 1, 3 and 4-Wall. Dr. Z. is the only player to have won five straight age-bracket titles within a division (2010-2014 40+ 3-Wall Singles). Dr. Z. uses his hook serve that slides the wall, strategy, preparation and fitness to overcome his opponents. In addition to being a USHA recognized coach and referee, Dan was the Maryland Handball Commissioner for ten years. He has instructional articles published in the USHA Handball Magazine on the topics of Doubles Strategy and The 3-Wall Serve and has dedicated his own page and writings with the World Players of Handball on wphlive.tv w/a segment called, The Wrap Around.
When not collecting national titles, Dr. Zimet Ph.D., CMPC is a licensed Psychologist and a Certified Mental Performance Coach (Sport Psychologist) who has worked in private practice for over 15-years.
In the exclusive Patreon interview Dr. Z: Mastering All Codes Through Mental and Physical Toughness, Dr. Z. discusses his start in the game, when he became serious about handball, his inspirations and favorite players to watch, his most satisfying moment on the court, his most difficult match, what handball has meant to his life, his favorite doubles partnerships, his favorite rivalries on the Race 4 Eight tour, his advice for aspiring Race 4 Eight pros, play Word Association and so much more.
Dr. Z. was born in Silver Spring, Maryland and currently resides in Columbia, Maryland. A third-generation handball player, Dr. Z’s grandfather played in Brooklyn starting after WWII and up until he was 83. His father still plays, his uncle played until he died from cancer, and his brother Adam plays as well.
How did you get your start in handball?
When I was a kid my father would take me to the 1-wall courts in Wheaton, MD and I would chase balls or wander around. When I was thirteen, I was considered strong enough to play with the guys. There were maybe twenty handball players, all of them in their thirties or forties at the time (around 1980). All I played was 1-wall until I was eighteen years-old.
When did you really dedicate yourself to handball?
I’ve always enjoyed the game. Each time I moved, the first call I’d make was to the regional commissioner. Playing against the Dunne brothers in California was a great experience, and led me to wonder if I could compete against some of the big names if I was willing to dedicate myself to the sport. As my age approached the Masters, I became more vigilant about conditioning and dedicated myself to practice and building my weak side.
Read the rest of this interview on Patreon.com/wphlive