Masterful defense vs. rookie fumbles: How do expert air hockey champs on mobile reveal their skills through posture and touch?

Soltani, Pooya; H. P. Morice, Antoine

Abstract

We explored the relationships between expertise, in-game performance, posture, and screen interactions in mobile sports games. Twenty participants (10 experienced) played Disc-O, a turn-based air hockey game. Posture, phone holding style, play style, and screen metrics (displacement, velocity, touch size, pressure, and time to action) were compared. No significant associations were found between experience or performance and handedness, posture, holding style, or play style (p > 0.05). Experienced players performed better (p = 0.02) but showed no significant screen interaction differences compared to novices (p > 0.05). They reacted faster, with victors having smaller touch points, suggesting more precise motor control and efficient decision-making. The lack of posture and holding style differences suggests adaptability and potential for training interventions.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: 42nd International Society of Biomechanics in Sports Conference
• Start Date: Jul 15, 2024
• End Date: Jul 19, 2024
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Publication Date: Jul 15, 2024
• Deposit Date: Mar 18, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 42
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 870-873
• Keywords: esports, Athletic performance, Touch screen