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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Comparison of Kinetic Characteristics of Footwork during Stroke in Table Tennis: Cross-Step and Chasse Step
Published on: June 16, 2021
Reactive agility training selectively improves choice reaction and footwork-stroke performance in young male table
Mingquan Zhang1, Wenlong Zhang1, Junye Tao2
1College of Physical Education, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
Introduction:
This randomized controlled trial compared the task-specific effects of 6 weeks of QuickBoard-assisted reactive agility training (RAT) and pre-planned agility training (PPAT) in young male table tennis players.
Methods:
Forty young male Chinese table tennis players were randomly allocated to RAT (n = 20) or PPAT (n = 20). Both groups trained three times per week for 45 min per session under matched training frequency, planned session duration, and session structure. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included foot speed, choice reaction time, planned change-of-direction performance, table tennis-specific reactive change-of-direction performance, stroke continuity, and an integrated footwork-stroke task requiring accurate ball placement under time pressure. Outcomes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models including fixed effects for Group, Time, and their interaction.
Results:
Significant overall Time effects were observed for all six outcomes (p ≤ .029). Significant Group × Time interactions were identified for choice reaction time (p = .005, d = -0.65) and the Forehand Drive after Backhand Push Test (p = .049, d = 0.55). Bonferroni-adjusted simple-effects analyses showed significant pre-to-post improvements in the RAT group for both outcomes (both adjusted p < .001), whereas the corresponding changes in the PPAT group were not significant. However, adjusted between-group differences at post-test were not statistically significant. No significant Group × Time interactions were observed for foot speed, planned or reactive change-of-direction performance, or the Alternate Counter Test (p ≥ .074).
Discussion:
QuickBoard-assisted training was associated with broad improvements over time, whereas the additional benefits of RAT were task-specific. Stimulus-driven and decision-loaded training appeared particularly relevant to choice reaction performance and table tennis tasks requiring the integration of footwork, postural adjustment, and stroke execution under time pressure.
