Analysis of Fundamental Table Tennis Skills Among Physical Education Students: A Descriptive Study of the 2020 Cohort at Universitas Syiah Kuala

Abstract

Background

Table tennis requires a combination of technical, physical, and cognitive skills, which are essential for students in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation (Penjaskesrek) programs. Preliminary observations during table tennis lectures for the 2020 cohort at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) indicated limited mastery of fundamental playing skills among students.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the level of fundamental table tennis skills among Penjaskesrek students of the 2020 cohort and to identify specific areas requiring improvement.

Methods

A descriptive quantitative approach was employed, using a basic table tennis skills test comprising six components: ball bouncing, forehand stroke, backhand stroke, service, smash, and defensive play. The population consisted of 122 students, and a purposive sample of 20 students was tested. Data were analyzed using mean scores and percentage distributions.  

Results

The ball-bouncing test showed the highest performance, with 60% of students achieving an “excellent” category. In contrast, forehand (35%), backhand (70%), defense (55%), and smash (65%) tests recorded high percentages in the “very poor” category. The service test showed moderate success, with 20% rated as “excellent.” The overall average score for the six tests was 1.75, with 24% of participants classified as “excellent.”

Conclusion

While certain fundamental skills such as ball bouncing and service are relatively well developed, most students demonstrated deficiencies in forehand, backhand, defensive, and smash techniques. The findings suggest the need for structured training programs, increased practice frequency, and enhanced motivation to improve the overall table tennis performance of Penjaskesrek students.