Publication:

3S Theory for Case Analysis: Tactical Characteristics of Two Talented Young Table Tennis Players

Purpose: This study analyzed the tactical characteristics of two talented young table tennis (TT) players. Method: The two TT players analyzed here are Tomokazu Harimoto (14 years old, Japan) and Yun-Ju Lin (16 years old, Taiwan). The scope of the study was to analyze Harimoto's and Lin's tactical characteristics using the 3S (speed, spend and spot) theory. The data was collected from the singles matches which Harimoto and Lin played against Hugo Calderano respectively in 2017 Czech Open and was included from serve to the fifth stroke in the matches. Results: In serving, both players served forehand, slow speed, side back spin, and near net. In receiving, Harimoto's return characteristics were backhand twist (33%), medium speed (48%), top spin (57%), and backhand position (33%). Lin's returns were backhand twist (67%), medium speed (48%), top spin (73%), and middle position (45%). In third stroke, Harimoto's return characteristics were drop shot (18%), strong speed (41%), top spin (67%), three main landing spots evenly distribution. Lin's results were backhand twist (37%), medium speed (50%), top spin (80%), and middle position (37%). In fourth stroke, Harimoto's characteristics were fast block (23%), medium speed (65%), top spin (68%), backhand & middle position (32%). Lin’s results were block (27%), strong speed (41%), top spin (70%), and backhand position (30%). In fifth stroke, both Harimoto and Lin used drive and block most frequently, but in terms of the speed, Harimoto paired strong speed (42%) with medium speed (38%), while Lin medium speed (54%) paired with strong speed (31%). For the landing spots, Harimoto's spots were distributed among the three areas, while Lin's were mostly at the backhand position (21%).