The differences between a 40mm- and a 38mm-ball in physics as well as between an11- and a 21-point game format in theory have been extensively studied since the ITTF has reformed table tennis rules. In contrast, possible differences in playing techniques and game tactics have not been evaluated yet. Methods: In the present study, 38 international men`s singles playing with a 40mm ball and an 11 point format, and another 38 international men`s singles playing with a 38mm ball and a 21 point format were systematically assessed. The match analysis of the two types of the game concentrated on four categories: (1) game action (serve, return, offense, block, and so on), (2) stroke position, (3) stroke direction, and (4) stroke technique. The objectivity of the game observation system was determined by the common variance between the results of two independent observers, and Cohen`s kappa. Results: The common variance between the results of the two observers varied between 91.9 percent (robj =.96) for the stroke technique, and 97.4 percent (robj=.99) for the stroke position. Cohen`s kappa varied between .91 (technique) and .97 (stroke position). Except for the following three points, there was no difference in table tennis tactics between 40mm-ball/ 11-point match and 38mm-ball/ 21-point match : 1. The analysis of the game actions showed that the player`s return of the opponent`s serve was executed more conservatively in the 40mm-ball/11- point match than in the 38mm-ball/ 21-point match. That means that the return less often forced the opponent to use a defensive action (T=-2.39; p<0.05). The service with a long ball to the opponent`s backhand side was less used in the 40mm-ball/ 11-point match than in the 38mm-ball/ 21-point match (T=-3.38; p<0.01). 2. Concerning the stroke direction, the strike from the long forehand side to the long forehand side of the opponent was higher in the 40mm-ball/ 11-point match, than in the 38mm-ball/ 21-point match (T=2.09; p<0.05). In contrast, the rate of the strikes from the long forehand and backhand side into the direction close-to-the-body of the opponent was lower in 40mm-ball and 21-point games (T=-3.71, p<0.01; resp. T=-2.05, p<0.05). 3. The rates of the stroke techniques topspin (T=3.78; p<0.01) and attack (T=2.60; p<0.05) following the opponent`s topspin was increased in the 40mm-ball/ 11-point matches. Discussion: The introduction of 40mm-ball had changed the physical character of the ball speed and rotation. 11-points match had shortened the game time and accelerated the game rhythm. But the changes of these two aspects have led to only small changes in tactics. On the other hand, 11-points match could affect the mentality of the players more than the technique and tactics.
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