Biomechanics: know thyself...

[gzhpcu]

As John often mentions, we are not all biomechanically gifted as the top pro tennis players. So, in many cases, it is useless for us club level players to try to mimic them. I guess what we need to work out, is the correct techniques appropriate to our innate biomechanical characteristics. John made a great point on how to get around limited elbow flexibility by using a big backswing on the server, for example, in order to achieve a better racket drop. Another example is shoulder torsion: this also varies from person to person and also from left to right.

What I kind of wonder is if it would make sense to come up with a number of simple tests with which a player's flexibility and biomechanical characteristics can be determined, and then, a corresponding recommendation for styles to be avoided and/or employed in order to reduce the probability of injuries and increase stroke efficiency?

[johnyandell]

I think we are working in that direction. Personally I am working through the actual pro movements in high speed video. Then my hope is to repeat that journey with a more quantitative approach. Along the way, sure, we are learning things. Once we truly understand the big picture we can say more about what you ask.

[vmiller]

Phil,

In "USTA's Complete Conditioning" tennis fitness book, there are a series of self tests and exercises that include flexibility. It should give you an idea of where you stand with certain movements and give you some direction if you want to improve those movements. If you're willing to put in the work to improve your tecnique, why not consider also working on the flexibility and/or strength that will facilitate your improvement? It would help you avoid injury too!

You could also take a more mindless approach and do some Yoga classes. That will make you more flexible everywhere!

[gzhpcu]

vmiller,
Thanks for the tip. Will look into it. Am currently working out with weights (about 30 minutes 5 days a week) and started using a jump rope. I do some stretching also, but am interested in the USTA fitness book you cited.

[gzhpcu]

P.S. Regardless, of how much you improve, everybody has some biomechanical limits. I would think that for some players, certain movements are sources of injury, which should be avoided. For example: Pat Rafter had rotator cuff problems. Were the movements on his kick serve the reason? Could these movements have been corrected? Or would he have had to renounce utilizing the kick serve in order to play be able to compete longer? But would this have meant he would not have won two US Opens?