Racket Head Velocity Research Articles

Relationships Between Force-Time Curve Variables and Tennis Serve Performance in Competitive Tennis Players.

Fourel, L, Touzard, P, Fadier, M, Arles, L, Deghaies, K, Ozan, S, and Martin, C. Relationships between force-time curve variables and tennis serve performance in competitive tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1667-1674, 2024-Practitioners consider the role of the legs in the game of tennis as fundamental to achieve high performance. But, the exact link between leg actions and high-speed and accurate serves still lacks understanding. Here, we investigate the correlation between force-time curve variables during serve leg drive and serve performance indicators. Thirty-six competitive players performed fast serves, on 2 force plates, to measure ground reaction forces (GRF). Correlation coefficients describe the relationships between maximal racket head velocity, impact height, and force-time curve variables. Among all the variables tested, the elapsed time between the instants of maximal vertical and maximal anteroposterior GRF ( r = -0.519, p < 0.001) and the elapsed time between the instant of maximal anteroposterior GRF and ball impact ( r = -0.522, p < 0.001) are the best predictors of maximal racket velocity. Maximal racket head velocity did not significantly correlate with the mean or maximal vertical GRF or with the mean or maximum rate of vertical force development. The best predictor for impact height is the relative net vertical impulse during the concentric phase ( r = 0.772, p < 0.001). This work contributes to a better understanding of the mechanical demands of tennis serve motion and gives guidelines to improve players preparation and performance. Trainers should encourage their players to better synchronize their upward and forward pushing action during the serve to increase maximal racket head velocity. Players should also aim to improve their relative net vertical impulse to increase impact height through strength training and technical instructions.

There is no rush to upgrade the tennis racket in young intermediate competitive players: The effects of scaling racket on serve biomechanics and performance.

Scaling the equipment of young athletes is justified by the constraints-led approach introduced in motor learning. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of racket scaling on the serve biomechanics and performance parameters for young tennis players (between 8 and 11 years-old). Nine young intermediate competitive tennis players (age: 9.9 ± 1.0 years) performed maximal effort flat serves with three different rackets (scaled 23 inches, scaled 25 inches and full-size 27 inches) in a randomized order. A radar measured ball speed while shoulder and elbow kinetics and upper and lower limb kinematics were calculated with a 20-camera optical motion capture system. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze the effect of the three rackets on ball speed, percentage of serve in, serve kinematics and kinetics. No significant differences in ball speed, maximal racket head velocity and percentage of serve in were observed between the three rackets. The lowest maximal upper limb kinetics and the highest upper limb maximal angular velocities were obtained with the scaled 23 inches racket. Using scaled rackets has the advantage to decrease shoulder and elbow loadings without reducing serve performance. Consequently, the present results incite tennis coaches and parents to not upgrade too soon the size of the racket in young intermediate tennis players to avoid overuse injury risks in the long term. Our results showed that the full-size 27 inches racket induced higher lower limb kinematics. As a consequence, occasionally serving with a fullsize racket can be a sparingly interesting intervention to help young tennis players to intuitively and immediately increase their leg drive action, allowing a more functional representation of the elite junior serve.

Evaluation of Upper Limb Joint Contribution to Racket Head Speed in Elite Tennis Players Using IMU Sensors: Comparison between the Cross-Court and Inside-Out Attacking Forehand Drive.

This study aimed to quantify and compare the upper limb angular kinematics and its contributions to the racket head speed between the cross-court (CC) and inside-out (IO) attacking tennis forehand of elite tennis players in a competitive environment. A new approach was used to study the forehand drive with mini-inertial sensors of motion capture to record the kinematic data. Six strokes in each direction per participant (72 shots in total) were chosen for analysis. Upper limb kinematics were calculated in the Visual 3D platform (Visual 3D Professional V5.01.21, C-motion, Germantown, MD, USA). The method used to calculate the upper limb’s contributions was performed with MATLAB software and used the segment’s (upper arm, forearm and hand) angular velocities and their respective displacement vectors obtained through the inertial sensors. Upper limb kinematics demonstrated a higher shoulder rotation in the IO direction with significant differences at the end of the backswing, which could be a key factor in distinguishing the two directions of the shot. Results also demonstrated that the horizontal flexion of the upper arm (around the shoulder joint) was primarily responsible for the racket velocity in the anteroposterior direction (48.1% CC and 45.2% IO), followed by the extension of the forearm (around the elbow joint) (17.3% CC and 20.9% IO) and the internal rotation of the upper arm (around the shoulder joint) (15.6% CC and 14.2% IO). No significant differences were shown in the contributions of upper limbs to the racket head velocity between the two directions of the shot. Tennis coaches and players should develop a specific training programme to perform higher angular velocities in these specific joint rotations.

RADIO-ULNAR PRONATION VS FOREARM EXTENSION: WHICH THE BEST TO REACH THE MAXIMAL BADMINTON RACKET VELOCITY?

Aim. Forearm extension and radio-ulnar pronation are two common components of the final movement during each badminton smash stroke. By coordinating the forearm to produce both extension and pronation at the same time, racket head velocity can be increased. Thus, this study examined maximal velocity and racket deflection during both movements in regard with skill level. Materials and methods. Twenty-two players (8 experts and 14 novices) participated in this study. Wrist, handle and racket head velocity were recorded using high speed cameras (Vicon V8i at a frequency of 250 Hz). Results. The racket head velocity with radio-ulnar pronation was 16 % higher than with forearm extension. This higher velocity resulted from an 8 % higher acceleration and a 70 % higher maximal angular velocity of the end points of the forearm segments during radio-ulnar pronation. In each movement, experts’ maximal velocity was higher than that of novices (p &lt; .001).The maximal velocity of the racket for novices was obtained with elbow extension (20.9 ± 4.8 m/s), with a gain of 47 %, whereas for experts, it was obtained with radio-ulnar pronation (33.9 ± 5.8 m/s), with a gain of 53 %. Conclusion. The difference between the best velocities in both samples is 39 %, obtained respectively by radio-ulnar pronation for experts and an elbow extension for novices. Forearm extension and radio-ulnar pronation acceleration on the handle led to an increase in racket head velocity.

A kinematic analysis of the upper limb during the topspin double-handed backhand stroke in tennis

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare double-handed backhand kinematics of the non-dominant wrist of tennis players using either an eastern or continental grip position with the non-dominant hand. Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers on sixteen sub-elite right-handed tennis players using a 12-camera VICON motion capture system (250 Hz). Participants executed double-handed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (Eastern [E] and Continental [C]), aiming for two crosscourt zones (Deep [D] and Short [S]), totalling to four conditions (ED, CD, ES and CS). Three successful attempts from each condition were selected for analysis. The eastern grip demonstrated faster horizontal racket head velocity compared to the continental grip. However, no differences were observed in accuracy or spin rate between grips (p > 0.05). In the non-dominant upper limb, elbow flexion was smaller in the continental condition throughout the swing, whilst wrist extension and ulnar deviation was larger. Collectively, these data suggest that the continental grip may place the wrist in a position vulnerable to overuse injury. Future research into the kinetics of the double-handed backhand would help better understand the onset of ulnar-side wrist pain in tennis.

Biomechanical Analysis of Straight and Cross Stroke on Smash &amp; Drop Motion in Women Badminton Player

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the kinematic and the kinetic variables of smash and drop motions in women of college badminton teams by dividing motions into straight and cross ones. Furthermore, its has another purpose that badminton instructors, coaches and leaders can training with scientific and effective ways. Methods: In order to analyze the players smash and drop motions, four video cameras recorded their play. We calculated swing time, racket head velocity, joint angle, joint angular velocity by analyzing motion data by Kwon3D XP program and the displacement of ground reaction force(GRF) from captured force data. Results & Conclusion: First, the motion of straight smash motion is faster than straight drop motion and cross drop motion is faster than the cross smash motion statically. Second, the speed of racket head velocity was shown faster in smash action. In order to play the smash action, shuttle cock must be made a maximum speed of impact on the racket with accurate overhead swing; to play the drop shot action, it must be made a similar performing action as smash but it should reduce the swing speed. Third, in order to play the strong and delicate techniques, the racket should be played gradually from the highest point of the back swing to impact by the angle of trunk, the shoulder joint angle, elbow joint angle, wrist joint angle. Finally, although there was no significant difference in the maximum size of left and right, front and backward, the upper and lower ground reaction force of stroke of badminton, the lower body movement by step is the important factor in badminton motion.

남·여 테니스 선수의 양손 백핸드 스트로크 동작의 운동학적 비교 분석

The purpose of this study was to analyze the difference between male and female tennis players' two-handed backhand stroke and to provide basic data which helps precise and efficient instruction for the sake of precise postures, enhanced performances and skills. 5 male and 5 female university players were recruited as subjects, and the mean difference between the kinematic variables such as the time from backswing to impact and total swing time, racket head velocity, change of the center of body gravity in two-handed backhand stroke through three-dimensional motion analysis. The test data was analyzed by t-test, and the alpha level of <TEX>${\alpha}$</TEX>=.05 was set for all tests of significance. The findings of the study were as follows; First, there was no difference in the time from backswing to impact and total time of <male and female players. Second, there was no difference in racket head velocity at impact of male and female players. Third, there was no difference in center of body gravity of male and female players.

A three-dimensional analysis of the contributions of upper limb joint movements to horizontal racket head velocity at ball impact during tennis serving

In this study, we examined the relationship between upper limb joint movements and horizontal racket head velocity to clarify joint movements for developing racket head speed during tennis serving. Sixty-six male tennis players were videotaped at 200 Hz using two high-speed video cameras while hitting high-speed serves. The contributions of each joint rotation to horizontal racket velocity were calculated using vector cross-products between the angular velocity vectors of each joint movement and relative position vectors from each joint to the racket head. Major contributors to horizontal racket head velocity at ball impact were shoulder internal rotation (41.1%) and wrist palmar flexion (31.7%). The contribution of internal rotation showed a significant positive correlation with horizontal racket head velocity at impact (r = 0.490, P < 0.001), while the contribution of palmar flexion showed a significant negative correlation (r = − 0.431, P < 0.001). The joint movement producing the difference in horizontal racket head velocity between fast and slow servers was shoulder internal rotation, and angular velocity of shoulder internal rotation must be developed to produce a high racket speed.

스탠스 유형에 따른 테니스 포핸드 스트로크의 라켓헤드 속도분석

Recently tennis techniques has been changed in stance patterns. Stance is consist of square stance, open stance and semi-open stance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinematics variables of racket head velocity during forehand stroke by stance patterns. Eight high school tennis players were chosen for the study who use semi western grip right-handed person more than career 7 years. They performed horizontal swing and vertical swing that it was done each five consecutive trial in the condition of square, open and semi-open stance. The results showed that racket head velocity significant difference was not observed in stance types between swings at impact. Y and Z components of racket head velocity for horizontal and vertical swing at second prior to impact and at impact were that y components velocity was faster horizontal swing than vertical swing and z components velocity was later horizontal swing than vertical swing. Statistically significant variable to racket head velocity and Pearson's correlation were drawn as follows. 1. Z components of racket head velocity in square stance was significant correlation by right knee joint. 2. Y components of racket head velocity in semiopen stance was significant correlation by left hip joint. 3. Y components of racket head velocity in open stance was significant correlation by left ankle joint.

Kinematics and Kinetics of the Racket-Arm during the Soft-Tennis Smash under Match Conditions

The purposes of this study were to (a) describe the racket-arm kinematics and kinetics of the soft-tennis smash during match rallies, and (b) assess the characteristics of this smash vs. the laboratory-simulated smash of our previous study. In the current study we recorded soft-tennis smash motions during match play of the 3rd East Asian Games. Racket-arm anatomical joint angular velocity and anatomical joint torque were calculated from 3-D coordinate data of 13 collected motions obtained using the direct linear transformation procedure. The results showed that most of the maximum values of the anatomical joint torques were qualitatively smaller than those of the tennis serve. Peak elbow extension, shoulder internal rotation, and elbow varus torques in match play were significantly greater than values reported for laboratory-simulated conditions. The greater forward swing torques did not result in significantly different racket head velocity, possibly because there was a significantly shorter forward swing phase in match conditions. In particular, a clear peak of the elbow extension torque during the forward swing phase was the most characteristic pattern in the smashes under match conditions, for it was 160% greater than laboratory-simulated conditions. These results supported our hypothesis that racket-arm kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the smash under match conditions differ from those under laboratory-simulated conditions. Possible explanations include the time-pressure conditions of the competitive situation in a match, and the Hawthorne effect (Hudson et al., 1986), both of which alter performance between match conditions and laboratory-simulated conditions.

An Analysis of a Discrete Complex Skill Using Bernstein's Stages of Learning

The purpose of this study was to provide quantitative data about changes in coordination after practicing a racquetball forehand drive serve. Novice women (N = 10) were videotaped before and after 10 min. of practicing a racquetball forehand drive serve on Day 1, and after 10-min. practice sessions on consecutive Days 2 through 5. The PEAK5 Motion Measurement System was used to evaluate the following dependent variables: (a) range of motion of the wrist, elbow, upper torso, and pelvis from backswing to ball contact: (b) racket head velocity at ball contact; and (c) coordination. Coordination was evaluated based on analysis of the angular velocity graphs of each performance to assess sequencing and timing of the segmental contributions. Shared positive contribution was assessed between adjacent 2-segment combinations: pelvis-torso and elbow-wrist. A repeated-measures analysis of variance indicated racket velocity, pelvic rotation, and upper torso rotation significantly increased over the 5 days of practice. Although participants increased their pelvic and torso ranges of motion and racket velocity, improvement in coordination was not documented.

Prediction of a Sweet Area on a Racket Face in a Tennis Impact. Restitution Coefficient, Rebound Power Coefficient and Ball Post-Impact Velocity.

The term sweet area is used in describing that region of a tennis racket where the ball should be hit for optimum results. There are several definitions of this term, each one based on different physical phenomenon, and also a number of unclarified points with the confusion. This paper predicts the racket performance in tennis in terms of the region on the racket face where the ball post impact velocity is above some arbitrary value, when a ball is struck by a player. It is based on the experimental identification and impact analysis of the ball-racket system, clarifying the mechanism of the ball post impact velocity in relation to restitution coefficient, rebound power coefficient, and racket head velocity.

The Influence of Grip Position on Upper Limb Contributions to Racket Head Velocity in a Tennis Forehand

In tennis groundstrokes, the speed of the racket head depends on the rotational velocities of the upper limb segments and the corresponding instantaneous position of the racket. The method of holding the racket may influence these factors. Six high-performance tennis players who preferred the eastern method of holding the racket and a further 6 who preferred the western method were filmed. The displacement histories of 16 selected landmarks were calculated using the direct linear transformation approach and were used to calculate the contribution that the three-dimensional individual segment rotations for the upper limb made to racket head velocity. Horizontal flexion/abduction and internal rotation of the upper arm, in addition to linear velocity of the shoulder, were the primary contributors to racket head speed at impact, regardless of grip. Significant variations, however, were recorded for the contribution of the hand segment to racket head speed for the different grip positions.

The role of upper limb segment rotations in the development of racket-head speed in the squash forehand.

In the squash forehand drive, the contribution that each of the upper limb segment's anatomical rotations make to racket-head velocity towards the front wall (x-direction) during the forward swing and at impact were calculated. Eight squash players (3 females, 5 males) capable of hitting a high-performance squash forehand drive were filmed at a nominal rate of 300 Hz by two phase-locked Photosonics cameras. The three-dimensional displacement histories of 12 selected landmarks were then calculated using the direct linear transformation approach and three-dimensional individual segment rotations were calculated using vector equations. Internal rotation of the upper arm at the shoulder joint (46.1%), hand flexion at the wrist joint (18.2%) and forearm pronation at the radio-ulnar joint (12.0%) were the major contributors to the mean 30.8 m s-1 x-direction velocity of the centre of the racket-head at impact. Pronation of the forearm at the radio-ulnar joint and extension at the elbow joint both played a significant role in generating racket velocity in the period prior to impact.

Comparison of Movement Times Involving Wrist and Forearm Actions

Previous research by Poole ( 1970) has established that most of the velocity developed in overhead badminton stroking is a function of lower arm mechanics. There has been disagreement as to whether wrist action (flexion and extension) or forearm rotation (pronation and supination) is the best movement to generace racket-head velocity. The purpose of this study was to compare the movement times of simulated racket-stroking actions involving the wrist snap technique and forearm rotation. Both forehand and backhand overhead stroke patterns were investigated. Ss were 29 male and 29 female college students who were beginning badminton players. Movement time was measured using a 1/100 sec. timer with a microswitch arrangement. A hinged racket handle was moved through a 120 arc, with che distal end moving 40 in. Measurements for each S were made using four actions: ( 1 ) wrist flexion, ( 2 ) forearm pronation, ( 3 ) wrist extension/ hypertension, ( 4 ) forearm supination. Testing order was rotated from S to S and the average of 5 trials each was used in computations. A test-retest reliability coefficient of .96 was determined in a preliminary study.