Characteristics and Efficiency of Service in Young Table Tennis Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and efficiency of service in the best young table tennis players, as well as the existence of differences in service between young players of different ages. The research sample consisted of 18 matches (10 juniors, 8 cadets) at international tournaments in 2018 (ETTU Youth Top 10 in Portugal, European Youth Championship in Romania). The results of the analysis of the Hi-square independence test showed the existence of a statistically significant difference in the number of performed Forhand (FH) and Backhand (BH) short services in table tennis players. By 4.3%, more BH short services were recorded among juniors, while cadets significantly more used FH short services (3.5%) compared to older teammates. The research also proved the existence of a statistically significant difference in certain indicators of service efficiency. By 6.9%, Service without advantage is significantly higher among female cadets, and Service with acquired advantage is 5.9% higher among juniors. There is a difference in other indicators of service efficiency, but it is not statistically significant. Out of a total of 1450 services, only 1% of services were performed incorrectly.