Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique Using Science to Improve Your Strokes

by Knudson, Duane

• ISBN13: 9780972275941
• ISBN10: 0972275940
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-04-01
• Publisher: Racquet Tech Publishing

Summary

The science of tennis technique is explained in this guide that practically applies the lessons learned from studying the forces and motions of tennis strokes. Through the implementation of six basic biomechanical principles players can make subtle adjustments to their strokes, creating stroke variations that not only improve their game but also reduce their risk of injury. Detailed line drawings; stroke analysis and sequence photos of top touring pros; action photographs and high-speed video images; and an exploration of the benefits of video replay provide players with a variety of useful techniques.

Author Biography

Duane Knudson, PhD, is a professor in the department of kinesiology and an associate dean of the College of Communication and Education at California State University–Chico. A world-renowned expert on the biomechanics of tennis, stretching, and qualitative analysis, he has served several terms on the Sport Science Committee of the United States Tennis Association. He is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD), and the author of Fundamentals of Biomechanics. He lives in Chico, California.

Table of Contents

Contents	iii
Preface	vii
Biomechanical Principles of Tennis Technique	1	(22)
Force and Time	4	(4)
Coordination and Transfer of Energy	8	(5)
Balance and Inertia	13	(2)
Range of Motion	15	(2)
Optimal Projection	17	(2)
Spin	19	(1)
Summary and Match Points	20	(3)
Injury Prevention in Tennis	23	(22)
Tennis Injuries	24	(4)
Warm-up and Conditioning	28	(3)
Technique	31	(2)
Equipment	33	(1)
Racquets and Strings	34	(3)
Balls	37	(1)
Shoes	38	(3)
Follow-Through	41	(1)
Summary and Match Points	42	(3)
Biomechanics of the Serve	45	(30)
Grip	46	(3)
``Flat'' Serve	49	(16)
Footwork: Using Force and Time	49	(3)
Optimizing Speed and Accuracy: Balance and Inertia at Work	52	(2)
Maximizing Racquet Speed: Coordination and Transfer of Energy Are Key	54	(8)
Hitting Out: Optimal Projection	62	(3)
Slice Serve	65	(3)
Brushing Right: Coordinaton and Transfer	65	(3)
Twist Serve	68	(4)
Brushing Up: Coordination and Transfer	68	(4)
Higher Arc: Optimal Projection	72	(1)
Summary and Match Points	72	(3)
Biomechanics of the Forehand	75	(20)
Grips	75	(3)
Preparation and Footwork	78	(3)
Stances	81	(3)
Stroke	84	(6)
Follow-Through	90	(4)
Summary and Match Points	94	(1)
Biomechanics of the Backhand	95	(16)
Grips	95	(2)
Preparation and Footwork	97	(2)
Stances	99	(1)
Stroke	99	(5)
Follow-Through	104	(6)
Summary and Match Points	110	(1)
Biomechanics of the Volley	111	(14)
Grips	111	(1)
Preparation and Footwork	112	(1)
Stroke	113	(2)
Punch Volley	115	(4)
Drive Volley	119	(1)
Optimal Projection	120	(1)
Summary and Match Points	121	(4)
References	125	(7)
Index	132