ANKLE KINEMATICS OF CUTTING MOVEMENT DURING VOLLEY IN TENNIS

Authors

  • C. D. Wu
  • H. T. Chiu

Keywords:

volley, cutting movement, biomechanics.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ankle kinematics of cutting movement during volley in tennis. Three male tennis players performed three cutting angle movements (0°, 30° & 60°, represents by S0, F30, F60, respectively) to volley a dropping ball with racket. Kinematics of the ankle was recorded by three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. During the early stance (the first 30% from heel strike), the results showed difference in the kinematics parameters in the three cutting angle movements for each subject. During late stance (last 30% before foot off), the mean values of everison and plantarflexion angles with F60 are largest in three cutting angle movements, so are the angular velocities. Therefore, the subjects may select different strategies to avoid foot injuries after heel strike. Furthermore, movements of the foot in performing the F60 may increase Achilles tendon injuries and medial tibial stress syndrome before the foot leaves the ground during the tennis volley.

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Coaching and Sports Activities