Biomechanics of tennis

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An Investigation Into How Biomechanical Analysis and Research Has Aided Research and Development In Racquet Sports

Introduction

Until the 170's virtually all tennis racquets were made of wood with leather grips. Typically, the racquets were 7 inches in length, had a head size of about 65 square inches and weighed about 1 ounces. Manufactoring innovations have radically changed the racquet in modern tennis. The modern racquet is larger in both head length and head width. It is also considerably lighter, less flexable and made of new materials such as graphite and Kevlar.

Biomechanics has also influenced the development of the strings, tennis ball, injury reduction and stroke production.Order Custom Essay on biomechanics of tennis

Biomechanics of stroke production

When you watch more proficient young tennis players compeating you can see quite clearly that the style of tennis strokes has changed. Over a period of time the classic, smooth flowing ground strokes that were displayed by the tennis champions of the first two thirds of this century has been replaced. Todays game emphaasizes power from the baseline and the ability to end the point with a single swing anytime the opponent is slightly out of position. The "power" enphesis in the game has evolved shots such as the now dominent overhead serve originating from the clasic underarm serve. It is possible that stroke mechanics are a direct result of the changes in racquet technology, (Brody 00)

Adopting a kinesiological anaalysis approach to tennis strokes (elliot et al;17) identified two major strategies of coordination used in tennis, shown in table 1 below.

He concluded that in strokes where power is required for example in a service or groundstroke a number of body segments must be coordinted in such a way that a high racquet speed is generated at impact. Where precision is needed the performer must reduce the number of segments and move segments more as a unit for example a volley at the net.

Recent studies on the serve (Elliot et al.,15) and the forehand drive (Elliot et al 17) have provided coaches with an appreciation of the role of individual segments in developing racquet velocity illustrated in table below.

The above table shows that the number of segments if coordinated correctly leads to an effective stroke. However this research must be treated carefully since the calculations does not acknowledge the roles of other body segments. For example the legs in the service play an important role prior to impact, while others can act in a way that enable other segments to operate more effectlively.

As (W.Ben Kibler states) the high percentage attributed to the upper arm in part reflects the energy transferred up the kinetic chain from the lower extremities and trunk. This again emphasises the importance of the other body segmants as well as the shoulder, arm and hand in playing a shot.

A Longer Back-swing?

Biomechanical research has also aided in the evolution of a longer backswing of the racquet before ball contact. The main reason for having a backswing is to increase the distance over which velocity can be developed during the forward swing. In groundstrokes it was commonly taught that 'the racquet should be pointed at the back fence' (Hohm, J et al.,187), Whereas today advanced players frequently rotate the racquet 45 degrees beyond this point for the forehand (Elliot et al., 18, Takahashi et al., 16) and 0 degrees beyond this point ("parallel with the back fence") for a backhand groundstroke (Elliot et al., 18).

The tendaancy to keep the racquet behind yet away from the back in the service action or to position the racquet passed the hitting shoulder in preperation for a volley at the service line are further evidence of players increasing the distance of the forward swing to impact.

The Use of Elastic Energy

Research has shown in a stretch shorten cylcle of movement elastic energy stored during the eccentric phase of action (lenghening) is partially recovered such that the concentric phase (shortening) is enhanced. This is also supported by the fact that the concentric action begins with the appropriate muscles under higher tension than could be created purely concentrically. Research by (Wilson, G.J et al,.11) has shown that the benefit to performance from these two factors is critical for success in tennis.

Examples from selected strokes are

Service

A coaching point in maximising power in the serve is the timing of the 'leg drive' with the racquet preperation. The eccentric stretch of the shoulder muscles is maximised by a vigorous 'leg drive' that is combined with the effects of gravity and the inertia of the racquet. The off centre 'leg drive' also helps to rotate the trunk forward (flexion, shoulder over shoulder and rotation) in preparation for impact.

Groundstrokes

Rotation of the shoulders greater than the hips and the positioning of the upper limb relative to the trunk during the backswing phase of these strokes, place appropriate muscles on stretch. In the backhand groundstroke this is why the racquet is parallel to the baseline in preparation for the forward swing.

In conclusion biomechanics is a key area in coach education and player development because all tennis strokes have a fundamental mechanical sructure. Successful performance of the tennis strokes is greatly affected by the technique the player employs. A coach who understands the key mechanical features of a stroke, can analyse movement will provide the best opportunity for optimal player development.

Tennis Racquet Strings

One of the factors that determined the overall performance of a tennis racquet, and one that can be selected by the player, is the string tension (Groppel et al.187; Bower & Sinclair 1; Knudson17; Cross 000). Since string tension is a factor in determing performance outcome biomechanical reseach in this area is quite extensive.

The effect Of String Tension

The variables affected in the formulas for string tension are dwell time and coefficient of restitution. Dwell time has been identified as the length of time the ball stays on the strings. Coefficient of restitution is the measure of the elaticity of the collision between the ball and the raquet. High coefficient of restitution produces a more elastic and livelier bounce.

Longer dwell time means lower torque and impulse reaction on impact, which means better accuracy. Dwell time decreases with increasing string tension, which has a negative effect on performance accuracy. After a point as string tension increases, coefficient of restitution goes down. Lower coefficient of restituion means higher

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