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Analytic and descriptive approaches to systematic match analysis in table tennis

A review

Analytische und deskriptive Ansätze der systematischen Matchanalyse im Tischtennis

Ein Review

  • Review articles
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Abstract

In the field of table tennis, there are a variety of approaches for systematic match analysis, as well as various ways to categorize these approaches. In this review article, first, diverse forms of game analysis in table tennis, and—as far as methodologically reasonable—in other fields of racket sport and team sport are collected and illustrated. In addition, the logic of categorizing approaches for table tennis-specific game analysis is outlined. On the background of the literature review, it is stated that descriptive and analytic research instruments to investigate table tennis matches can serve applied as well as basic scientific intentions. Furthermore, the current situation in Germany with respect to the tactical analysis in table tennis is multifariously discussed, including hints for the future development of systematic match analysis in this particular sport. It is concluded that it could be fruitful to interlink already existing academic and service institutions dealing with tactical analysis in table tennis. Finally, the potential urgency to include systematic game analysis into the education of table tennis coaches is emphasized.

Zusammenfassung

Im Bereich Tischtennis gibt es eine Reihe von Ansätzen für die systematische Matchanalyse sowie verschiedene Arten der Klassifizierung dieser Ansätze. In diesem Review-Artikel werden zum einen unterschiedliche Formen der Spielanalyse im Tischtennis und – soweit methodologisch sinnvoll – in anderen Rückschlag- und Mannschaftssportarten zusammengetragen und dargestellt. Zum anderen wird die Logik der Klassifizierungsansätze für die tischtennis-spezifische Spielanalyse beschrieben. Vor dem Hintergrund der Literaturrecherche wird konstatiert, dass deskriptive und analytische Forschungsinstrumente zur Untersuchung eines Tischtennismatches sowohl angewandten als auch grundlegenden wissenschaftlichen Zwecken dienen können. Des Weiteren wird die derzeitige Situation in Deutschland hinsichtlich der taktischen Analyse im Tischtennis umfassend diskutiert, einschließlich Hinweisen für die zukünftige Entwicklung einer systematischen Matchanalyse in diesem speziellen Sport. Schlussfolgernd wird festgestellt, dass es nutzbringend sein könnte, bereits existierende akademische Fachbereiche und Dienstleistungseinrichtungen, die sich mit der taktischen Analyse im Tischtennis beschäftigen, miteinander zu vernetzen. Abschließend wird auf die potenzielle Dringlichkeit, die systematische Spielanalyse in die Ausbildung der Tischtennistrainer zu integrieren, hingewiesen.

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Notes

  1. According to Lames and McGarry (2007), a further distinction can be made between quantitative and qualitative approaches in game or performance analysis.

  2. On the background of Muster’s work (1999), it has to be distinguished between the “basic states” and the concept of “states” in terms of the mathematical-simulative performance diagnosis. For a definition of the latter concept, see Lames (1994) and H. Zhang (2006).

  3. The valuation of shot efficacy was done by trained observers. For specific information about the problem of lacking reliability, see Muster (1999) and Malagoli Lanzoni et al. (2011b).

  4. Because of the great dominance of Chinese players in world-class table tennis, we especially refer to their theoretical approaches of match analysis.

  5. The complete logging of hitting movements in all technical and tactical details within a rally is referred to as “systematic” by Zhang et al. (2010), while the focusing on particular or aggregated actions as well as specific technical-tactical features in a rally is called “non-systematic”. On the backdrop of this differentiation, Wang and Yu (2010) use the terms “concrete” versus “abstract”.

  6. A fourth method was at least presented repeatedly, namely, the process-oriented, or practical-oriented, technology developed by Baca, Leser, and colleagues (e. g., Leser et al. 2007).

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  1. Association of German Table Tennis Coaches (VDTT), Moers, Germany

    Gunter Straub

  2. German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany

    Timo Klein-Soetebier

  3. 67346, Speyer, Germany

    Gunter Straub

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Straub, G., Klein-Soetebier, T. Analytic and descriptive approaches to systematic match analysis in table tennis. Ger J Exerc Sport Res 47, 95–102 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12662-016-0431-2

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