ABSTRACT
In order to increase the attractiveness of table tennis and to win more people for this sport, the ITTF changed the table tennis rules in recent years. Since October 1st, 2000, the ball with a diameter of 40 mm is used and replaced the 38 mm ball. From September 1st, 2001 a new scoring system was introduced with the game ending with 11 instead of 21 points. The differences between a 40 mm and a 38 mm ball (Zhang and Wu, 2000; Tsuji and Muguruma, 2002; Iimoto, Yoshida and Yuza, 2002; Ishigaki, 2002; Takeuchi, Kobayasji, Hirua and Yuza, 2002) as well as between an 11 and a 21-point game format (Hammer, 2001) have been extensively studied. Possible differences in playing techniques and game tactics have not yet been evaluated.
