Abstract
A new and unique mobile, hanging, tennis backboard prototype (HTB) has been developed to aid players in practicing tennis independent of other players. An examination of existing return mechanics from stand alone backboards, such as the popular Tennis PartnerTM and Miracle TennisTM, were conducted and it was determined that slow, near shot returns and quick, far shot returns were required. In addition, it was determined that to utilize space in tennis court more efficiently, the device must be capable of being installed on chain link fences typically found in such courts. While chain link fences are strong enough to withstand rebounding forces, their slightly flexible, interwoven characteristics make them a challenging substrate to anchor a backboard. This case study examined the engineering steps taken to overcome these challenges and allow the prototype to perform returns reliably.
Highlights
Various forms of tennis backboards are currently being used as independent training tools for recreational, as well as professional tennis players around the world (Annapragada 2016; McTavish 2010; Chang and Moore 2005; Hutchins 2015)
The Great Base BackboardTM is a stand-alone backboard with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic frame that does not adjust
A single case study was conducted mainly to examine the engineering steps taken to develop a working prototype of a portable hanging tennis backboard - along with the various challenges encountered during fabrication and field testing
Summary
Various forms of tennis backboards are currently being used as independent training tools for recreational, as well as professional tennis players around the world (Annapragada 2016; McTavish 2010; Chang and Moore 2005; Hutchins 2015). Many backboards can be purchased online from sites such as Amazon.comTM and Alibaba.comTM These sites often provide product images, specifications and a customer feedback area that can, in some instances, include insights that relates to their reliability. The Tennis PartnerTM is a stand-alone, practice backboard that includes a tubular steel frame with curved top rails and a center angle adjustment. The Miracle TennisTM is an adjustable, stand-alone backboard with center angle adjustments While it is very lightweight, some of the thin-walled components may be prone to reliability issues after prolonged use. The XK Sports Tennis RebounderTM is a non-adjustable, stand-alone backboard with tubular metal frame. While some of these research did examine adjustable angles for various returns stand alone backboards, no previous studies were found that investigated the performance of portable backboards that can be unrolled and installed upon a plurality of tennis court fences. The article reports on some of the challenges encountered during the process of allowing the prototype to perform returns reliably
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