Female Tennis Players Research Articles

Speaking Pictures, Silent Voices: Female Athletes and the Negotiation of Selfhood

Combining Mikhail Bakhtin’s (1990) theoretical position on Architectonics and Erving Goffman’s (1979) writings on visual content analysis, the aim of this paper is to explore how female athletes are caught in a complex matrix of power, post – feminist neoliberalism, and self – presentation. The visual images they choose to portray are, therefore, perfect for determining how this cohort of women negotiates social discourses around identity and femininity. Appropriating the Bakhtinian notion of architectonic unity, not only provides an alternative theoretical lens for enquiries concerning the body, identity, and selfhood, but also initiates some thought provoking questions around neoliberal feminism and ‘new femininity.’ This paper advances on previous research by exemplifying how Serena Williams (considered the greatest female tennis player of all time) combines both her femininity and strong physicality to self – shape a myth – like persona, setting her apart from traditional stereotypes of femininity and ‘femaleness.’

Effects of passive, active, and mixed playing strategies on external and internal loads in female tennis players.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different playing strategies on external and internal loads in female tennis players during match play. Also, the underlying effects on the technical-tactical actions and activity profiles were examined. Twelve well-trained female players (age: 25±5 years; maximum oxygen uptake: 40.9±4.3 ml/kg/min) played points against an opponent of similar ability outdoors on red-clay courts. The players played points over five playing conditions. Before each condition, the players were instructed to apply either a passive, an active, or their own playing strategy (free play) to succeed. The five conditions were played in a randomized order, whereas the condition with the own strategy was always played first and served as control. During play, the external and internal loads were investigated by 10 Hz global positioning system, 100 Hz inertial measurement unit, short-range telemetry, capillary blood, and visual analog scale procedures. A 25 Hz video camera was used to examine the technical-tactical actions and activity profiles. Compared to the control condition, the passive, active, and mixed playing strategy conditions induce up to large effects on the external loads (running distances with high acceleration and deceleration), up to moderate effects on the internal loads (energy expenditures spent with high metabolic power, lactate concentration, and rating of effort), and up to very large effects on the technical-tactical actions (number of ground strokes and errors) and activity profiles (strokes per rally, rally duration, work to rest ratio, and effective playing time). Our study shows that passive, active, and mixed playing strategies have an impact on the external and internal loads, technical-tactical actions, and activity profiles of female tennis players during match play. This finding should be considered for practical purposes like match analyses and training procedures in the tennis environment.

Longitudinal development of 5m sprint performance in young female tennis players

ABSTRACT Sprint performance over short distances is a central component in young tennis players’ development. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal development of sprint performance in young female tennis players, and to investigate differences between performance levels. Also potentially explanatory variables were investigated. Female tennis players aged 10–15 (N = 167) participated in a, mixed-longitudinal study (n = 48 elite; n = 119 sub-elite). Players were measured annually on the 5 m sprint as well as for possible explaining variables for 5 m sprint performance development (age, height, body mass, maturity status, lower limb explosive strength). Multilevel analysis was used to obtain a developmental model. Moreover, it was possible to predict sprint performance (5 m) based on chronological age, body size given by height, and lower limb strength performance (p < .05). Significant different developmental patterns were found for elite and sub-elite players, with elite players aged 10–14 being faster. After age 14, no significant differences were found in sprint performance between elite and sub-elite players (p > . 05). Sprint performance is an important characteristic of young female tennis players and seemed to depend on growth and maturation in parallel to physical fitness.

Gender Differences in Kinematic Parameters of Topspin Forehand and Backhand in Table Tennis.

Background: The identification of gender differences in kinematics and coordination of movement in different body segments in sports may improve the training process by emphasizing the necessity of its differentiation, and consequently individualization, developing, and improving the technique in women and men. Indicating differences can also help in determining the risk of injury in order to prevent from them by diversifying training programs. However, there is no information regarding this problem in the existing literature pertaining to table tennis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in the values of selected angular and kinematic parameters during topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots between male and female table tennis players. Methods: Six male and six female advanced table tennis players performed topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots, both receiving a backspin ball. The angular parameters in four events (ready position, backswing, maximum acceleration, and forward) at chosen joints as well as the maximal acceleration of the playing hand were measured, using the myoMotion system, and were compared between male and female players. Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in the magnitude of angular parameters and maximum hand acceleration between men and women. The movement pattern of topspin strokes performed by men takes into account, more than that in the case of women, movements that use large muscle groups and large joints (hip joints, trunk joints, shoulder joints in extension, and flexion). The difference in the values of maximal acceleration reached almost 50 m/s2 in topspin forehand (p < 0.01) and 20 m/s2 in backhand (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Differentiation of movement patterns can be a manifestation of movement optimization due to anthropological differences and limitations. The differences in the values of maximal acceleration suggest that women could use both sides to perform a topspin attack against the backspin ball, while men should seek opportunities to make a stronger shot with a forehand topspin.

Effect of physical training on gender difference in trained personal

Many controlled studies and neurological studies demonstrate that men and women are physically and mentally different. The purpose of this study is to find out whether there is any gender difference in respiratory capacity between trained athletes of both gender. This study was conducted at Kolkata (Serampore area), West Bengal, India. The subject was trained table tennis players of age group was 14 – 17 years. Significant differences have been found in height (cm), W/H ratio and PIF (l/s) between male and female lawn tennis players and all these values are significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in male than female players. Greater mean height in trained male than female tennis player of same age range is advantageous for male. This might be due to their own growth pattern under the influences of different specific hormones which is not considered in this study. Higher centrally located fats in trained male than female tennis player in this age range might be due to less affectivity of physical training in male. Higher central fat distribution may hinder different lung capacities by influencing abdominal cavity. Higher peak inspiratory flow in trained male than female tennis player indicates inspiratory muscles are more powerful in male player of this age range. So, it can be concluded from this study that gender differences in lung capacities can be minimized by proper training load in female trained player at least in 14-17 years age range. This study also claimed that stature is not only the decisive factor for differences in lung capacities in male and female trained tennis player of 14-17 years age range. Body composition, central fat distribution, active inspiratory muscles and proper physical training have definite role in improving lung capacities of trained male and female tennis player.

Bilateral Forearm And Elbow Pain - Tennis

HISTORY: A 75 year-old female tennis player was referred for bilateral elbow pain with suspected lateral epicondylitis. She noted 3 months of pain in her left more than right ventral forearms with radiation into her lateral elbows as well as posterior bilateral shoulder pains. The forearm pain was constant and worsened by single backhand with tennis, lifting weights. She reported reduced grip strength and her racquet falling out of her hands. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: Cervical range of motion was within functional limits. Elbow examination showed full active and passive range of motion, minimal tenderness along lateral epicondyle and just distal at tendinous origin, and no pain with resisted wrist extension and middle finger extension. She had finger extension weakness without pain bilaterally 3/5 and otherwise motor testing was 5/5 C5-T1 myotomes. Sensation was intact in C5-T1 dermatomes bilaterally. Reflexes were 2+ and symmetric of biceps and brachioradialis and 3+ at the triceps bilaterally. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Bilateral lateral epicondylitis 2. Cervical spine stenosis with myelopathy 3. Posterior interosseous neuropathy TEST AND RESULTS: Cervical Spine anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs: - Grade 2 anterolisthesis of C7 on T1 is seen with bilateral pars fracture of C7. Moderate multilevel degenerative disc disease. MRI of the Cervical Spine without Contrast: - Advanced facet arthropathy at C7-T1. Anterolisthesis of C7 on T1 causing moderate/severe spinal stenosis with mild cord deformity. Severe bilateral foraminal stenosis at this level. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Cervical central spine stenosis with myelopathy TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. Neurosurgery referral recommended urgent C7-T1 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion followed by C5-T2 posterior spinal fusion 2. She was placed in hard cervical collar at all times and surgery was performed 1 week after neurosurgery evaluation 3. At 1 week postoperative, patient felt 80% improvement in pain in forearms and elbows along with subjectively improved grip strength 4. She continued the hard cervical collar until repeat radiographs at 6 weeks post surgery. 5. Patient was instructed to avoid playing tennis. She was also informed to avoid bending, twisting of her neck or lifting greater than 5 pounds until further evaluation in 6 week visit.

Habitual and ready positions in female table tennis players and their relation to the prevalence of back pain.

BackgroundThe current body of knowledge shows that there is very little research into the occurrence and scale of asymmetry or postural defects in table tennis. It is interesting which regions of the spine are exposed to the greatest changes in the shape of its curvatures and whether the asymmetrical position of the shoulder and pelvic girdles in table tennis players changes when adopting the ready position. Consequently, can overload occur in certain parts of the spine and can the asymmetry deepen as a response of adopting this position? The reply to these questions may be an indication of the need for appropriate compensatory or corrective measures. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of body position during play on the change in the shape of anterior–posterior spinal curvatures and trunk asymmetry in table tennis players.MethodsTo evaluate body posture the photogrammetric method based on the Moiré phenomenon with equipment by CQ electronic was applied. The study involved 22 female players practicing competitive table tennis (the age of 17 ± 4.5, with the average training experience of 7 ± 4.3 years, body mass of 47.8 ± 15.8, and body height of 161.2 ± 10.4). Each participant completed an author’s own questionnaire on spinal pain. The shape of curvatures in the sagittal and frontal plane was evaluated in the participant in the habitual standing position and in the table tennis ready position. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and the significance of differences was tested using the Mann–Whitney U test.Results and ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the dominance of kyphotic body posture in table tennis players, which can be caused by many hours of using the ready position during playing. After adopting this position, there are significant differences in the angles of anterior and posterior spinal curvatures compared to the habitual posture. This may be the cause of overloads and pain complaints reported by the study participants. Adopting the ready position is also associated with an increase in asymmetry in the position (rotation) of the pelvis and spinous processes (frontal plane). Therefore, training programs should be extended with exercises that relieve the spine in the vertical line and exercises that improve symmetry of the work of the upper limbs, body trunk muscles and the pelvis.

The influence of body language and expected competency on gaze behaviour while forming an impression of a tennis player

ABSTRACT Cues conveyed by an athlete’s appearance and reputational information provided prior to an encounter have independently been shown to influence the impression perceivers form of others. Underpinning this process, it is not known how a target’s (a) body language, (b) gender or (c) reputation may influence where a perceiver fixates their gaze when an individual comes into view. Participants (N = 106) randomly observed a male or female tennis player appearing on a monitor displaying positive or negative body language having been provided with that player’s recent win/loss record. Eye tracking recorded gaze behaviour in the first 5 s after the player came into view. After segmentation of the player into six areas of interest, MANCOVA at p < .05 showed a clear preference for perceivers to direct their gaze towards the player’s head region. Body language and player gender influenced distribution of gaze per region of interest, but this was largely unaffected by reputational information. This work indicates that the head region accounts for the largest proportion of gaze when individuals form judgements of opponents in a tennis setting. The balance of where observers look when forming these judgements is influenced by the gender of the player being observed and the body language being displayed.

Tennis influencers: The player effect on social media engagement and demand for tournament attendance

Understanding the interest of sports fans in professional tennis has valuable operational and marketing implications for tournament organisers, marketeers, player sponsors and the media. In sports, professional tennis in particular, the player effect on social media user engagement is still elusive. Using data from the 2019 Australian Open grand slam period, the authors examine Adler’s (1985) theoretical construct in the context of sports and social media. A social listening tool is used to probe more than 2 million posts and comments mentioning elite male and female tennis players on four major social media channels: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, over the grand slam period. It is shown that the effect of professional tennis players on social media user engagement extends beyond their talent. A selection of players had a strong positive impact on prompting social media activity, even after accounting for factors related to their performance, the tournament rounds in which they were featured and the opponents against whom they played. Furthermore, the connection between social media research and sports economics is considered by examining the relationship between a player’s effects on social media engagement and her/his differential influence on demand for tickets at the Australian Tennis Open. The authors further discuss how the social media star influence can be used, in combination with other quantitative measures, to optimise tennis tournament scheduling, determine player appearance fees and lift participation in the sport.

Mid-life Chinese women’s understandings of sporting pain and injury: A non-Western cultural analysis via the Confucian concept of ‘ren’

This study explored middle-aged Chinese female table tennis players’ experiences of pain and injuries in the context of life in a foreign country (New Zealand). Data were collected in two table tennis clubs via a year-long participant observation study and through life-story interviews. The Confucian concept of ren, which has similarities to new-materialist theorising, was drawn upon to frame our interpretations of the participants’ experiences of pain and injury. The concept encourages individuals who have been raised in Chinese communities to value social connections, have sympathy for others and strive for harmony. Our study correspondingly examined how aspects of age, gender, culture, immigrant identity and Confucian philosophy interlink to shape experiences of table tennis pain and injury. Results illustrated that our participants were willing to tolerate moderate pain during participation as they were motivated to enhance community solidarity. In contrast to studies that have examined ageing athletes from western countries, our participants did not tolerate pain with the desire to prove one’s individual capability. This study contributes to a non-Western cultural reading of sports pain and injury to illustrate how broader cultural dynamics shape such experiences.

REASONS FOR TENDING TOWARDS TO TENNIS AND THE REALIZATION LEVELS OF EXPECTATIONS OF AMATEUR TENNIS PLAYERS FROM TENNIS – THE CASE OF DİYARBAKIR PROVINCE, TURKEY

The purpose of this research was to determine the factors encourage female and male amateur tennis players in Diyarbakir for tennis; reasons and expectations of them about tennis. The population consisted of almost 250 tennis players in Diyarbakir Province. The research sample was limited by entirely 121 randomly selected amateur tennis players (39 female, and 82 male) who interest in tennis at Dicle University and participated in the Diyarbakir Kayapinar municipality tennis tournament. The survey used in the study was developed by Sunay et al., in 2006. This Likert scaled survey consisted of 4 parts. The 1st part of the survey included demographic information; the 2nd part of the survey consisted of expectations from tennis sport; the 3rd chapter of the same survey asks the reasons for interesting in tennis in an amateur way; finally, the factors encourage for tennis sport can be seen in the 4th part. T-test and ANOVA tests were applied to determine whether the difference between the comments of participators related to gender, marital status, age, and educational background. Pearson Correlation test was applied to specify the relationship between groups and variables. For study findings, expectations of amateur tennis players in Diyarbakir toward being a coach and popular athlete are at a high level; the effect of physical education teachers and mass communication such as television and media organs is very few in tending towards to tennis. Also, it is revealed that thoughts about making money and leading a good life become prominent as a reason for interesting in tennis. Article visualizations:

The Regression Modelling of Kinanthropometric and Kinematic Variables in Relation to Ball Velocity of Nigerian Female Tennis Players

The Regression Modelling of Kinanthropometric and Kinematic Variables in Relation to Ball Velocity of Nigerian Female Tennis Players

Change of Direction Performance in Young Tennis Players: A Comparative Study Between Sexes and Age Categories.

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Del Coso, J, Areces, F, Gallo-Salazar, C, and Sanz-Rivas, D. Change of direction performance in young tennis players: a comparative study between sexes and age-categories. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1426-1430, 2022-The aim of this study was to examine the differences in linear sprint, change of direction (COD) performance, and COD deficit in a large sample of under-13 (U13) and under-15 (U15) male and female tennis players. One hundred and twenty-eight junior tennis players grouped into 2 age-groups (U13 years [32 boys and 28 girls] and U15 [36 boys and 32 girls]) participated in this study. Tests included anthropometric measurements, sprints (5-, 10- and 20-m), and a modified version of the 505 COD test. The differences in performance between age-categories and sex were assessed via an independent t-test. The differences in the physical tests between U13 and U15 players were tested using a univariate analysis, with age and anthropometric variables as covariates. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated for pairwise comparisons. Results showed that boys presented lower 20-m sprint times than girls in the U13 (ES: 0.54; p < 0.05), and lower linear sprint (5-20-m) and COD times than girls in the U15 category (ES varying from 0.67 to 1.60; p < 0.05). Comparing age-groups, U15 girls demonstrated a higher COD deficit than the U13 (p < 0.05), whereas no differences were found in the other variables. In boys, no significant differences were observed in any variable when comparing both categories. These results could be of great interest for coaches and researchers involved in the development and training of elite tennis players, suggesting the need to include strategies able to improve sprint and COD performance throughout the players' specialization process.

Rutinas de concentración en tenistas de nivel intermedio

El objetivo de la investigación fue estructurar rutinas de concentración en los tenistas de nivel intermedio de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH) para aplicarlas antes, durante y después de un partido o entrenamiento. La investigación es de nivel descriptivo, exploratorio, bibliográfico de campo. Se aplicó el método deductivo con enfoque cuali cuantitativo. La muestra fue intencional con el total de la población 16 tenistas varones y 4 mujeres que se encuentran entre los 18 y 23 años de edad. Se realizó un diagnóstico inicial mediante el test tennis routines self-assessment, después se realizó la intervención psicológica con la estructuración de rutinas de concentración específicas para cada uno de los jugadores. Los datos fueron registrados, tabulados, analizados e interpretados y permitieron conocer que la aplicación de las rutinas de concentración se convierte en un elemento clave de la adecuada utilización del tiempo de no juego en los tenistas de la ESPOCH.

The relationship between grip styles and musculoskeletal injuries in table tennis players in Lagos, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Background: Table tennis is a high skill sport that requires athletes to make accurate judgments. It involves explosive, repeated movements that involve hitting the ball, thus subjecting the musculoskeletal system to risks of overuse injuries. Grip styles in table tennis, which is the way players hold the racquet has been reported to affect injury predisposition. Aims: The aim of this study determine the dominant grip styles among table tennis players in Nigeria and how they predispose to musculoskeletal injuries. Setting and Design: This was cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: This study involved 108 professional and recreational male and female (M = 71, F = 37) table tennis players with at least 6 months playing experience from selected sports clubs in Lagos state, Nigeria. An adapted questionnaire from the Badminton Injury Questionnaire and the Tennis Injury Questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the association between variables was determined using Chi-square and the level of statistical significance was set at P 0.05) between the different grip styles and the prevalence of injury. The personal grip style was, however, significantly (P

A Study on quantification and application of serve ball speed and spin rate in Japanese female paralympian wheelchair tennis player

A Study on quantification and application of serve ball speed and spin rate in Japanese female paralympian wheelchair tennis player

Sporting Women and Social Media: Sexualization, Misogyny, and Gender-Based Violence in Online Spaces

This study investigated gender-based violence targeting high-profile women in virtual environments through the case of women’s tennis. Using a netnographic approach and the lens of third-wave feminism, 2 popular social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter) were analyzed to examine social commentary and fan interaction surrounding the top-5-seeded female tennis players during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Athletes were exposed to violent interactions in a number of ways. Four themes were identified through data analysis: threats of physical violence, sexualization that focused on the female physical appearance, sexualization that expressed desire and/or proposed physical or sexual contact, and sexualization that was vile, explicit, and threateningly violent in a sexual or misogynistic manner. Findings demonstrate how social media provides a space for unregulated gender-based cyberhate targeting high-profile women in their workplace in a way that traditional sport media does not.

Competitive activity of elite female tennis players on courts with different cover types

The purpose is to identify and compare the indicators of external parameters of load experienced by elite fe- male tennis players during competitive matches on courts with various covers. Methods and organization of the research. We used the following methods of research: 1) educational observa- tion using stenographic record of each shot and timing of each point; 2) methods of mathematical statistics. The recording of competitive matches was held at Grand Slam tournaments and at other major international competitions played on courts with "slow" and "fast" cover. We recorded and analyzed 53 matches. It was im- portant to solve two problems – to get quantitative indicators of external parameters of load experienced by elite female athletes during matches on courts with various covers and to compare them. In order to have the right to compare, it was necessary to make sure that there was no difference in the excellence level of female tennis players who took part in the competition. For this purpose, we calculated the rating of pairs and the difference of player ratings in each pair. We selected the pairs with no significant excellence difference who took part in the same tournaments with various court covers. We selected 20 matches on each cover type. Research results. Comparative analysis of obtained data resulted in identification of significant difference of all indicators of external parameters of load experienced during matches on "fast" and "slow" courts. Conclusion. The authors come to the conclusion that the study results can be used in adjustment of training process plans for athletes during preparation for tournaments on "fast" and "slow" covers at the stages of sport perfection and sport excellence, in lectures for sport university students and coaches at advanced training courses, and in writing qualification papers.

Age and sex-related upper body performance differences in competitive young tennis players.

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to analyze the shoulder functional profile of young male and female tennis players and to establish the relationship among physical variables and serve speed.MethodsA total of 128 Spanish tennis players (Under-13 (n = 32/32 males/females) and Under-15 (n = 36/28 males/females), were tested during National training camps. Tests included passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, medicine ball throws (MBT), and serve speed. Age and sex pairwise comparisons were carried using the Hedges’ g index (dg).ResultsResults showed age and sex effects on serve speed and all MBT, with males showing greater changes (1.51≤dg≤1.98) with age than females (0.92≤dg≤1.35; p<0.05). U15 males showed higher (p<0.05) absolute shoulder IR and ER strength than U13, with only significant differences between males and females in the U15. Regarding ROM, U15 males showed a decreased IR ROM compared to U13 (dg = -0.84; p<0.05) and higher significant IR bilateral deficit (dg = 0.51; p<0.05). The distances obtained in the different MBT were the variables more correlated to serve speed.ConclusionThe present results suggest that shoulder strength, medicine ball throws and serve speed increased along with age in young elite tennis players of both sexes. However, a decreased range of motion and bilateral deficit for glenohumeral internal rotation is evident in male under-15 tennis players. Muscle strength, power and shoulder range of motion are key factors for serve speed in young tennis players.

The Plantar Pressure Analysis of Open Stance Forehand in Female Tennis Players

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze plantar pressure during the open stance forehand (OSF) in female tennis players. Methods: Seven female players executed the tennis forehand technique with open stance in the biomechanical laboratory. A portable pressure insole system was adopted to collect mean pressure (MP), peak pressure (PP), force (F), pressure-time integral (PTI) and contact area (CA) in 7 regions of the feet. Independent sample T-test was used to analyze the difference among these parameters. Results: F, PP in the first phalangeal region (BT) and the remaining four toe regions (OT) of the right foot (RF) were both larger than the left foot (LF); F in the fourth and fifth metatarsophalangeal joint (M4-5), the middle foot region (MF), hind foot region（HF）and PP in M4-5 of LF were significantly greater than the same region in RF; MP in BT and OT of RF showed significantly higher pressure than LF. While MP among areas of M4-5 and HF of LF was significantly greater than RF; PTI, CA in OT, M4-5 and MF of RF were significantly higher than LF while M1, M2-3, M4-5 and MF of LF showed significant smaller. Conclusion: RF role was to generate the power and LF role was to stabilize the balance of the body during the OFS. However, long-term and repeated open stance was likely to lead to the overuse injuries in the regions of M1 and HF of both feet.