THE INFLUENCE OF BODY HEIGHT ON THE SERVE IN TENNIS

Authors

  • Frantisek Vaverka
  • Miroslav Cernosek
  • Katerina Tesarova
  • Milan Elfmark

Keywords:

serve, body height, model, kinematic analysis

Abstract

A theoretical model expressing the relationship between the dimensions of the tennis court and the height at which the ball is stroked when served is the starting point for a study of the influence of the body height of a player on the serve in tennis. A model of the flight of the ball expressed as a straight line has provided us with the theoretical information we need at the beginning regarding the angle of the serve and the active distance of the impact of the ball as dependent on the height at which the ball is stroked. The characteristics of the model were confronted with the real values acquired in a kinematic analysis of the first and second serves of two top world-class players. An increase in the height of a player appears to be a dominant factor which positively influences the direction of the flight of the ball and the speed of the serve.

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Published

2008-03-01

Issue

Section

Coaching and Sports Activities