Topspin Forehand Research Articles

Mechanisms of speed-accuracy trade-off in tennis topspin forehand of college players

ABSTRACT This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the speed-accuracy relationship in a tennis topspin single-handed forehand groundstroke. Groundstrokes at three different speeds by nine college players were captured, with the variability of the ball landing position evaluated as indices of accuracy. Variabilities of ball launch variables (speed, launch angle, spin, etc.) and conversion ratios from these variabilities to the variability of the ball landing position were quantified. These variabilities and their conversion ratios could be influenced by different efforts exerted to generate ball speeds and different ball trajectories required to hit a target at each speed, respectively. The speed-accuracy trade-off was observed only in the hitting direction. While the variability of the spin axis increased, it had minimal influence on the ball landing position. Conversely, the conversion ratio in the hitting direction of the velocity elevation angle significantly increased, while its variability remained unchanged. Consequently, the geometrical requirements of ball trajectories can be responsible for the speed-accuracy trade-off. Therefore, even skilled players capable of maintaining consistent ball launch variables regardless of the shot speed should deliberately choose a moderately slower ball speed to avoid an inevitable increase in the variability of the ball landing position due to geometrical requirements.

Choosing Professional Supporting Means to Improve Topspin Forehand Tennis Ball Technique for Students in Physical Education at Hong Duc University

Based on teaching principles, on the theoretical basis of improving the topspin forehand tennis ball technique for students, based on the physiological and psychological characteristics of students’ ages and the required purposes of the program training program, the topic is to select specialized means to improve the forehand topspin tennis ball technique in the teaching process for students majoring in Physical Education at Hong Duc University.

Lumbar and pelvis movement comparison between cross-court and long-line topspin forehand in table tennis: based on musculoskeletal model.

Introduction: Cross-court and the long-line topspin forehand is the common and basic stroke skill in table tennis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in lumbar and pelvis movements between cross-court and long-line topspin forehand strokes in table tennis based on musculoskeletal demands using OpenSim. Materials and Methods: The eight-camera Vicon system and Kistler force platform were used to measure kinematics and kinetics in the lumbar and pelvis movement of sixteen participants (Weight: 69.89 ± 1.58kg; Height: 1.73 ± 0.03m; Age: 22.89 ± 2.03years; BMI: 23.45 ± 0.69kg/m2; Experience: 8.33 ± 0.71years) during cross-court and long-line topspin forehand play. The data was imputed into OpenSim providing the establishment of the Giat2392 musculoskeletal model for simulation. One-dimensional statistical parametric mapping and independent samples t-test was performed in MATLAB and SPSS to analyze the kinematics and kinetics. Results: The results show that the range of motion, peak moment, and maximum angle of the lumbar and pelvis movement in cross-court play were significantly higher than in the long-line stroke play. The moment of long-line in the sagittal and frontal plane was significantly higher than cross-court play in the early stroke phase. Conclusion: The lumbar and pelvis embody greater weight transfer and greater energy production mechanisms when players performed cross-court compared to long-line topspin forehand. Beginners could enhance their motor control strategies in forehand topspin skills and master this skill more easily based on the results of this study.

Biomechanics of Topspin Forehand Loop in Table Tennis: An Application of OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modelling.

Topspin is one of the most attacking strokes in table tennis, and topspin forehand loop is an effective way to score. The aim of this study was to investigate the kinematics of the lower extremities in topspin forehand loop between different levels via OpenSim Musculoskeletal Modelling. Ten elite athletes (NL1) and ten medium athletes (NL2) performed the topspin forehand loop without muscle and joint injuries. An eight-camera Vicon motion capture system was used to measure the kinematics data. During the topspin forehand loop, the forward phase (FP) and the entire phase (EP) of the NL1 were significantly shorter than that of the NL2. In the sagittal plane, NL1 significantly had greater hip and ankle flexion and extension at range of motion (ROM) but less hip flexion and knee flexion at FP and less ankle flexion at BP than NL2. In the frontal plane, NL1 displayed less ROM in the hip joint and significantly less hip abduction ROM at the backward phase (BP). In the transverse plane, NL1 had a significantly greater ROM in the hip joint and displayed significantly less hip ROM at the BP. The level differences presented in this study could help table tennis athletes to improve performance and coaches to develop technical training.

Validation of lower limb muscle activation estimated using musculoskeletal modeling against electromyography in the table tennis topspin forehand and backhand

Validation of lower limb muscle activation estimated using musculoskeletal modeling against electromyography in the table tennis topspin forehand and backhand

A topspin rate exceeding 110 rps reduces the ball time of arrival to the opponent: a table tennis rally study

ABSTRACT This study experimentally investigated the factors affecting the time a table tennis ball with topspin takes to reach the opponent. Six skilled young players and one coach performed topspin forehand strokes under the observation of three high-speed cameras. As the distribution of the participants’ measurements was uneven, additional data were collected using a launching machine that could control the ball speed and spin. To verify the effect of the spin rate on speed decay by drag, the translational speed was measured at 0.15 s after passing the baseline (23 m/s); the balls with topspin ≥110 rps, close to participants’ average (117 ± 29 rps) were 1.4 m/s faster than those with topspin ≤80 rps. The horizontal ball speed changed in the range of −3.1 to 2.6 m/s owing to table bounce. At topspins ≥110 rps the ball reached a point 1 m past the end line (estimated receiving position) 27 ± 5 ms faster than at topspins ≤80 rps, for the same initial speed. The relationship between spin rate and travel time was non-linear with boundaries at 80 and 110 rps. Therefore, maintaining a spin rate of ≥ 110 rps along with a high initial speed is an effective strategy for reducing the opponent’s preparation time.

Lower Limb Biomechanics during the Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis: A Systemic Review.

The aim of this study is to review the valuable lower limb biomechanical contribution to table tennis topspin forehand. Databases included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science. In this case, 19 articles were selected for the systematic review. The mechanics of the plantar, lower limb joints kinematics and kinetics, muscle activity, and racket-joint relationship are described through gender, performance level, and footwork. The study found that the hip movement characteristics and the hip muscle group activity following a proximal-to-distal sequence strategy significantly contributed to the maximum acceleration of the racket. Optimizing the motion strategy of the ankle and plantar as well as the ankle muscle group activity is beneficial for the transmission of energy in the kinetic chain. Muscle groups around the ankle and subtalar joints are heavily activated during landing to maintain foot stability during the landing phase. Lower limb muscle development plays an important role in movement control and stability as well as sports injury prevention in table tennis footwork during the performance of the topspin forehand. Furthermore, physical development levels and anatomical differences (such as hip and lower trunk muscle strength differences), maybe the main reasons for gender differences observed during the topspin forehand. Systematically summarizing this valuable information can contribute to athletes’ and coaches’ knowledge to enhance topspin forehand performance and training regimes. We suggest that future research could consider the joint contact forces, ball movement, and ball-racket impact during a performance of topspin forehand.

Understanding Sex-Based Kinematic and Kinetic Differences of Chasse-Step in Elite Table Tennis Athletes.

With the progress and innovation of table tennis technology, individualized training programs may deserve special attention. This study aimed to analyze elite table tennis athletes in chasse-step, with a particular focus on sex-based biomechanical differences. A total of 36 (18 males and 18 females) elite table tennis athletes performed topspin forehand of chasse-step. Angles and moments of hip, knee, and ankle joints were calculated using OpenSim (v4.2) with marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were measured via Vicon motion capture system and AMTI in-ground force platform. Males had greater hip and knee flexion angles during the entire motion phase and greater internal rotation angles of the hip during the forward swing phase. The joint stiffness of knee in males was greater than females in the frontal plane. Females in the forward swing phase showed greater hip flexion, adduction, and internal rotation moments than males. It was suggested that the difference may be due to the limitation of anatomical structures in sexes. Male table tennis athletes should strengthen lower extremity muscle groups to improve performance, while female table tennis athletes should focus on hip joint groups to avoid injury. The sex differences presented in this study could help coaches and athletes to develop individualized training programs for table tennis.

The Effect of Selected Kinematic Variables on the Accuracy of Topspin Forehand among Table Tennis Players

This study aimed to identify the effect of selected kinematic variables on the accuracy of the topspin forehand among table tennis players. The study sample consisted of (8) male players who play in the Jordanian First Division Table Tennis League; (age= 23.74 ± 1.72 years, mass=71.22 ± 11.21 kg, height=1.74 ± 0.10 m). The study used A (Canon EOS 80D) camera, which has a speed of (500) images per second, and Kinovea (0.8.15) program was used to analyze the movements. The shooting accuracy test was also used to reach the accuracy of Forehand Topspin shooting. The results of the statistical analysis confirmed the acceptance of the main hypothesis of the study, which states that there is a statistically significant impact of the selected kinematic variables on the accuracy of the topspin forehand at (α≤0.05). The results also showed the acceptance of three sub-hypotheses, which state that there is a statistically significant impact at (α≤0.05) of shoulder's angular velocity, wrist angle and racket's horizontal velocity on the accuracy of the topspin forehand. In light of the results, the study recommended the necessity of urging table tennis coaches in the Jordanian league to develop an appropriate mechanical kinematic model for each player when performing the skill of the forehand topspin.

Lower Limb Muscle Forces in Table Tennis Footwork during Topspin Forehand Stroke Based on the OpenSim Musculoskeletal Model: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Footwork is one of the training contents that table tennis players and coaches focus on. This study aimed to gain a thorough understanding of the muscle activity of the table tennis footwork and creating a musculoskeletal model to investigate the muscle forces, joint kinematic, and joint kinetic characteristics of the footwork during topspin forehand stroke. Methods: Six male table tennis athletes (height: 171.98 ± 4.97 cm; weight: 68.77 ± 7.86 kg; experience: 10.67 ± 1.86 years; age: 22.50 ± 1.64 years) performed chasse step and one-step footwork to return the ball from the coach by topspin forehand stroke. The kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity of the lower limb were recorded by the motion capture, force platform, and Electromyography (EMG) system. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis was used to investigate any difference between the chasse step and one-step footwork during the stroke. Results and Conclusion: The muscle force of the biceps femoris long head (p < 0.001), lateral gastrocnemius (p < 0.001), vastus lateralis (p < 0.001), vastus medial (p < 0.001), rectus femoris (p < 0.001), and tibia anterior (p < 0.001) of the chasse step were significantly greater than the one-step footwork during the early stroke phase (stance). At the end of the stroke phase (push-off), the muscle force of the biceps femoris long head (p < 0.001), medial gastrocnemius (p < 0.001), lateral gastrocnemius (p < 0.001), rectus femoris (p < 0.001), and tibias anterior (p < 0.001) in the chasse step footwork was significantly greater than the one-step footwork. The muscle force of the ankle plantar flexor and valgus muscle groups in the one-step was significantly greater than in the chasse step. Besides, the moment and angle of hip flexion (p = 0.001) and axial rotation (p = 0.009) were significantly greater for the chasse step than the one-step footwork, as well as the ankle plantarflexion angle (p < 0.001) and moment (p < 0.001) of the one-step footwork were significantly higher than the chasse step footwork. The results of this study can be applied to movement control and injury prevention in table tennis footwork.

Performance and decision making of a complex skill under monitoring and outcome pressure conditions: Which of them can reinvestment predict?

Despite a huge amount of research conducted on performance under competitive pressure, the different components of a competitive environment such as outcome pressure or monitoring pressure, have less been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the performance and decision making of a complex skill and their link with reinvestment (a type of self-focus behavior) under different conditions of pressure using a table tennis task. The topspin forehand and backhand shots of 20 expert table tennis athletes were examined under low, monitoring, and outcome pressure conditions in a within-group design. In addition, predictive validities of Decision-Specific Reinvestment Scale (DSRS) and Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale (MSRS) with the changes of performance and decision making from low- to high-pressure conditions as dependent variables were examined. The repeated measures ANOVA results showed that the effects of pressure conditions on anxiety were significant. Decision accuracy under outcome pressure and decision speed under monitoring and outcome pressure conditions were decreased. The performance of athletes was decreased under monitoring pressure while no changes was observed in their performance under outcome pressure. Decision Reinvestment (a factor of DSRS) could predict decision speed changes under both pressure conditions, while Movement Self-Consciousness (a factor of MSRS) could predict performance changes only under monitoring pressure. Our Findings highlight that the subscales of MSRS and DSRS were activated independently and a competitive pressure situation has different effects on the cognitive and motor aspects of complex skills. It is suggested that expert athletes and coaches consider separate pressure conditions and their relationships with the ongoing task.

The Role of the Non-Playing Hand during Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis

Theoretical tutorials and the scientific literature do not provide information on the proper use of the non-playing hand in table tennis. This study aimed to evaluate the course of the movement in the joints of the non-playing limb during a table tennis topspin forehand stroke (played after a backspin ball) and to determine the inter-individual movement variability. The study involved 12 male table tennis players (178.7 ± 5.5 cm, 70.0 ± 6.6 kg, 23 ± 3 y) at a competitive level. The participants performed one topspin forehand as a response to a backspin ball. Kinematics were measured using an Inertial Motion Unit–MR3 myoMuscle Master Edition system. Changes in the angles of the upper limb joints (with particular emphasis on the non-playing hand) during the forehand topspin were analyzed. A novel method of normalized function of variance was used to characterize areas of high/low variability of movement. Most of the movements in the joints of the non-playing limb were performed symmetrically to the playing one, especially in the hitting phase. A rapid change of direction characterizes these movements, just before or during the hitting phase, which may indicate a supportive, ‘driving’ character for these movements. High inter-individual variability for the duration of the entire movement cycle in both limbs was observed; higher in the non-playing limb. This perhaps indicates a greater degree of individualization on the non-playing side.

Kinematic Analysis of the Racket Position during the Table Tennis Top Spin Forehand Stroke

The present study aims to assess the position of the racket, and racket height with respect to the floor, during the table tennis top spin stroke. A stereophotogrammetric system (Smart-D, BTS, 8 cameras, 550 Hz) was used to track the table tennis racket during cross-court (CC) and long-line (LL) shots. Ten national level players completed ten CC and ten LL top spin strokes responding to a robot machine. The racket motion throughout the shot showed specific technical characteristics: the minimum height of the racket was detected during the backswing phase; racket height at the end of backswing phase (maximal distance racket/table) was higher than the minimum; height at the racket maximum velocity (ball/racket impact) was greater than the net’s height. Furthermore, the maximum height of the racket occurred at the end of the forward swing. No differences in these kinematic variables between CC and LL were found. Conversely, a higher inclination of the racket at the moment of maximum speed was detected in LL vs. CC. From a practical perspective, the present findings suggest that table tennis players need to introduce specific exercises in order to increase the height of the racket during the forehand top spin stroke, to improve its effectiveness.

The kinematic analysis of the lower limb during topspin forehand loop between different level table tennis athletes

BackgroundTopspin is one of the most attacking stroke in table tennis sport. The aim of this research was to investigate the kinematic characteristics of the lower limb (driving leg) during topspin forehand loop in different playing level table tennis athletes.MethodsTen male table tennis athletes performed topspin forehand loop shots with maximal force to hit the ball that was played by a professional table tennis coach. The three-dimensional Vicon motion analysis system was used to capture the kinematic information.ResultsThe key findings from this research indicate that there were no significant differences in motion time between elite athletes (EA) and medium athletes (MA) during the entire phase (P = 0.784). EA showed significantly less knee (P < 0.001) as well as hip (P < 0.001) flexion in the BS stage when contrasted to MA, with a significant larger ankle varus (P = 0.003) as well as eversion (P < 0.001) than MA in the BS and FS phase, respectively. EA displayed a significant larger angular changing rate of ankle dorsiflexion (P < 0.001) and varus (P < 0.001) in the BS stage with ankle plantar flexion as well as eversion during the FS stage, with a significant larger ankle internal rotation (P = 0.003) and external rotation (P < 0.001) than MA in the BS and FS phase, respectively. Furthermore, EA showed significantly larger ankle dorsiflexion (P = 0.001) as well as plantarflexion (P < 0.001) ROM in the BS and FS phase respectively compared with MA.ConclusionAnkle activities in the all plane displayed significant differences in kinematic characteristics between EA and MA. MA should pay attention to the function that ankle played in the kinetic chain, such as training the lower limb muscle rapid reaction ability to improve the energy transfer efficiency and capability of the kinetic chain.

The impact of wrist joint movement on stroke effect during topspin forehand in table tennis

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the wrist joint movement on the stroke effect, especially that of the angular velocity and linear velocity on the ball speed and spin speed. Thirty-two young table tennis players were randomly selected from China Table Tennis College. The high-speed infrared motion capture system was used to collect the real-time data of the wrist joint movement during the stroke, and the high-speed camera was used to measure the spin speed. The influence of the wrist joint movement on the stroke effect was analysed. The results of this study showed that the linear velocity of the right wrist joint was positively correlated with ball speed (r = 0.283, p < 0.01) and spin speed (r = 0.162, p = 0.032). The angular velocity of the right wrist joint had a significant positive correlation with the ball speed (r = 0.251, p = 0.015) and spin speed (r = 0.391, p < 0.01). The results of this study further explained the mechanism of power transfer by the kinetic segment-chain, which provided a valuable reference for formulating targeted training plans for young table tennis players.

Gender Differences in Kinematic Parameters of Topspin Forehand and Backhand in Table Tennis.

Background: The identification of gender differences in kinematics and coordination of movement in different body segments in sports may improve the training process by emphasizing the necessity of its differentiation, and consequently individualization, developing, and improving the technique in women and men. Indicating differences can also help in determining the risk of injury in order to prevent from them by diversifying training programs. However, there is no information regarding this problem in the existing literature pertaining to table tennis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in the values of selected angular and kinematic parameters during topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots between male and female table tennis players. Methods: Six male and six female advanced table tennis players performed topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots, both receiving a backspin ball. The angular parameters in four events (ready position, backswing, maximum acceleration, and forward) at chosen joints as well as the maximal acceleration of the playing hand were measured, using the myoMotion system, and were compared between male and female players. Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in the magnitude of angular parameters and maximum hand acceleration between men and women. The movement pattern of topspin strokes performed by men takes into account, more than that in the case of women, movements that use large muscle groups and large joints (hip joints, trunk joints, shoulder joints in extension, and flexion). The difference in the values of maximal acceleration reached almost 50 m/s2 in topspin forehand (p < 0.01) and 20 m/s2 in backhand (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Differentiation of movement patterns can be a manifestation of movement optimization due to anthropological differences and limitations. The differences in the values of maximal acceleration suggest that women could use both sides to perform a topspin attack against the backspin ball, while men should seek opportunities to make a stronger shot with a forehand topspin.

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

The study examined kinematic parameters and their inter- and intrasubject variability in the topspin forehand of seven top-level table tennis players. A wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) system measured the movement of the playing hand to analyze the Ready position, Backswing, and Forward events, and a racket-mounted piezoelectric sensor captured the racket-ball Contact. In a four-phase cycle (Backswing, Hitting, Followthrough, and Back to Ready position), body sensors recorded the cycle and phase duration; angles in the sagittal plane at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist of the playing hand and at the knee joints; and acceleration of the playing hand at the moment of racket-ball contact. The coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated to determine the variability of kinematic parameters within and between players. The observed variability in stroke time duration was low (CV < 20%) indicating constancy. The small-to-medium intraindividual variability of angles (CV < 40%) indicates that each player used a broadly repeatable technique. The large intraindividual variability in movement was probably functional (i.e., motor adjustment and injury avoidance). Interindividual and intraindividual variability of knee and elbow angles was low; wrist extension was the most variable parameter (CV > 40%) for all tasks, and shoulder joint variability was medium-to-large. Variability in hand acceleration was low (CV < 20%). Individual players achieved relatively constant hand acceleration at the moment of contact, possibly because angular changes at one joint (e.g., shoulder) could be compensated for by changes at another (e.g., wrist). These findings can help to guide the teaching-learning process and to individualize the training process.

A comparative study of some (kinematics) variables between the loope drive of top spin style by forehand and backhand of the racket in the table tennis

The research aimed at: recognizing the values of some Kinematics variables of the loope drive of top spin style forehand and backhand in the table tennis. performing a comparison between the values of some Kinematics variables of the loope drive of top spin forehand and backhand in the table tennis . The study supposed that there were significant differences between two techniques. The descriptive method was used. The sample included (5) players of the senior group of Nineveh team. The technical scientific observation, analysis and measurements were used as mean to collect data in order to obtain some of the kinematics variables values . To achieve the technical scientific observation accurately the videography was used. The study included a number of Kinematics variables of the loope drive of top spin by forehand and backhand in the table tennis . The data have been processed statistically by using the mean, standard deviation and (t) period Test. The study concluded the following: There were significant differences between some Kinematics variables of the loope drive of top spin by forehand and backhand of the racket in the table tennis. The study had recommendations to be utilized in the learning and coaching to get the best performance.

The influence of shoulder and torso joint mobility on three different topspin forehands in a situation accompanied by body movement in Japanese elite table tennis players

The influence of shoulder and torso joint mobility on three different topspin forehands in a situation accompanied by body movement in Japanese elite table tennis players

Joint and plantar loading in table tennis topspin forehand with different footwork

Table tennis players often execute one-step, side-step or cross-step to move to an appropriate position for topspin forehand. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the footwork effects on lower-limb kinetics and kinematics, which are related to playing performance and injury prevention. This study examined the ground reaction forces, joint kinetics and in-shoe plantar pressure distribution during topspin forehand with three typical footwork patterns. Fifteen male table tennis players performed cross-court topspin forehands in one-step, side-step and cross-step. Force plate, motion capturing, and instrumented insole systems were used to measure ground reaction force, joint moments and plantar pressure variables. One-way ANONA with repeated measures was performed to determine any significant differences between footwork. Results indicated that participants exhibited significantly higher ground reaction force loadings, knee flexion angle, knee moment, ankle inversion and moment during side-step and cross-step compared with one-step footwork condition (p < .01). Plantar pressure data indicated that the significantly higher peak pressure were observed in the total foot, toe, 1st, 2nd and 5th metatarsal regions during side-step and cross-step (p < .01). Additionally, cross-step had induced higher peak pressure in medial midfoot and heel regions than one-step and higher peak pressure in total and 1st metatarsal regions than side-step (p < .01). These results suggest that foot orthotic designs should consider the stronger emphasis on those high-pressured areas and that the differential joint and plantar loadings in side-step and cross-step may provide useful insights to injury mechanism and training protocol development.