The relationship between psychological state and competitive performance of Female Table Tennis Players in Competition

Table tennis requires precise racket control and close physical proximity between players, making psychological state a crucial factor in performance. In critical moments of a match, both technical skills and psychological strength significantly impact outcomes. This study aims to explore the psychological state of female table tennis players during competition and its influence on performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three active female players ranked in the ITTF top 50 as of December 2024. The data were systematically categorized and analyzed using the KJ method. The results revealed that players’ psychological development was strongly influenced by their upbringing and coaching environment. Additionally, their choice of playing style (e.g., pips-in, pips-out) played a key role in psychological adaptation. Pre-match anxiety and psychological fluctuations during matches were found to directly affect performance, while positive mental preparation (e.g., self-talk, focus management) contributed to stability. Only one of the three players had received formal training, while the other two primarily relied on self-regulation. Techniques such as breathing control and self-suggestion were reported to help stabilize mental states, though individual differences in in-game adaptation remained evident. Post-match review methods also varied. One player analyzed match footage immediately to assess psychological responses, while the other two reflected on their performance after the tournament concluded. This study highlights the impact of psychological state on competitive performance and provides new insights into psychological training, match preparation, and coaching strategies.