THE EFFECT OF GRIP POSITION ON UPPER LIMB ANGULAR KINEMATICS DURING TENNIS TOPSPIN DOUBLE-HANDED BACKHAND STROKES

Authors

Nicholas Busuttil, Latrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaFollow
Machar Reid, Tennis AustraliaFollow
Molly Connolly, Victoria University, Melbourne, Victoria, AustraliaFollow
Ben Dascombe, University of Newcastle, AustraliaFollow
Kane Middleton DrFollow

Category

Racquet Sports

Document Type

Paper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of grip on upper limb angular kinematics of sub-elite tennis players during a topspin double-handed backhand while aiming crosscourt. Sixteen sub-elite right-handed tennis players performed double-handed backhand trials using two different non-dominant grips (eastern & continental). Upper limb trajectory data was captured using the Vicon motion capture system (250 Hz). Greater peak angular velocity was observed in the eastern grip at the dominant shoulder (flexion, extension, abduction, adduction) and non-dominant shoulder (extension), elbow (pronation) and wrist (flexion, ulna and radial deviation). Subsequently peak linear velocities for the racket head (horizontal), and upper limb resultant joint centres were greater in the eastern condition. Collectively, these data suggest that using the eastern grip in the non-dominant limb is more optimal for developing racket head speed, and may provide coaches relevant information for athlete development in double-handed backhands.

Recommended Citation

Busuttil, Nicholas; Reid, Machar; Connolly, Molly; Dascombe, Ben; and Middleton, Kane Dr (2020) "THE EFFECT OF GRIP POSITION ON UPPER LIMB ANGULAR KINEMATICS DURING TENNIS TOPSPIN DOUBLE-HANDED BACKHAND STROKES," ISBS Proceedings Archive: Vol. 38: Iss. 1, Article 113.
Available at: https://commons.nmu.edu/isbs/vol38/iss1/113