Gaze behavioral patterns during table tennis forehand rallies

This study aimed to clarify gaze behavioral patterns of skilled table tennis players during forehand rallies. Collegiate male table tennis players (n = 7) conducted forehand rallies at a constant tempo (100, 120, or 150 beats per minute) using a metronome. For each tempo condition, the participants performed 30 strokes (three conditions). Gazes targeting specific areas (gaze targets) and saccadic eye movements were detected using an eye-tracking device. We found that participants gazed at the ball only 40% of the time when it approached them. The participants tended to gaze at the ball when the opponent hit it and then moved their gaze away from the ball. Furthermore, saccades were directed toward the opposite side of the court, including the opponent, after tracking the ball. These findings suggest that focusing on the opponent's motion is important for successful forehand table tennis rallies. Thus, skilled table tennis players are likely to direct their gazes and saccades toward the opponent's side of the area during table tennis forehand rallies.