A pilot study to compare footwork techniques used in Table Tennis

A pilot study to compare footwork techniques used in Table Tennis Ivan Malagoli Lanzoni, Roberto Lobietti, Franco Merni Faculty of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Bologna, Italy INTRODUCTION 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 the possibility to play the best shot. 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 male players 4 matches from the 2006 Italian Championships and 4 matches from 2006 World Team Table Tennis Championships (videos recorded from television). 2. To record the 5 different types of steps defined and the 16 types of shots (drive and back) was used a 16 x 5 table. To carry out this analysis it has always been taken into account the last step before the shot or before the attempt to hit the ball. 3. The analysis of the frequencies of the different types of steps were performed and percentages calculated. 4. The non-parametric Chi Square test were performed to identify significant differences (α=0.01) in the use of footwork techniques by the 8 players considered. RESULTS The results allow a qualitative description of the various step movements. The most frequent step is the one step with a frequency of 33.5%; the second one is the chassè with a frequency of 20,8%; they are followed by the Stroke without step 16.3%; the Turn step15.4 %; the Crossover 8.8% and the Slide step 5.3%. Chi Square analysis, by comparing the use of different types of steps by the players at low level, shows significant differences between them (χ² (15) = 50.09, p<0.01) as between found for the highest level in a previous study (χ² (15) = 40.63, p<0.01). A comparison with data relative to the highest level confirmed inter individual (χ² (35) = 222.62, p<0.01). and inter groups differences (χ² (5) = 61.24, p<0.01). DISCUSSION Analysis of the matches suggests inter individual differences in the characteristics of the steps movements. The “one step” is especially used to hit the ball in the forehand and backhand push to return the service. Further studies on a larger number of matches, will permit a better understanding in the use of footwork techniques. REFERENCES Lames M. (2006), Modelling the interaction in game sport – relative phase and moving correlations. JSSM 5, pp. 556-560 Lobietti,R., Merni F. (2006), Blocking footwork techniques used by male and female volleyball players are different, JHMS, 51 (5), pp. 307-320 Malagoli Lanzoni I., Lobietti R., Merni F. (2007), Footwork techniques used in table tennis: a qualitative analysis, Proceedings book of The 10th Anniversary ITTF Sport Science Congress, 18-20 maggio 2007, Zagreb, Croatia. ISBN 978-953-6378-69-2. Tepper G. (2003), ITTF Level 1 Coaching manual, www.ittf.com