The correlation between table tennis players' reaction agility and stroke effect

This study aims to test the reaction agility and stroke effect of table tennis players, explore the correlation between the reaction agility and stroke effect, and analyze the differences between players of different skill levels. Eighty male table tennis players (40 national first-level and 40 s-level) were recruited to participate in the reaction agility test (Speed Chase, Coordination, Reaction, and lower limb Explosive Force) and random full-court stroke effect test (speed, spin, and placement). There was a positive correlation between athletes' reaction agility and their stroke effect. Among these, the players' Turing Time (left) has a significant correlation with the ball speed (r = 0.291), the Turing Time (left) has a significant correlation with the spin speed(r = 0.864), and the Revering Time has a significant correlation with the placement (r = 0.250). There were significant differences in the Moving Distance, Reversing Time, Turning Time (left), and Turning Time (right) between the first- and second-level players (all p < 0.05). The reaction agility of table tennis players was significantly but weak correlated with their stroke effect. The first-level table tennis players had higher reaction agility and greater stroke effect (placement and spin speed) than the second-level players. The first-level table tennis players also exhibited faster direction-changing speed and greater rotational speed to left and right sides. Reaction agility tests under task-specific movements can better distinguish the differences of players' reaction agility at different skill levels. Enhancing players' moving speed and reversing ability, lateral coordination ability, and lower limb explosive force can help improve table tennis players' stroke effect.