A coaches’ perspective on the contribution of anthropometry, physical performance, and motor coordination in racquet sports

Abstract

Differences and similarities between table tennis and other racquet sports exist, but are not well documented in the literature, in spite of the relevance for talent identification. In this study we aimed at identifying the key characteristics of table tennis in comparison with tennis and badminton based upon a survey in coaches. A total of 177 licensed coaches from all across the world and with diverse professional backgrounds completed a survey on anthropometric measures, physical performance, and motor coordination skills. On a scale from 1 to 10, coaches indicated to what extent a talent characteristic was important for their sport. MANOVA identified key differences as well as similarities between all three racquet sports and a subsequent discriminant analysis allocated coaches correctly for table tennis, tennis, and badminton 81.01%, 55.6%, and 71.4% respectively. Our results show that table tennis and other racquet sport coaches are well aware of differences between the racquet sports and also the importance and value of testing and assortment of skill components. These findings can assist coaches in future talent orientation and transfer in racquet sports.

The Motor and Leisure Time Conditioning of Young Table Tennis Players’ Physical Fitness

“…The low point indicator of the players in this sample is described in the literature on the subject [ 51 , 52 ]. However, the optimal level of flexibility is necessary in table tennis for the correct performance of technical elements [ 28 ]. Therefore, there is a need to increase the training measures that shape flexibility in the motor training process of these young players.…”

“…The available literature discussing young table tennis players has ordinarily focused on specific parameters viewed as relevant to the sport and recreation, separate to variation in the growth and maturity (including social maturity) characteristics of the players [ 28 ]. Although physical training in table tennis is an obviously important factor for sport success, there is a lack of evidence that, at the same level of training, young athletes who also have well-organized and diverse activities in their free time achieve the best results.…”

The motor and leisure time conditioning of young table tennis players' physical fitness

“…The low point indicator of the players in this sample is described in the literature on the subject [51,52]. The optimal level of exibility is, however, necessary in table tennis for the correct performance of technical elements [28]. Therefore, there is a need to increase the training measures that shape exibility in the motor training process of these young players.…”

“…The available literature discussing young table tennis players has ordinarily focused on speci c items viewed as relevant to the sport and recreation, separate to variation in the growth and maturity (including social maturity) characteristics of the players [28]. Although physical training in table tennis is an obviously important factor for sport success, there is a lack of evidence that at the same level of training, young athletes who also have well-organised and diverse activities in their free time achieve the best results.…”

Similarities and differences between sports subserving systematic talent transfer and development: The case of paddle sports

“…Preliminary analysis on a sample of 16 qualified coaches taken approximately 2 months apart revealed good test-retest reliability with Intra Class Correlation coefficients ranging from 0.804 to 0.989 (all p-values <0.001) for the individual items of the questionnaire. 19 Statistical analysis was performed using Excel and SPSS-25. First, descriptive statistics are presented as means and standard deviations.…”