Ball spin in the tennis serve: spin rate and axis of rotation
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DOI:
10.1080/14763141.2012.671355
Shinji Sakuraia*, Machar Reidbc & Bruce Elliottb
Received: 19 Sep 2011
Accepted: 27 Feb 2012
Version of record first published: 30 Apr 2012
Article Views: 52
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe three-dimensional ball kinematics including spin axis and spin rate for the flat, slice, and kick serves executed by elite male tennis players. Trajectories of three retro-reflective markers attached to the surface of the ball were measured using a Vicon MX motion analysis system. The local coordinate system of the ball enabled the ball's angular velocity vector to be determined. Mean ( ± SD) spin rates recorded were 127.4 ( ± 56.3), 232.1 ( ± 34.8), and 336.5 ( ± 51.5) rad/s for the flat, slice, and kick serves, respectively. The resultant horizontal velocities of the ball were 52.0 ( ± 2.9), 46.4 ( ± 3.4), and 40.8 ( ± 2.8) m/s, respectively, and a clear tradeoff existed between the development of ball spin rate and horizontal ball velocity, with resultant horizontal velocities of 52.0 ( ± 2.9), 46.4 ( ± 3.4), and 40.8 ( ± 2.8) m/s, respectively, being recorded. The spin axis and ball velocity vector were close to perpendicular regardless of serve type. Mean angles between the spin axis and the horizontal plane (elevation angles) were 65.6° ( ± 10.2°), 68.4° ( ± 6.9°), and 54.5° ( ± 8.4°) for the flat, slice, and kick serves, respectively.
Author affiliations
a School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan
b School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
c Tennis Australia, Melbourne, Australia
PS The stupid yellow smiley should be replaced by 9 (I think)
The abstract has a piece repeated
Preview
DOI:
10.1080/14763141.2012.671355
Shinji Sakuraia*, Machar Reidbc & Bruce Elliottb
Received: 19 Sep 2011
Accepted: 27 Feb 2012
Version of record first published: 30 Apr 2012
Article Views: 52
Alert me
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe three-dimensional ball kinematics including spin axis and spin rate for the flat, slice, and kick serves executed by elite male tennis players. Trajectories of three retro-reflective markers attached to the surface of the ball were measured using a Vicon MX motion analysis system. The local coordinate system of the ball enabled the ball's angular velocity vector to be determined. Mean ( ± SD) spin rates recorded were 127.4 ( ± 56.3), 232.1 ( ± 34.8), and 336.5 ( ± 51.5) rad/s for the flat, slice, and kick serves, respectively. The resultant horizontal velocities of the ball were 52.0 ( ± 2.9), 46.4 ( ± 3.4), and 40.8 ( ± 2.8) m/s, respectively, and a clear tradeoff existed between the development of ball spin rate and horizontal ball velocity, with resultant horizontal velocities of 52.0 ( ± 2.9), 46.4 ( ± 3.4), and 40.8 ( ± 2.8) m/s, respectively, being recorded. The spin axis and ball velocity vector were close to perpendicular regardless of serve type. Mean angles between the spin axis and the horizontal plane (elevation angles) were 65.6° ( ± 10.2°), 68.4° ( ± 6.9°), and 54.5° ( ± 8.4°) for the flat, slice, and kick serves, respectively.
Author affiliations
a School of Health and Sport Sciences, Chukyo University, Toyota, Japan
b School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
c Tennis Australia, Melbourne, Australia
PS The stupid yellow smiley should be replaced by 9 (I think)
The abstract has a piece repeated
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