(PATT Notes is a periodically-issued table tennis discussion from The PATT Institute (www.ThePATTInstitute.com))

Circumstantial Shot Type Selection Hierarchy¹

A key principle in the PATT system of thought is the recognition of the highly circumstantial nature characterizing the dynamics of table tennis play.  The diversity of situations the player confronts has a daunting formidability, of such a degree as to challenge the adaptability skills of even the finest of players. 

To address this matter, PATT has devised the notion of the circumstantial shot type selection hierarchy.  Formally, it is defined as follows:

A hierarchy defining the range, from the most favorable to the least favorable, of shot types for a given circumstance based upon the elements of shot effectiveness. 

Each player has a set of types of shots she produces during play.  From this broad repertoire, a subset of shot types is used for each circumstance the player encounters.  What shot types are available for a given circumstance depends upon the sophistication of the player�s development.    

With the assistance of a coach, the player devises responses to each fundamental circumstance the player is confronted with during the dynamics of play.  These responses are defined by the player�s shot types.   Per circumstance, a hierarchy of these shot types is explicitly stated and formally trained in a controlled setting.  During play, the selection of an option within this hierarchy is prioritized by the relative degree of shot type effectiveness.   The more favorable the player�s relationship to the ball, the higher within the hierarchy the player may select her shot type.

The PATT term for each arrangement of this type is the circumstantial shot type selection hierarchy.

¹ Adapted from the book: PATT � A Principles Approach to Table Tennis