Kinematic analysis of table tennis top spin forehand played from different positions

The top spin forehand (TSF) is considered the most used shot in modern Table Tennis. The purpose of this study is to compare the kinematic techniques of TSF used in four different conditions: cross-court near the table (CN), cross-court far from the table (CF), long-line near the table (LN), and long-line far from the table (LF). Nine elite players participated in the study (age 22.2 ±3.2 years, height 177.4 ±4.2 cm, mass 72.9 ±11.0 kg). Participants performed ten TSF in the four different conditions (CN, CF, LN, and LF) trying to hit the two targets at the other side of the table, using the same racquet. A ball machine served balls in the forehand corner. For the kinematic analysis a stereo-photogrammetric system was used (Smart-D, BTS, 10 cameras, 500 Hz). A total of 44 markers were attached on the athletes’ skin (five on the racquet). Results showed significant differences in kinematics variables of upper and lower limbs (Angles: shoulders-table, shoulder-racquet-table, feet-table, hip flexion/extension, and racquet-table) among TSF performed in the four different conditions. In addition, racket height with respect to the floor was significantly different during the table tennis top spin strokes played by participants. The present findings show that kinematic differences exist among the CN, CF, LN, and LF topspin forehand in competitive table tennis players. Coaches should be aware of these differences to adopt the optimal teaching strategies and to reproduce proper joint angles during training in order to prevent injuries and optimize the technique.