The present work examines how regulatory fit affects table tennis performance. We find a player`s adherence to their chosen tactic (offensive vs. defensive) to be a mediator of the observed fit effects. Expert table tennis players (N = 39) were given verbal instructions (i.e. regulatory frames), before they played 6 matches each; we created baseline, fit, and non-fit conditions with each player`s chronic regulatory focus. Results replicate previously found positive effects of regulatory fit on performance. We also find evidence for a novel mediator of this effect. Players under fit were more likely to adhere to their chosen tactic, which led to higher likelihood of winning the point.
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