Comparison of visual strategies between table tennis players of different skill levels in unpredictable rallies

The purpose of this study was to clarify differences in visual strategies between table tennis players of two skill levels during unpredictable rallies, in which the direction of the ball is unpredictable on either the forehand or backhand side. Collegiate highly skilled and less-skilled table tennis players ( n = 10, in each group) conducted rallies using either forehand or backhand strokes at a constant tempo (130 bpm). They were asked to aim at a circular target marked on the table. To evaluate hitting accuracy, we calculated the distance between the ball position and the center of the circular target, as well as its variability. We then analyzed the angle between the gaze and ball positions (gaze-ball angle) during rallies based on the images captured by an eye-tracking device. The results revealed that highly skilled players showed significantly higher hitting accuracy compared to less-skilled players during rallies. Our results also indicate that highly skilled players look away from the approaching ball earlier than less-skilled players, even in unpredictable rallies. However, horizontal gaze position during backhand strokes showed constant alignment with the ball, regardless of skill levels. Furthermore, the Pearson correlation analysis indicates that this expertise-related visual strategy by peripheral vision is significantly associated with superior hitting accuracy. Taken together, the visual strategy could influence skill levels and hitting accuracy in unpredictable table tennis rallies.