Sensitivity and Reliability of a Specific Test of Stroke Performance in Table Tennis

Abstract

Results suggest that the specific test appears to be a simple and sensitive procedure to assess stroke performance in table tennis and that this test could be a relevant tool for coaches in table tennis.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Stroke Effectiveness Test in Table Tennis Based on the Temporal Game Structure

“…Indeed, the speed-accuracy trade-off hypothesis states that movements become less accurate the faster we performed them (Fitts, 1954). In accordance with this, a recent investigation calculated the ball speed–ball placement index and demonstrated that this index is relevant to discriminate the players with different levels of performance (Le Mansec et al, 2016).…”

“…Previous investigations have proposed several tests to evaluate the perceptual-motor skills (Faber et al, 2014a,b, 2015), aerobic and anaerobic parameters (Morel and Zagatto, 2008; Zagatto et al, 2008, 2011; Zagatto and Gobatto, 2012), and technical skills (Le Mansec et al, 2016) in table tennis players. Almost most of the tests for measuring physiological and technical skills were applied in a specific table tennis exercise (i.e., in an ecological task), their protocols were characterized by a continuous profile, with use of only forehand (FH) offensive strokes at balls sent by a robot at fixed areas of ball contact with the table.…”

“…In these studies, balls were sent systematically at 2–4 fixed areas on the table. Moreover, Le Mansec et al (2016) developed a technical test characterized by 45 continuous topspin strokes at balls sent every 3 s (2 min and 15 s of effort) in only one position to the center of the table.…”

“…Stroke may be evaluated based on the mechanical aspects of technique and how skills are performed (i.e., stroke analysis) as well as it may be assessed based on the outcomes of skills performed, irrespective of how correctly a skill has been performed (i.e., stroke effectiveness) (O’Donoghue et al, 2013). Ball velocity and placement have been used in tests applied to racket sports to examine stroke effectiveness (Vergauwen et al, 1998; Le Mansec et al, 2016; Kolman et al, 2017). Munivrana et al (2015b) evidenced that the ball speed and ball placement are amongst the main basic tactical means for table tennis players realize their own tactical ideas during the match.…”

“…These are recognized as important elements that the players must master to play the match successfully (Qun et al, 1992; Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2011). Faster ball speeds may induce favorable conditions to win the rally, since it imposes lesser time for the opponent to react (Le Mansec et al, 2016). Moreover, players use the ball placement to avoid the opponent’s preferred strokes (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014), exploit opponent’s weaknesses and to move the ball out of the opponents control.…”