A notational analysis of shot characteristics in top‐level table tennis players

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse selected shot characteristics in top-level table tennis matches, with a special focus on comparing the playing style of Asian and European players. Ten men's matches played by 20 top-ranked players (14 Asians and 6 Europeans) were analysed. The indicators examined were the area of ball bouncing for serves (n =918), and the stroke type, footwork type and shot outcome for other shots (n=3692). The interrelationships between variables were analysed using chi-squared tests, log-linear modelling and multiple correspondence analysis. A strong association was found between strokes and footwork types, with most stroke types executed each after specific footwork types. Furthermore, a clear tendency to have a positive, negative or neutral outcome was observed for each stroke type. When compared to Europeans, Asians used more frequently the most aggressive strokes and footwork types, confirming anecdotal claims on their particularly offensive playing style. Asians showed also a better serving effectiveness, often sending the ball in those areas of the table from which a counterattack is difficult to make. In summary, this study gives a systematic description of highly relevant technical and tactical characteristics in top-level table tennis, thus providing valuable information for coaches and performance analysts.

Performance Analysis in Table Tennis - Stochastic Simulation by Numerical Derivation

“…Considering that the input data in this study is relatively simple, with only the rally lengths, server and winner known, it is possible to draw conclusions about the general structure of a table tennis game. Some interesting questions that are relevant in table tennis practice, like the impact of transitions between stroke techniques or stroke positions, as examined in other studies (Zhang, 2006;Pfeiffer et al, 2010;Malagoli-Lanzoni et al, 2014), can not be answered with the available data. However, since the simulation method itself is independent from the information contained in the input data, it would be possible to examine these features if it were included in the dataset.…”

Analysis of contextual-related variables on serve and receiving performances in elite men’s and women’s table tennis players

“…Previous research (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014) has shown that the server's advantage (i.e. the probability of winning a rally) is higher in relatively short rallies up to the third shot, while the probability of winning a rally for the receiver increases after the fourth-sixth shot.…”

“…CONTACT miguel-Ángel Gómez magor_2@yahoo.es information in a descriptive and comparative way (Loh & Krasilshchikov, 2015;Malagoli Lanzoni, Di Michele, & Merni, 2014;Zhang, Liu, Hu, & Liu, 2013), or in a probabilistic way (Pfeiffer, Zhang, & Hohmann, 2010). This research has focused on technical-tactical evaluations (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014;Pfeiffer et al, 2010;Zhang et al, 2013) and the structural demands of the game (Leite, Barbieri, Miyagi, Malta, & Zagatto, 2017;Loh & Krasilshchikov, 2015). To the best of our knowledge, no predictive studies have been conducted to investigate into the influence of contextual factors on serve and reception effectiveness during table tennis matches.…”

“…The serve in table tennis is the first strike and plays an important role from a tactical perspective (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014) due to a broad range of options concerning spin, placement, rhythm and speed (Zhang et al, 2013). Thus, the serve can be considered one of the most important shots in table tennis as it is under full control of the server and not influenced by previous behaviour of the opponent.…”

Effect of an Integrated Resistance Program Based Weightlifting Exercises on Improving Physical Performance of Young Table Elite’s Tennis Players

“…So, jumping exercises are advocated as a suitable approach for demanding sports explosiveness and develop vertical jump including table tennis (Zagatto et al, 2008;Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014;Munivrana et al, 2015).…”