Objective: The comparison of body morphology between male first and second team athletes during the Paris Olympic cycle is to provide reference for scientific training and selection of table tennis players. Methods: A total of 67 male athletes from the national table tennis team were selected for body shape testing. The test parameters included height, weight, upper limb length, lower limb length, upper arm circumference, relaxed upper arm circumference, achilles tendon relaxation length, arm span, Quetelet index, BMI, upper arm tension/relaxation circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Independent sample T-tests were used to analyze differences in body shape characteristics between different skill levels and playing styles. Results: Male first team athletes exhibited significantly higher values in body weight, ketoretic index, BMI, upper arm circumference, relaxed upper arm circumference, and Achilles tendon length compared to male second team(P<0.01). The upper arm circumference of the male first team player's grip hand was significantly greater than that of the non-grip hands. Chopping skill defensive players had significantly greater height, right upper limb length, both lower limb length and arm span than the non-chopping players (P<0.05). Conclusion: Elite male table tennis players in China should maintain a well-proportioned height and weight with broad shoulders, slightly longer arms, prominent achilles tendons, and other morphological characteristics. Additionally, chopping skill defensive players has to be taller. |