Footwork and steps (one step, side to side, slide step, “turn” step, cross step, and combinations of these steps are fundamental in table tennis. Players should use the best technique for guarantying the shortest time to arrive in the right position, that gives possibility to play the best shot. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to define the different footwork techniques used by table tennis players. To compare different footwork techniques for giving useful suggestions to coaches and implementing better training for players, from a technical and physical point of view. METHODS 1. Analysis of 2 matches of 4 male players from 2006 World Team Table Tennis Championships (videos recorded from television). The players were at the moment of competition the n° 1, 2, 3 and 50 of the world ranking. The matches analysed were between the n° 1 vs n° 50 and n° 2 vs n° 3. 2. To record the 5 different types of steps defined and the 16 types of shot (8 of drive and 8 of back) was used a 16 x 5 table. The last step before the shot or the attempt to hit the ball was selected for this analysis. 3. The analysis of the frequencies of the use of different types of step were performed and percentage calculated 4. The non-parametric Chi Square test were performed to identify significant differences (α=0.01) between in the use of footwork techniques by the 4 players. RESULTS The results allow a qualitative description of the various step movements. The one step resulted as the preferred type of movement used in the 43% of the time; the “turn” step was used the 24%; the “chasse” 17%; the slide 9% and the cross 7%. Chi Square analyses comparing the use of different types of steps by the players shows significant differences (χ² (15) = 35.35, p<0.01). The big match between Boll and Ma Lin did not show significant differences (χ² (5) = 11.27, p<0.01). The other match between Wang Liqin and Suss showed significant difference (χ² (5) = 24.08, p<0.01). DISCUSSION Analysis of the filmed attempts suggests intra and inter individual differences in the parameters of the movement. The one step is used to hit the ball in the forehand and backhand push especially to return tthe service. The “turn” is used to prepare the forehand top spin. The balanced match shown similar use of steps by players whereas in the uneven match the winner used the turn more. Further studies using the same methods but a larger number of matches will permit a better consideration of tendencies in the use of footwork techniques.
Footwork technique used in table tennis: a qualitative analysis
MALAGOLI LANZONI, IVAN;LOBIETTI, ROBERTO;MERNI, FRANCO
2007
Abstract
Footwork and steps (one step, side to side, slide step, “turn” step, cross step, and combinations of these steps are fundamental in table tennis. Players should use the best technique for guarantying the shortest time to arrive in the right position, that gives possibility to play the best shot. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to define the different footwork techniques used by table tennis players. To compare different footwork techniques for giving useful suggestions to coaches and implementing better training for players, from a technical and physical point of view. METHODS 1. Analysis of 2 matches of 4 male players from 2006 World Team Table Tennis Championships (videos recorded from television). The players were at the moment of competition the n° 1, 2, 3 and 50 of the world ranking. The matches analysed were between the n° 1 vs n° 50 and n° 2 vs n° 3. 2. To record the 5 different types of steps defined and the 16 types of shot (8 of drive and 8 of back) was used a 16 x 5 table. The last step before the shot or the attempt to hit the ball was selected for this analysis. 3. The analysis of the frequencies of the use of different types of step were performed and percentage calculated 4. The non-parametric Chi Square test were performed to identify significant differences (α=0.01) between in the use of footwork techniques by the 4 players. RESULTS The results allow a qualitative description of the various step movements. The one step resulted as the preferred type of movement used in the 43% of the time; the “turn” step was used the 24%; the “chasse” 17%; the slide 9% and the cross 7%. Chi Square analyses comparing the use of different types of steps by the players shows significant differences (χ² (15) = 35.35, p<0.01). The big match between Boll and Ma Lin did not show significant differences (χ² (5) = 11.27, p<0.01). The other match between Wang Liqin and Suss showed significant difference (χ² (5) = 24.08, p<0.01). DISCUSSION Analysis of the filmed attempts suggests intra and inter individual differences in the parameters of the movement. The one step is used to hit the ball in the forehand and backhand push especially to return tthe service. The “turn” is used to prepare the forehand top spin. The balanced match shown similar use of steps by players whereas in the uneven match the winner used the turn more. Further studies using the same methods but a larger number of matches will permit a better consideration of tendencies in the use of footwork techniques.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
