The Biomechanics of Tennis

Force Summation in Backhand

It is evident with my current backhand form that I am not following the correct sub-routine to the best of my ability. Although I am able to successfully hit the ball with accuracy and velocity. These can still be improved and more consistent with a longer period of time in which I play the shot and in a more fluent motion, To the left is a diagram referencing the sub-routine of the tennis serve.

 

As seen to the right, Novak Djokovic’s backhand stroke follows a clear structure in which it is played, this increases momentum and velocity, to achieve this. “newtons first law of inertia as the body will keep rotating until stopped by another force” ( Hede et al, 2011), this is represented through the rotation the body undertakes to release maximum momentum and velocity in the shot, (Feisal Hassan, unknown) Newtons 1st law can be applied to a tennis backhand as the tennis ball is light meaning if the ball is to go faster, it must be hit a quicker speed on connection, this is a clear point in which people must utilise to have a powerful shot in a game of tennis.

Furthermore, according to (B Elliot. 2006)“a number of body segments must be coordinated in such a way that a high racquet speed is generated at impact.” This is important in a game of tennis in creating a fluent motion, which will in turn increase the power the shot is creating moreover creating a strong, powerful shot. The diagram to the left shows the kinetic chain of throwing a ball, clearly showing that there is a need for a succinct and fluent movement to create optimal momentum in the through. This is applied in the backhand stroke when the setup by lowering the tennis racquet to achieve maximum topspin, increasing the shots momentum upon connection. There is a saying that you must hit through the ball This refers to speeding up upon connecting with the ball. This lengthens your arm creating longer levers and creates more momentum forming a greater amount of velocity upon striking the ball.