FOOTWORK TECHNIQUES USED IN TABLE TENNIS: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS

Analysis of 2 matches of 4 male players from 2006 World Team Table Tennis Championships (videos recorded from television). During that competition the players were the n° 1 (Wang Liqin), 2 (Timo Boll), 4 (Ma Lin) and 56 (Christian Suss) in the world ranking. Analysis of the matches: L. Ma vs T. Boll, and L.Q. Wang vs C. Suss. 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 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. The "turn step" is used to prepare the forehand top spin. The Timo Boll vs Ma Lin match shows a similar use of steps by players whereas in the Wang Liqin vs Christian Suss match, the first player (the winner of the match) uses the "turn step" more frequently than the other player. Further studies on a larger number of matches, using the same methods, will permit a better understanding in the use of footwork techniques.