MOMENTUM TRANSFER OF UPPER EXTREMITY IN TENNIS ONE-HANDED BACKHAND DRIVE

Abstract

Study Design: Linear momentum and angular momentum in trunk and upper extremity segments in one-handed backhand drive were calculated.Objective: To investigate the characteristics and transfer of linear momentum and angular momentum from the trunk and upper extremity to racket during tennis one-handed backhand drive.Background: Backhand stroke is one of the most frequently used techniques in playing tennis. Very few studies have taken the point of view from the transfer linear and angular momentum of the trunk and upper extremity to racket during tennis one-handed backhand drive.Methods: Six right-handed elite male tennis players participated in this study. Mean age was 26 ± 2.71 years. Sixteen markers were attached on the selected anatomic landmarks unilaterally and three markers attached on the racket to define the coordinate system of the trunk, upper arm, forearm, hand, and racket.Results: Hand contributed the most force for the changes of both linear momentum (leading and vertical direction) and angular momentum (supination). Racket and hand had similar curves in the three directions, which shows the main control racket is from hand and obvious effect in one-handed backhand stroke performance.Conclusions: An understanding of kinetics of the backhand stroke is essential for understanding injury mechanisms and prevention.