Abstract
Notational and Match analysis are very well-recognized methods to collect information about the most common technical-tactical performance indicators in table tennis: footwork and stroke types. The aim of this study was to compare footwork distributions in men (M) and women (W) elite table tennis competitions. Nine men’s and nine women’s matches were analyzed. All players were in the top 120 (M) and 111 (W) positions of the ITTF world ranking. An expert coach analyzed game video recordings in slow motion with the software Kinovea and collected data about the footwork types used by the players during the games. The results showed differences between M and W: M prefer to use one step (35.6%, W: 21.9%), W prefer to hit the ball without performing any step (W: 40.2%, M: 20.4%), the chasse is equally used (M: 19.7%, W: 21.7%), and the crossover is mainly used by M (11.1%, W: 3.7%). The pivot is mainly used by M (9.9%, W: 7.8%), and W prefer the slide (4.9%, M: 3.2%). In conclusion, this study can be useful for physical trainers, performance analysts, and coaches, to design specific footwork training sessions for M and W elite table tennis players.
Highlights
Table tennis is one of the most popular and played racket sports in the world and has been included in the Olympic programme since 1988
Stroke types were examined comparing different table tennis groups or individual players (Djokic, 2002; Drianovsky & Otcheva, 2002; Zhang et al, 2014; Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014). Another crucial aspect of the specific technique is the footwork performed before hitting the ball, as using a proper footwork technique allows the athletes to be in the best position for an effective shot (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2007)
In 2009, Malagoli Lanzoni and Lobietti compared footwork techniques used by two groups of international and national players
Summary
Table tennis is one of the most popular and played racket sports in the world and has been included in the Olympic programme since 1988. Technical and tactical skills are very well recognised as the most important performance factors in table tennis They could be evaluated using notational analysis in order to collect and summarise sport-specific performance indicators (Hughes, 1998; Hughes & Barlett, 2002). Stroke types were examined comparing different table tennis groups or individual players (Djokic, 2002; Drianovsky & Otcheva, 2002; Zhang et al, 2014; Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2014). Another crucial aspect of the specific technique is the footwork performed before hitting the ball, as using a proper footwork technique allows the athletes to be in the best position for an effective shot (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2007). Footwork analysis continued to evaluate different kinds of steps in relationship with other variables: shots and outcome of the rallies (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2010), and different group of players (Malagoli Lanzoni et al, 2013a, b, 2014)
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