Research Introduction and Importance

The quick shot in table tennis is one of the most important offensive skills, relying largely on movement accuracy, speed and stability during execution. Dynamic stability is a crucial element in ensuring effective technical performance, especially when executing the shot under time or movement pressure. Field experiments indicate that most quick shot errors among junior players are due to a momentary imbalance during the shot, which weakens racket control or reduces the accuracy of the ball.

Hence, the importance of this research emerges, which seeks to incorporate dynamic balance exercises into the training program and measure their impact on the player's stability during the shot. The research aims to present an applied model that can be adopted within junior rehabilitation programs to improve technical performance and reduce the rate of errors resulting from motor disturbance or loss of balance. Significance of the study.

The importance of this study stems from the need to improve the technical performance of junior table tennis players by developing the element of motor stability during the execution of quick shots. This directly impacts performance accuracy and reduces technical errors. Traditional training programs lack a systematic integration of motor balance exercises, despite their proven effectiveness in other sports. This study presents a practical model that can be applied within clubs and training centers and contributes to providing scientific evidence for coaches on how to integrate motor balance into specialized training, supporting the development of players' skills in younger age groups.

Research Problem

Many junior table tennis players face difficulty maintaining body stability during the execution of quick shots, leading to frequent technical errors, especially in matches that require speed and instantaneous response.

The research problem is the following question.

Do motor balance exercises contribute to developing stability during the execution of quick shots among junior table tennis players?

Research Objectives

• To measure the effect of motor balance exercises on player stability during the execution of quick shots

• Comparing the technical performance level of the quick strike before and after introducing the exercises

• Identifying the differences between the group that underwent balance exercises and the group that trained traditionally

Research Hypotheses

• There are statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests of the experimental group in the degree of stability during the execution of the quick strike, in favor of the post-test

• There are statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups after the training program, in favor of the experimental group

Research Areas

Human Domain: Junior table tennis players (13–15 years old) from a sports club in Iraq, numbering (20) players who had not been used in any previous study.

Time Domain

The period from April 1, 2025 to May 1, 2025, which is the duration of the training program and its measurements.

Spatial Domain

The table tennis hall at Al-Najaf Sports Club, equipped with tools and techniques for training and analytical imaging.

Definition of Terms

• Motor Balance Exercises: A set of targeted exercises aimed at strengthening the neuromuscular system and improving control of the center of gravity during movement [1]

• Motor Stability: The player's ability to maintain a balanced body position while executing the movement without losing control or leaning [2]

The Quick Shot: An offensive skill that relies on quick reaction times and accurate ball striking to score a direct point or force an opponent to defend [3].

Research Methodology

The researcher relied on the experimental approach as it is the most appropriate for measuring the effect of an independent variable (kinetic balance exercises) on a dependent variable (stability during the quick shot) [4].

A two-group equivalent design was used.

An experimental group received a training program that included customized balance exercises.

A control group received the regular program without any modifications.

This design allows for accurate measurement of the program's effect through pre- and post-comparison within each group, followed by a post-comparison between the two groups.

Research Sample

The sample consisted of (20) junior players from Al-Najaf Sports Club, aged 13–15 years.

The players were randomly selected, provided that they had not participated in any previous study and had not previously undergone any type of intensive balance exercises. They were distributed as follows:

• Experimental Group: About 10 players

• Control Group: About 10 players

• Criteria adopted for sample selection

• Regular training for at least two years

• No previous injuries affecting balance or joints

• The player's ability to execute a quick shot as part of his basic skills

Table 1 basic characteristics of the sample.

Table 1: Basic Characteristics of the Sample

Testing Tools

• Balance Board

• Swiss Ball

• Bosu Ball

• Slow-motion video recording devices

• Dartfish Motion Analysis Software

• Technical Stability Assessment Form prepared by the researcher and approved by three specialized coaches

• Postural Sway Test

• Digital Coach Notes

Tests

The test method was adopted from [5] with modifications to suit the training environment in the current study:

• Test Name: Postural Stability Test During the Swing Shot in Table Tennis

• Test Purpose: To measure the player's ability to maintain physical balance during a fast technical performance

Test Conditions:

• Swing shot performed in a normal playing position.

• Wearing regular athletic shoes

• Playing on a standard table

Performance Method:

• The player stands in the ready position

• The ball is sent to him by a coach at an average speed level

• He executes the quick shot in 10 consecutive attempts

• The performance is recorded in slow motion and the stability and number of errors are analyzed

Figure 1 example of executing the quick shot from a side angle, Appendix (3).

Pilot Experiment

A pilot experiment was conducted on four players outside the sample to verify:

• The validity of the assessment tools

• The clarity of the shooting angles

• The practical applicability of the balance exercises

Some instructions regarding the angle of the feet during performance were modified and shooting positions were improved to ensure full body coverage in all attempts.

Main Experiment

The content of the main experiment was implemented according to the training unit model shown in Appendix (2). It included warm-up, main and cool-down phases, with specific tools, objectives and number of repetitions for each exercise specified to ensure accurate practical application.

The program extended over four weeks, with (3) weekly units. Each unit included 30 minutes of balance exercises integrated within the training unit.

Examples of exercises:

• Standing on an unstable surface while performing fixed strokes

• Performing a stroke while balancing on a Swiss ball

• Using a Bosu Ball to perform side strokes

Table 2 training program content for the experimental group.

Table 2: Training Program Content for the Experimental Group

Statistical Methods

The researcher used SPSS version 25 to conduct the Wstatistical analysis [6,7]:

• Arithmetic means and standard deviations

• Paired samples t-test within each group

• Independent samples t-test between the two groups

• Significance level (α≤0.05)

The results of the stability test during the execution of the fast shot were analyzed using performance evaluation tools and slow recording. The results were grouped into three indicators:

• Number of imbalances

• Stability evaluation by the committee

• Number of technical errors during the shot

Results of the Experimental Group (Before and After Training) (Table 3).

Table 3: Results of the Experimental Group in the Technical Stability Test

Results Analysis

• There was a significant decrease in instances of loss of balance during a quick shot after implementing the program

• The increase in the technical stability rating indicates a clear improvement in the players' ability to maintain their body balance during execution

• The decrease in the number of technical errors demonstrates the direct relationship between balance and skill accuracy

Results of the Control Group (Before and After Training) (Table 4).

Table 4: Results of the Control Group in the Technical Stability Test

Analysis of Results

• The control group did not record statistically significant differences

• This indicates that the regular program was not sufficient to improve reliability or reduce errors

Post-test comparison between the two groups (Table 5).

Table 5: Post-Test Differences between the Experimental and Control Groups

Comparative Analysis

• The experimental group's superiority was evident in all indicators

• The level of stability and accuracy improved significantly as a result of balance exercises

• The statistically significant differences confirm the validity of the research hypotheses

The results clearly reflect the impact of motor balance exercises on skill performance in table tennis:

• The decrease in cases of imbalance proves the program's effectiveness in enhancing motor control

• Performance accuracy improved due to improved physical stability during execution

• The immediate visual observation of stability after each exercise supported the self-learning mechanism

The results are consistent with the studies of Nada, 2021 and Obaid, 2023, which demonstrated that incorporating balance into training directly impacts the level of stability and accuracy.

In light of the statistical results and comparison between the two groups, the researcher reached the following conclusions:

• Motor balance exercises clearly and effectively contributed to reducing cases of imbalance during the execution of the quick shot among junior table tennis players

• The experimental group that underwent the balance program demonstrated statistical superiority in assessing technical stability and the number of errors compared to the control group

• There is a direct relationship between developing dynamic balance and improving the quality of quick strokes, particularly in stroke timing and ball direction

• The adopted program enabled players to improve their body awareness and control of different body positions during quick performances

• The study results support modern trends in training based on balance and neuromuscular control, especially in younger age groups

Recommendations

Based on the findings, the researcher recommends the following:

• Incorporating dynamic balance exercises into training modules for junior table tennis players

• Adopting methods to assess technical stability during skill performance using slow-motion video and cyclic motion analysis

• Designing training programs with progressive difficulty that target the muscles responsible for stability (such as the core muscles and small joints)

• Training coaches on how to employ balance exercises within the specialized part of the training module, not just during the warm-up phase

• Conducting similar research on other skills, such as short serve or lateral defense, to measure the relationship between balance and performance

• Expanding the use of balance aids (such as Bosu and Swiss balls) within youth player development centers

• Providing psychological support to young players and motivating them to be disciplined in training, to ensure maximum benefit from approved exercises

1. Abdul-Wahid, S. "Introduction to balanced motor training." Cairo: Dar Al-Fikr Al-Arabi, 2023.

2. Al-Alawi, K. "Neuromuscular stability in individual sports." Damascus: Dar Al-Yazouri, 2022.

3. Sami, N. "Offensive skills in table tennis." Amman: Dar Al-Ibdaa Publishing House, 2021.

4. Mohammed, K.J. et al. "The effect of colorful and varied visual skill exercises on the development of sensory perception and complex skill performance among futsal players." Retos, vol. 69, 2025, pp. 1226–1239.

5. Suisdareni, S. and Tomoliyus, T. "The effect of drill exercise and reaction speed on the drive accuracy of beginner table tennis athletes." Jurnal Keolahragaan, vol. 9, no. 2, 2021, pp. 231–237.

6. Ali, O. and Hamid, H. "Building of psychological directions parameter for Anbar Educational Directorate teachers for non-specialty towards practicing classroom and extracurricular activities." Anbar University Journal of Physical Sciences and Sports, vol. 12, no. 23, 2021, pp. 23–46. https://doi.org/10.37655/uaspesj.2021.175083

7. Fayyad, F.H. et al. "Building and legalizing a test to measure the level of football agility of young players." Retos, vol. 68, 2025, pp. 1578–1590. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v68.116368

Appendix 1: Stability assessment form during the fast shot execution

Appendix 2: Model of a training unit within the proposed program

.Balance on a Bosu without a ball, Perform quick strokes while balancing on a balance board, Stability on a Swiss ball with forehand strokes,  Complete all-round exercise with immediate video evaluation | Bosu ball + balance board + Swiss ball + table tennis + camera |, Activate deep muscles and stimulate the neuromuscular system, Improve control of the center of gravity, Enhance trunk and knee stability, Integrate balance with the actual stroke movement | 3 x 10, 3 x 15, 4 x 8, 2 x 10 | | Cooldown | 5 | Relaxation and stretching exercises for the involved muscles | — | Restore the body to its natural state after exertion | — |

Appendix (3): Illustrative images

(See Image 2: It shows the weight distribution on the feet and the bending of the knees.)

Image 1: Model for Executing a Quick Stroke from a Side Angle

Image 2: The Player’s Position while Executing the Quick hit using the Balance Board

(See Figure 3: Shows straight trunk and stable arm).

Image 3: A slow-Motion Video of the Moment of the Strike after the Balance Training