Performance profiling in table tennis

Abstract

The effect of feedback has been at the centre of sports science research for many years. Performance analysis is an area of sports science that examines what actually happens during performance. Performance analysis of racket sports is well developed, particularly within tennis and squash. Performance profiling is a popular area within performance analysis, however to date no research of this type has been performed in table tennis. The aims of the current study were to firstly, use a reliable notation system to collect objective data of matches played by the World's top players. The second aim was to produce a methodology for establishing stable performance profiles within table tennis. This was to be achieved using percentage error calculations in establishing how many games need to be notated to reach stable performance profiles of the World's top players for various performance indicators. The third aim was to establish performance profiles of Great Britain's top male players using the methodology produced in the second aim of the study and to compare them to performance profiles of the World's top male players. The first and second aims of the study were achieved. Firstly, the reliability of the hand-notation system was found to be acceptable. Secondly,64 performance profiles were created for the World's top male players using data collected from five complete finals of top World singles events. Performance profiles were established per game where possible, as this was thought to be of more use to the performance analyst than profiles established per match. The third aim of the study was not addressed as it was concluded that the nature of the footage of Great Britain's top male players to be used was inappropriate. The methodology produced is discussed and directions for further research in performance analysis of table tennis are provided.