The effect of natural preferences on serving biomechanics: a new approach to the motor skills of tennis players

Kaies Deghaies,Cyril Brechbuhl,Cyrille Gindre,Thibault Lussiana,Jean Marc Duboscq,Caroline Martin,Pierre Touzard

doi:10.52383/itfcoaching.v29i84.201

Abstract

Research has demonstrated the existence of two 'natural preference' profiles in running. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the natural preferences of ground (with a "posterior and flexion" movement) and air (with an "anterior and extension" movement) on the ball speed and impact position during the service of 19 professional players. The results allow to propose a new reading grid of the service technique to consider the preferential motricity of each player while respecting the biomechanical principles

Highlights

The serve is the only tennis shot that does not depend directly on the opponent
Service performance is often measured by ball speed
The AER servers showed a higher take-off height and a higher maximum vertical hip velocity indicating a better ability to propel themselves upwards during the service due to their natural preference based on an extension pattern

Summary

Introduction

The serve is the only tennis shot that does not depend directly on the opponent. It allows the player to fully express his coordination. The quality of the service seems to be determined by mechanical principles independent of coordination This is the case for the height of the ball at contact (Vaverka & Cernosek, 2013). As height is a non-modifiable factor in players, it is possible to discuss the combined skills of balancing and aiming high at the ball (extension) to improve service performance. To investigate this issue in depth, it is interesting to consider the theory of natural preferences® highlighted in running (Gindre et al, 2016) (Lussiana et al, 2017)

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Discussion

Conclusion