Effects of Technical and Tactical Characteristics on the Performance of the Table Tennis Players

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the effects of applied technical and tactical characteristics of table tennis players on their success in competitions. The representative sample consisted of 48 top senior table tennis players from Bosnia and Herzegovina, age 18 and 36, selected on the basis of a qualification tournament. The measuring instruments for this study included eight assessment tests for the table tennis players' technical and tactical characteristics and one test for assessing success in table tennis competitions. Technical and tactical characteristics of the participants were evaluated by five experts who analyzed the efficacy of technical and tactical characteristics of the players on a scale ranging from 1 to 5. The methods of processing the results included descriptive statistical procedures, the multiple correlation coefficient, the determinant coefficient and a multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that technical and tactical characteristics have a major impact on the player's performance and are essential for table tennis success. Based on the value of the regression coefficients and their significance, it may be concluded that the 5 variables statistically significantly contribute to the regression model are: the efficiency of the serve; the efficiency of preventing the attack of the opponent and preparation of the players’ own attack; confidence when attacking across the table; the efficiency in the active defence and the efficiency of movement during the game. In the hierarchy of significance, the most important variables are the serve efficiency and efficiency of preventing the attack of an opponent and preparation of the player's own attack. The efficiency of the serve allows an attacker to realize technical and tactical ideas and usually gain initiative in the game. By returning a serve we can prevent or at least make it harder for the opponent to attack again. A serve return can also allow us to take the initiative

Developing a tool to assess technical skills in talented youth table tennis players—a multi-method approach combining professional and scientific literature and coaches’ perspectives

“… Professional players (10) and beginners from general university population without prior training (10) OR E Stroke alignment based on the racket center motion (accuracy and phase durations) FH stroke Experts show higher racket resultant velocity than novices during both the forward swing and follow through phases by up to a factor of two. Ivanek [ 83 ] 2018 Relation between technical/tactical evaluation conducted by coaches and performance. ?…”

“…Mostly three-dimensional kinematic analyses were used to produce “technique-related” outcomes such as kinematic and kinetic parameters, timing/phase durations, and the robustness of stroke trajectories. Only three studies used an observation sheet to collect “technique-related” outcomes [ 73 , 75 , 83 ]. In their two studies, Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] videotaped athletes during a test battery (and competition) and had experts rate their technical proficiency based on a five-element observation sheet (ratings from 1 to 10) covering ready position, point of contact, footwork, kinematic chain, and bat movement.…”

“…Comparing our new instrument with the observation sheets to assess players’ technical skills presented in three of the included scientific articles [ 73 , 75 , 83 ], one can find both similarities and differences. While Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] used similar elements (i.e., ready position, point of contact, footwork, kinematic chain, bat movement) in a different combination with less detailed criteria that were evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10, the elements used by Ivanek et al [ 83 ] follow a distinctly different structure as they focus on different phases during a match and non-technical factors such as tactical skills and “confidence” that were rated on a 1 to 5 scale. While the observation sheet by Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] was also used for the assessment during test batteries, both the instrument by Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] and Ivanek et al [ 83 ] are capable of assessing technical skills in an more ecologically valid setting like competition.…”

“…While Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] used similar elements (i.e., ready position, point of contact, footwork, kinematic chain, bat movement) in a different combination with less detailed criteria that were evaluated on a scale of 1 to 10, the elements used by Ivanek et al [ 83 ] follow a distinctly different structure as they focus on different phases during a match and non-technical factors such as tactical skills and “confidence” that were rated on a 1 to 5 scale. While the observation sheet by Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] was also used for the assessment during test batteries, both the instrument by Van Biesen et al [ 73 , 75 ] and Ivanek et al [ 83 ] are capable of assessing technical skills in an more ecologically valid setting like competition. The greatest addition with our new instrument is the detailed description of criteria for flawed and excellent executions of technical skills facilitating the evaluation process in talented youth players.…”

Using Wearable Inertial Sensors to Estimate Kinematic Parameters and Variability in the Table Tennis Topspin Forehand Stroke

“…Multiple factors affect performance in this sporting discipline, including the level of technical preparation, tactical thinking, motor skills, mental preparation, and physiological determinants [3]. At an elite level, competition (match) outcomes are often determined by very small differences and sometimes by moments of excellent performance, and many table tennis coaches and professionals have identified comprehensive and perfect technique as a prerequisite for high-level success [4,5]. In general, technique is thought to determine tactical potential and likelihood of achieving champion status [6].…”