Match Analyses of Final Game of Men's Team European Championships 2014-Portugal vs. Germany

The aim of this study was performance analyses of Men's Team final European Championships 2014-Lisbon (Portugal vs. Germany). Strokes (stroke type, frequency, shot outcome. and placing area of winning shots) were analyzed in 255 played points. Service (outcome, placing area) and the return of service (stroke type and return outcome) were also analysed. Differences between variables of groups' winner/loser and Portuguese/German players were analysed with independent samples t-test (p > 0.05). The average number of strokes in point (without service) was 2.07 +/- 0.44, for winners 2.01 +/- 0.44, and losers 2.01 +/- 0.36. Statistically significant differences in result efficacy (winner/loser) were identified in service activities: return of service with forehand push (p = 0.010) which is more common in play of winners, while losers made more return errors (p = 0.021). Winners played more frequent forehand instead backhand strokes-63.7%/36.3%, instead losers 51.8%/48.2%, and had a higher percentage of ace and winning shots 21.1% (losers-17%) which they placed less in backhand zone. German players played more equally forehand/backhand (55.5%/44.5%), and place shots less in backhand, while the Portuguese were more oriented to forehand play (59.9%/40.1%), and used the more aggressive first attack with forehand topspin. In backhand play German players used more backhand flick, and control rally with backhand block, while Portuguese used more backhand drive or stay in point.