The aims of the research were to (1) determine the values of kinematic parameters in two modifications of the topspin forehand stroke as well as the differences between them and (2) assess the inter-individual and intra-individual variability of the values. Two modifications of a topspin forehand were evaluated: topspin after a topspin ball (TF1) and topspin after a backspin ball (TF2). The MyoMotion Noraxon analysis system was used to record the kinematic data. A piezo-electric sensor was used to identify the moment when the ball made contact with the racket. The coefficient of variation determined the variability of the kinematic parameters. Most of the joint angles in four identified events reflected how the individual segments of a player's body should move. The difference in acceleration at the moment of contact between the two types of the topspin forehand was significant, but the variability of the acceleration values was small. Large variability in the angular parameters was found, and this result was considered a manifestation of different coordination patterns in the stroke movements. It is possible that even though the players used different methods of performing the movement, they obtained similar values for some parameters (e.g., acceleration), which should be taken into account by coaches. There were small differences in many parameters within individual players, which can indicate that a player performs tasks in a similar way each time. However, there was high variability in some angular parameters, indicating that the repetitions of particular strokes were not performed in an identical way. The reasons for this phenomenon include movement functionality and functional variability.

• The study demonstrates how the movements in individual segments of a player's body should be performed during two modifications of the topspin forehand in table tennis.

• The analysis of the variability in the angular parameters in the whole group showed high CV values, which was assumed to be indicative of large variability, and this result can be considered a manifestation of different coordination patterns in the stroke movements.

• Despite this difference in coordination, the players achieved very similar values of acceleration of the playing hand at the moment of contact in the same type of topspin. It can be concluded (according to the phenomenon of equifinality) that even though the players used different methods of performing the movement, they obtained similar values for some parameters, as shown for acceleration. From a practical point of view, the implication of the above findings include the necessity of individualized training programs.

• The difference in the values of acceleration at the moment of contact between the two types of topspin forehand was significant.

• The number of angular parameters with high variability in individual players indicated that the repetitions of particular strokes were not performed in an identical way. The reasons for this phenomenon include movement functionality and functional variability.