Spin, Speed and Strategy

A Mathematical Guide to Table Tennis
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-3-032-25517-4
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 176 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm

Reihe: Mathematical Engineering

This book presents a cohesive exploration of table tennis through the Table Tennis Notation System (TTNS), a physics-grounded framework that encodes strokes, serves, tactics and entire rallies using binary codes and symbolic notation. It shows how complex ball–bat interactions, governed by mechanics, spin and energy transfer, can be captured with precision, enabling meaningful comparison of playing styles and revealing the underlying logic of the sport.

The text moves from the engineering of blades, rubbers and ball behaviour to the dynamics of rhythm, spin, speed and tactical interaction, before extending these ideas into coded representations of play. It then develops practical applications in coaching, training, performance analysis and artificial intelligence.

The result is an integrated framework that links mechanical execution to strategic intent, offering players, coaches, analysts and researchers a clear and systematic understanding of the game ’s blend of power, touch, control, creativity and strategy.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Ji, Xiu

Fachgebiete

• Technische Wissenschaften Technik Allgemein Mathematik für Ingenieure

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1 Introduction.- Chapter 2 Impact Mechanics: The Origin of Speed and Spin.- Chapter 3 Trajectory Dynamics: Flight, Drag, and Magnus Effect.- Chapter 4 Strokes, Serves, and Tactics.- Chapter 5 Dialectical Understanding of the Attributes.- Chapter 6 A Discrete Framework for Table Tennis Analysis.- Chapter 7 Quantifying Tactical Strategy.- Chapter 8 Encoding the Essential Strokes.- Chapter 9 Encoding the Essential Serves.- Chapter 10 Variation in Play: The Physics of Disruption.- Chapter 11 Match Analysis via Layered Decomposition.- Chapter 12 Interpreting the Game as a System.

Über Autor(innen)

Dr. Xiu Ji holds a BEng in Mechanical Engineering, an MEng in Cybernetics, and a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence. She is a senior lecturer in Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she teaches across Physics, Mathematics, Control Engineering Systems, the Internet of Things, and advanced topics in Industry 4.0, including PROFIBUS and PROFINET automation systems.

Dr. Ji is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the UK Engineering Council, and a Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (MIET). Her academic career combines engineering practice with innovative teaching and research, and she has led modules ranging from engineering mathematics to large-scale group design projects. Her expertise spans the integration of artificial intelligence with engineering education