Biomechanical analysis of forehand in modern tennis

Abstract: Modern World level tennis – it‘s a game with high dynamics and tempo, it is required of a sportsmen to be well physically and technically prepared as well as have an understanding of modern game. A great deal of controversy in tennis strokes has involved the changes in the forehand technique. Despite the existing researches in this area (Knudson D., Bahamonde R.), currently no consensus about the implementation of most effective forehand. Aim of this study was biomechanical model of forehand in tennis. To investigate the scale of forehands application in modern tennis were analyzed Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final game 2010. Six experienced tennis players (age 23,2 ± 4,4) were studied using three-dimensional video analysis system –Qualisys‖ and force plate –AMTI‖. Results: sum of all strokes (except serves and smashes) in Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final 2010 were 283 strokes, included 138 forehands 94 in open stance and only 44 in square stance.

Forehand movement organization principle – whip‘s mechanism. The open stance forehands developed slightly lower racquet velocities (32,5 ± 4,6 m/s vs. 34,2 ± 4,5 m/s) at impact compared with the traditional square stance. Horizontal component of ground reaction forces were considerably greater in the direction of the main movement in square stance forehands (90,3 ± 9,3 N vs. 70,3 ± 25,9 N). Conclusions: forehand in open stance is more applied in modern tennis game. Forehand movement organization principle – whip‘s mechanisms. Stance version of forehand is situation specific and it has nothing to do with development of largest racquet velocities.

Ground reaction forces addict of stance form. In square stance horizontal component were greater, it may be involved with developing linear momentum.

Zusa A., Lanka J., Vagyn A.