Analysis of The Differences Between Training Matches and International Competitions for Elite Chinese U15 Female...

Although differences between training and competitive contexts in table tennis are widely recognized, empirical evidence quantifying these differences remains limited. This study compared the technical-tactical characteristics of 40 training matches and 40 international competitions among Chinese National Youth Team U15 female players to provide evidence for training optimization. A mixed-method approach combining heat map visualization and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) was used to examine contextual differences and identify key factors associated with match-winning probability. Results showed that training and international matches exhibited similar individual technical-tactical indicators but differed substantially in placement-technique combinations and the influence of stroke sequences on winning probability. Training matches emphasized control of short areas, whereas international competitions showed greater use of backhand long-area attacks to initiate offensive play. In addition, early strokes were more influential in training matches, while later strokes played a greater role in international competitions. These findings indicate that current training matches may not fully replicate international competitive demands. Training should therefore enhance rally-transition tactics, offensive initiation, and competitive simulation to improve transferability to international competition.