Introduction: During matches, an experienced table tennis player show a high level of performance and of efficiency, allowing him to answer to multiple needs of this sport (Guthrie, 1952, The Psychology of learning. New York : Harper et Row, p.136). Despite this fact, few studies deal with both of these characteristics and their evolution during training (Famose, 1990, Apprentissage moteur et difficulté de la tâche, INSEP, p.181). The goal of this study is to show that performance (% of success) and efficiency (heart rate at the end of the exercise, HREXO), achieving three tasks with incremental constraints, depend on players practice level. Method: 21 players, divided into 3 groups based on their federal classification (National, Regional and Not Classified), execute three tasks of increasing difficulty : a series of forehand drives (FH) without lateral movements (T1); a series of FH and backhand (BH) with lateral movements (T2); same situation as in T2 combined with the constraint of hitting a 21 cm diameter target (T3). All the tasks are performed during 60 seconds with a 60 balls per minute rate. HREXO is measured through a cardiofrequencemeter (Polar Accurex Plus). ANOVA tests with factors Practice Level and Test, with repeated measures on Test, were carried out on the % of success and on HREXO. Main results: As concerning performance, a significant main effect is found for Practice Level (66% National versus 52% Regional and 46% Not Classified; F(2,36)=12,845, p<.0001) and Test (61% for T1 and T2 versus 37% for T3; F(2,36)=73,974, p<.0001) factors. ANOVA on HREXO revealed a significant main effect for Test factor (T1 = 146 bpm, versus T2 = 165 bpm, and T3 = 170 bpm; F(2,36)=31,966, p<.0001) while Practice Level factor doesn`t show to be significant (p=ns). Conclusion: Results reveal that, maintaining an equivalent level of efficiency (HREXO doesn`t change with Practice Level), training leads table tennis players to a higher level of performance (experts show a higher level of performance than other players). The unchanged HR EXO between T2 and T3 could be explained though the use of "diverted" strategies by Regional and Not Classified players. These strategies allow to reduce energetic implication level of players faced with velocity and accuracy constraints. Simplified tasks strategies, in terms of action on the ball and body shifts, are associated with compensatory movements typical at lower practice level players. This study reveals an interesting way for trainers to obtain reliable indicators, allowing them to establish an evolution in training exercises based on balls frequency suited to players practice level. * This study was supported by the French Table Tennis Federation
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