# Analysis of the importance and priority of male and female players in mixed doubles table tennis

## TL;DR

This study analyzes the roles and performance impact of male and female players in mixed doubles table tennis using a new model and finds that male players have a higher impact and a 'lady-first' strategy is effective.

## Contribution

A novel Five-Phase and Four-Mode Model is introduced to better analyze mixed doubles table tennis tactics.

## Key findings

- The new model aligns better with mixed doubles characteristics in phase segmentation, assessment indicators, and data acquisition.
- Male players have 1.3 times higher performance impact than female players, supporting a male-dominant dynamic.
- A 'lady-first' strategy is effective, with the female player serving and receiving first in key scenarios.

## Abstract

To examine the relative importance and tactical priorities of male and female players in mixed doubles table tennis, this study analysed 35 matches involving world top-50 ranked players. A novel Five-Phase and Four-Mode Model was eveloped and applied. Performance was then evaluated using multiple regression and total decision coefficient method. The results indicate that: (1) Compared to conventional methods, the proposed model demonstrates superior alignment with mixed doubles characteristics in three key dimensions: phase segmentation, assessment indicators, and data acquisition protocols. This methodological advancement significantly enhances the characterization of doubles-specific technical and tactical patterns. (2) Male players demonstrated a higher performance impact (1.3 times that of female players), which is consistent with empirically observed “male-dominant, female-supportive” dynamic in mixed doubles. (3) The “lady-first” strategy is confirmed as an effective match arrangement principle: during service round, the female player should serve first; in receiving scenarios, regardless of the server’s identity, the female player should be the primary receiver.