Toward the Perfect Stroke: A Multimodal Approach for Table Tennis Stroke Evaluation

Abstract

In table tennis, developing a consistent and proper stroke is quite challenging, perhaps even more so for nonprofessional players. To build such consistency in beginner players, there is a need to understand how the stroke differs between beginner and standard players. So far, prior works have used video, accelerometers embedded in the table tennis rackets themselves, or infrared (IR) depth sensors for capturing and evaluating the stroke. However, these methods face certain challenges such as having insufficient data to analyse complete strokes, time-consuming and costly data collection, and use of non-prevalent equipment. Hence, to improve the beginner player’s performance, an ubiquitous method using readily accessible commercial devices is essential for stroke evaluation. To achieve the goal of this study, we (i) recorded video and accelerometer data from standard and beginner players using consumer-grade products, and (ii) analysed the stroke consistency between both groups. The results of both video-based and accelerometer-based data show the differences in the strokes between both kinds of players. These findings motivate us to further examine methods to help beginner players improve by providing guidance through procedural knowledge of a standard player’s stroke, and implement applications for motor-skill instruction.