Science says grunting makes your tennis better. Do you do it?

[HunterST]

Annoying though it may be, a fairly robust amount of scientific research shows grunting makes your shots significantly harder without an increase in perceived energy expenditure. Still, most of us don't do it consistently because of the stigma/cringe factor.

I personally don't ever do it consciously. I will occasionally grunt on harder efforts, but it's just a natural occurrence rather than an intentional effort.

I have found, though, that when I joke around and grunt during points, I actually play noticeably better. Would the elevated play last a whole set or match? I suspect not, but who knows?

I imagine a few things make grunting beneficial:
1. It helps with timing. Similar to the "bounce, hit" type drills.
2. The exhalation relaxes you through the stroke.
3. It removes your focus from the stroke and lets your unconscious competency emerge.

Still, I'm not certain I can face my fellow players in the area if I start grunting like Nadal in every match.

What do you think? Is grunting worth the social price?

 

[ChaelAZ]

Yes, tension and release is well-documented to help in physical exertion. However, you can get the same energy release without being loud and obnoxious. That part is a choice.

 

[Fintft]

Yes for your second point and possibly the third.
It actually messes up my timming b/c now I have to both split step and inhale at the same time lol

 

[heninfan99]

I believe Rublev only grunts when he goes for a winner but is silent on his regular rally shots.

 

[Fintft]

Yes, tension and release is well-documented to help in physical exertion. However, you can get the same energy release without being loud and obnoxious. That part is a choice.

Exhaling, not grunting lol And defintely not accompanying the ball into your opponent's side of the net, for intimidation.

 

[Fintft]

I believe Rublev only grunts when he goes for a winner but is silent on his regular rally shots.

B/c he is relaxed lol Have you seen his video on the FH on FB? "Having a relaxed arm is the most important thing"...

 

[user92626]

Yes, tension and release is well-documented to help in physical exertion. However, you can get the same energy release without being loud and obnoxious. That part is a choice.

Loud and obnoxious is often a perception of the other party. It's subjective and the level tends to change depending on the other guy's faring.

I think the bottom line is..you do you. When it comes to the other guy, instead of complaining about him, consider its worth to you and continue or stop your interaction with him.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I do it. I hit better shots when I do it. I only do it at contact. I see some people have a real hang-up around it, it's a little weird.

 

[sureshs]

Loud and obnoxious is often a perception of the other party. It's subjective and the level tends to change depending on the other guy's faring.

I think the bottom line is..you do you. When it comes to the other guy, instead of complaining about him, consider its worth to you and continue or stop your interaction with him.

At the pro level, there have been complaints about grunting masking the sound of the stroke which is important at higher levels for timing.

Of course you should complain about the grunting guy. Even if grunting is allowed per the rules, let him feel the mental pressure of being perceived as obnoxious, since he is disturbing you.

 

[Dartagnan64]

Grunting is against Rule 37 of the Tennis Code. Doesn't matter if it makes you hit harder shots. Shouldn't be done just like failing to give benefit of the doubt to your opponent on line calls.

What do you think? Is grunting worth the social price?

You are cheating if you grunt, bottom line.

 

[sureshs]

37. Grunting. A player should avoid grunting and making other loud noises. Grunting and other loud noises may bother not only opponents but also players on adjacent courts. In an extreme case, an opponent or a player on an adjacent court may seek the assistance of the referee or a roving official. The referee or official may treat grunting and the making of loud noises that affect the outcome of a point as a hindrance. Depending upon the circumstance, this could result in a let or loss of point.

 

[sureshs]

The WTA rules state that: ‘Any continual distraction of regular play, such as grunting, shall be dealt with in accordance with the Hindrance Rule.’ In essence, a player can be docked a point for grunting.

 

[user92626]

At the pro level, there have been complaints about grunting masking the sound of the stroke which is important at higher levels for timing.

Of course you should complain about the grunting guy. Even if grunting is allowed per the rules, let him feel the mental pressure of being perceived as obnoxious, since he is disturbing you.

It's not comparable to pros. It's right to complain about pro's out of hand grunting bc it's affecting audience's enjoyment, who pay for pro's salaries.

As long as pro's grunting is consistent and absent of malice it's allowed.

"you should complain about the grunting guy" is a door for sore losers to start ruining a match, bc if it's allowed then anything will be used for complaints.

 

[sureshs]

It's not comparable to pros. It's right to complain about pro's out of hand grunting bc it's affecting audience's enjoyment, who pay for pro's salaries.

As long as pro's grunting is consistent and absent of malice it's allowed.

"you should complain about the grunting guy" is a door for sore losers to start ruining a match, bc if it's allowed then anything will be used for complaints.

That is not what Rule 37 of the Tennis Code says.

 

[user92626]

Grunting is against Rule 37 of the Tennis Code. Doesn't matter if it makes you hit harder shots. Shouldn't be done just like failing to give benefit of the doubt to your opponent on line calls.



You are cheating if you grunt, bottom line.

Grunting is against Rule 37 of the Tennis Code. Doesn't matter if it makes you hit harder shots. Shouldn't be done just like failing to give benefit of the doubt to your opponent on line calls.



You are cheating if you grunt, bottom line.

If that's true, These guys were cheating and people were watching cheaters.

 

[Dartagnan64]

"you should complain about the grunting guy" is a door for sore losers to start ruining a match, bc if it's allowed then anything will be used for complaints.

Umm Grunting is specifically outlined in the Tennis Code so it's not an "anything" kind of problem. The code specifically states you shouldn't grunt. Just like it specifically states you should give benefit of the doubt on line calls. If we are going to call people out for calling uncertain balls "out" we have to call them out for grunting, don't we? It's the same language in the Code.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I see some people have a real hang-up around it, it's a little weird.

You know... like @sureshs and @Dartagnan64

 

[Purestriker]

The WTA rules state that: ‘Any continual distraction of regular play, such as grunting, shall be dealt with in accordance with the Hindrance Rule.’ In essence, a player can be docked a point for grunting.

Have you ever seen them call it? I cannot recall ever seeing an umpire call a hindrance.

 

[Dartagnan64]

If that's true, These guys were cheating and people were watching cheaters.

The code is a guideline for unofficiated matches. Pros are under a different set of guidelines.

 

[sureshs]

You know... like @sureshs and @Dartagnan64

The only person I have encountered in real life who grunts was a junior girl at the club. She has now moved to college.

 

[Dartagnan64]

You know... like @sureshs and @Dartagnan64

I admit to having a hang up about it and remove people from my social play list if they are obnoxious grunters. Along with the multiple serve tossers, bad line callers, multiple excuse makers, etc.

 

[user92626]

I admit to having a hang up about it and remove people from my social play list if they are obnoxious grunters. Along with the multiple serve tossers, bad line callers, multiple excuse makers, etc.

How do you remove yourself?

 

[sovertennis]

I admit to having a hang up about it and remove people from my social play list if they are obnoxious grunters. Along with the multiple serve tossers, bad line callers, multiple excuse makers, etc.

So who's left for you to play?

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I admit to having a hang up about it and remove people from my social play list if they are obnoxious grunters. Along with the multiple serve tossers, bad line callers, multiple excuse makers, etc.

Do those players ever send you thank you notes?

 

[Slowtwitcher]

The only person I have encountered in real life who grunts was a junior girl at the club. She has now moved to college.

Get ready for a grunting session on Saturday!

 

[Rosstour]

I do it. I hit better shots when I do it. I only do it at contact. I see some people have a real hang-up around it, it's a little weird.

You do it at contact, that's good.

But the later it's done, the more suspect it is. You see tons of male and female players all from the same countries doing hella late and ridiculously loud/long grunts. That's obvious strategy. And you can see certain players who do it to troll the other guy:

Seen Kyrgios murder the ball without a sound, but on push points you'll hear him doing "wa-AAAH" and finishing pretty late. Especially if the other guy is a strategic grunter.

This is one reason I really respect Fed. He does a low, quiet grunt when he's really under pressure and has to exert. But otherwise nothing.

 

[jdawgg]

I did Taekwondo before tennis, eventually reaching the level of black belt before quitting and turning to tennis at 15. There we were encouraged to grunt or yell while performing strikes in sparring. The louder and more badass you sounded the better.

The term is called a Kihap:

The word kihap is commonly used to refer to the "shout" that taekwondo practioners use when performing various techniques. For this reason, the word kihap is commonly translated as shout or yell. Sometimes it is translated as spirited yell, which is a little closer to the literal meaning.

The word ki ( 기 ) more closely translates as spiritual energy. It is similar to the Chinese term qi (also sometimes spelled "chi"). The word hap ( 합 ) translates as to gather and focus (or to synthesize, or to sum in total). So kihap means to gather and focus one's spiritual energy. The "shout" is considered to be the result of this focusing, not the cause. In other words, once you've focused your energy, the natural result is a shout.

Why is there no stigma attached with this in martial arts? Why is it seen differently and even encouraged?

I don't yell like I do in martial arts but I let out I quiet "ahhhhh" grunt while playing tennis. At some point I'll probably work on my grunting timing as I know it's a tad late and after the stroke. I've tried it during the stroke and everything feels more relaxed, it's fantastic. Of course you can do the Andy Roddick move and exhale very loudly. I've definitely considered switching to that, I'm not beyond conforming to social norms (probably why I don't grunt very loud).

I realized this is an unpopular view on here, but tennis, at times, feels a bit elitist and high brow and I've never been a fan of that. I think grunting is perfectly fine as long as it's not too late as to distract the opponent and too obnoxious.

 

[Fxanimator1]

Do those players ever send you thank you notes?

 

[Deleted member 776614]

Some grunting on TV annoys the crap out of me, but since being annoyed by something doesn't necessarily make it wrong, I'm still gathering data to determine my official position on grunting. What I don't understand yet is why there can't be a controlled or timed exhalation without sound, or even something like "ocean breath" they do in yoga?

Scientific studies do show that 'grunting' increases ball performance - have they tried the same studies with other 'less vocal' exhalation practices?

Scientific studies also show that grunting does affect the receiving player: one study showed that the receiver perceives a longer ball with the sound of a grunt. I know you're not supposed to intentionally distract your opponent, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have to 'go out of your way' or change your playing style to 'ensure' your opponent hears your racket hit the ball.

This article mentions studies pertaining to both: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0214819

My natural instinct is to consider other sports - do people grunt when they hit a baseball, or shoot a puck in hockey? Then I realize that most other sports have more background noise and much less repetitiveness of one person performing a similar task. There's certainly 'noise' on a hockey rink. I honestly couldn't tell you if most people grunt when they take a slapshot, but I've certainly heard plenty of grunts on the ice. What if you blocked out all noise except for grunting? Maybe it would sound worse than a Sharapova-Seles match?!

In tennis, grunting is amplified on TV with all the other sounds - ball bounces, shoe squeaks, etc. They say that what it sounds like at the venue and on the court is pretty different from what we hear on TV. But we can be 'stigma-tized' by what we observe on TV, then maybe inappropriately apply it to what we see on the courts. In other words, "Player XYZ on tv annoys the crap out of me with their grunts." Then when I play in real life I hear a grunt and automatically think it's annoying, even if it's quieter or maybe wouldn't have been noticed otherwise.

If grunting 'could' be used as an intentional distraction, is that enough grounds to say that it shouldn't be allowed at all (or over a certain dB level, e.g.)? Or maybe they can just apply an audio filter to the on-court microphones when heavy grunters play?

 

[Raul_SJ]

Annoying though it may be, a fairly robust amount of scientific research shows grunting makes your shots significantly harder without an increase in perceived energy expenditure. Still, most of us don't do it consistently because of the stigma/cringe factor.

Show us the research.
Fed is dead silent. No grunt needed.

 

[HunterST]

Yes, tension and release is well-documented to help in physical exertion. However, you can get the same energy release without being loud and obnoxious. That part is a choice.

Exhaling just doesn't have the same effect for me.

 

[myke232]

I'm not sure I buy that scientifically...

 

[Cashman]

Please, I'm a rec player - damaging my image is way worse than damaging my performance

I did Taekwondo before tennis, eventually reaching the level of black belt before quitting and turning to tennis at 15.

lol. Any McDojang that hands out black belts to 15 year olds should have their teachings treated with a fair amount of skepticism

 

[WestboroChe]

Annoying though it may be, a fairly robust amount of scientific research shows grunting makes your shots significantly harder without an increase in perceived energy expenditure. Still, most of us don't do it consistently because of the stigma/cringe factor.

I personally don't ever do it consciously. I will occasionally grunt on harder efforts, but it's just a natural occurrence rather than an intentional effort.

I have found, though, that when I joke around and grunt during points, I actually play noticeably better. Would the elevated play last a whole set or match? I suspect not, but who knows?

I imagine a few things make grunting beneficial:
1. It helps with timing. Similar to the "bounce, hit" type drills.
2. The exhalation relaxes you through the stroke.
3. It removes your focus from the stroke and lets your unconscious competency emerge.

Still, I'm not certain I can face my fellow players in the area if I start grunting like Nadal in every match.

What do you think? Is grunting worth the social price?

Yes. You don’t need to scream. Think like how a boxer sniffs as he punches.

 

[jdawgg]

lol. Any McDojang that hands out black belts to 15 year olds should have their teachings treated with a fair amount of skepticism

I've heard similar before. A little controversial. To the laymen a black belt is a major accomplishment but I didn't really see it that way. Other Dojangs would give guys a red belt with black stripes until they reached a certain age. In the end it didn't really matter because we all fought in the same division. My instructor was an incredible taekwondo athlete with some major accomplishments in the sport. Had people training for olympics there and doing very well at junior nationals (which I also competed at). I think most people were judged by their competition results and not their belt. Belt was more about how much experience you had. The test for black belt was pretty difficult however.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Loud and obnoxious is often a perception of the other party. It's subjective and the level tends to change depending on the other guy's faring.

I think the bottom line is..you do you. When it comes to the other guy, instead of complaining about him, consider its worth to you and continue or stop your interaction with him.

Or everyone around you? Seriously. Do you need to grunt on slices. When it is not about exertion and it is just noise, it can be considered a hindrance, just like someone yelling out in the crowd or other distraction. As I commented on this, it must have been awful to have had to be around this match.

But you do you, I guess.

 

[Curious]

Or everyone around you? Seriously. Do you need to grunt on slices. When it is not about exertion and it is just noise, it can be considered a hindrance, just like someone yelling out in the crowd or other distraction. As I commented on this, it must have been awful to have had to be around this match.

But you do you, I guess.

Not sure if I’ve seen anyone more annoying than this guy anywhere I’ve played.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

I believe Rublev only grunts when he goes for a winner but is silent on his regular rally shots.

Halep appears to grunt only on serves and TS g'strokes. Have never heard her grunt on drop shots or any underspin shots for that matter. No grunts on volleys either, I believe. Greater exertion for TS shots.

Grunting is against Rule 37 of the Tennis Code. Doesn't matter if it makes you hit harder shots. Shouldn't be done just like failing to give benefit of the doubt to your opponent on line calls.

You are cheating if you grunt, bottom line.

Cheating? Maybe. The Code is not part of the ITF Rules of Tennis.

https://www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/pdfs/2015_Code.pdf

 

[user92626]

Or everyone around you? Seriously. Do you need to grunt on slices. When it is not about exertion and it is just noise, it can be considered a hindrance, just like someone yelling out in the crowd or other distraction. As I commented on this, it must have been awful to have had to be around this match.

But you do you, I guess.

Judging by the little guy's grunts in this video -- which is perfectly harmless regardless when he does -- you are difficult and grumpy if you have a complaint. LOL

I don't know about other situations that you are referring to. Most of the time we can tell who's malicious or not with a hindrance.

And, we're talking about grunting. Not yelling and odd distractions during an important match like a pro match.

We play at public courts. We're not gonna replay a point by a honking car or a yelling by-passer. It helps if you are always in a good attitude and focused on fun. Little things can't annoy you.


D@mn.. reading you guys' comments I see that I'm reaaaaally tolerant of people and life. I'd play almost anything, with anyone, , with whatever condition of ball except the complete flat, stay as long as a session may take. I never challenge my opponent's calls bc it's pointless but I'll tell him the fair rule if they challenge mine. I never have not enough water for myself. To boost I frequently provide water to others when they are in need. LOL. I showed up on time -- bc it's courtesy -- while league people made me wait 25 minutes!!! Frankly I don't expect much standard from people. So, I'm really impressed when I see someone with some good quality.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

Have seen Sharapova, Azarenka, Halep, S Williams and other grunters numerous times in person. Their exhalation sounds are definitely noticeable in person.

However the grunting and shrieking sounds heard on many videos and broadcasts are boosted / amplified. The courts are miked and the court audio is often enhanced.

 

[Dartagnan64]

So who's left for you to play?

Lots of etiquette following good sports on my social tennis list and no problem getting invites, thank you very much.

Cheating? Maybe. The Code is not part of the ITF Rules of Tennis.

So it's now fine for someone to hum and haw about a line call then call it out? It's fine for someone to return every long first serve and only call fault on the returns that aren't winners? It's fine for me to over-rule the opponent on line calls on his side?

And you forgot the rest of the description. "The Code is not part of the ITF Rules of Tennis. Players shall follow The Code, except to the extent to which an official assumes some of their responsibilities." If it says we should follow the code, we should follow the code. If ignoring the code is not cheating then what is it? You tell me the right term and I'll use it.

Or everyone around you? Seriously. Do you need to grunt on slices. When it is not about exertion and it is just noise, it can be considered a hindrance, just like someone yelling out in the crowd or other distraction. As I commented on this, it must have been awful to have had to be around this match.

I'm with you. Grunting on everything including slices for 2 hours would start to grate for sure.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Judging by the little guy's grunts in this video -- which is perfectly harmless regardless when he does -- you are difficult and grumpy if you have a complaint. LOL

I don't know about other situations that you are referring to. Most of the time we can tell who's malicious or not with a hindrance.

And, we're talking about grunting. Not yelling and odd distractions during an important match like a pro match.

We play at public courts. We're not gonna replay a point by a honking car or a yelling by-passer. It helps if you are always in a good attitude and focused on fun. Little things can't annoy you.


D@mn.. reading you guys' comments I see that I'm reaaaaally tolerant of people and life. I'd play almost anything, with anyone, , with whatever condition of ball except the complete flat, stay as long as a session may take. I never challenge my opponent's calls bc it's pointless but I'll tell him the fair rule if they challenge mine. I never have not enough water for myself. To boost I frequently provide water to others when they are in need. LOL. I showed up on time -- bc it's courtesy -- while league people made me wait 25 minutes!!! Frankly I don't expect much standard from people. So, I'm really impressed when I see someone with some good quality.

I've played plenty of grunters and get through just fine. Doesn't mean it is acceptable if it is above and beyond something needed and done just to make noise. Cars honking, kids screaming while playing, planes flying over VERY low and loud (we play under that constantly as anyone who has played Surprise will attest to), and all are part of every day life. Yell-grunting is simply a choice, and I disagree with it. That isn't intolerant or judgemental as you are implying.

I have seen plenty of players asked to curb vocal grunts at rec tourney's, but never at our leagues or any college match, which I have never seen get as loud as that match I was showing. Pros complain all the time. Some people just don't agree with it. And there are PLENTY of players who yell-grunt loud just to be distracting. I know plenty of coaches that teach it or at least endorse it.

 

[SystemicAnomaly]

...
So it's now fine for someone to hum and haw about a line call then call it out? It's fine for someone to return every long first serve and only call fault on the returns that aren't winners? It's fine for me to over-rule the opponent on line calls on his side?

And you forgot the rest of the description. "The Code is not part of the ITF Rules of Tennis. Players shall follow The Code, except to the extent to which an official assumes some of their responsibilities." If it says we should follow the code, we should follow the code. If ignoring the code is not cheating then what is it? You tell me the right term and I'll use it.

No, I did not forget anything. Well aware of what is there. And what the hey does the bolded part above have anything to do with my statement? You are reading a whole lot into the simple statement that I made.

 

[ChaelAZ]

I've played plenty of grunters and get through just fine. Doesn't mean it is acceptable if it is above and beyond something needed and done just to make noise. Cars honking, kids screaming while playing, planes flying over VERY low and loud (we play under that constantly as anyone who has played Surprise will attest to), and all are part of every day life. Yell-grunting is simply a choice, and I disagree with it. That isn't intolerant or judgemental as you are implying.

I have seen plenty of players asked to curb vocal grunts at rec tourney's, but never at our leagues or any college match, which I have never seen get as loud as that match I was showing. Pros complain all the time. Some people just don't agree with it. And there are PLENTY of players who yell-grunt loud just to be distracting. I know plenty of coaches that teach it or at least endorse it.

And drink every time I say PLENTY.

 

[Slowtwitcher]

I just had a 2h hitting session where I grunted more than usual. Too bad Dartman wasn't on the next court over.

 

[Harry_Wild]

 

[jered]

Anyone who has played competitive sports can tell the difference between effort exhales/grunts and just making noise. Tennis is so weird in this regard.

Some pros are actually losing power with their strange yells and screams. You can tell when they get stretched out what their actual effort noise is. It’s usually a rather quiet exhale or low grunt.

 

[SinneGOAT]

The WTA rules state that: ‘Any continual distraction of regular play, such as grunting, shall be dealt with in accordance with the Hindrance Rule.’ In essence, a player can be docked a point for grunting.

But will that happen? Nope! Cause umpires are wimps.

 

[Waves]

Grunting is lame. Now 2 minutes in the box and feel shame.

 

[Shroud]

If that's true, These guys were cheating and people were watching cheaters.

looks like they just dont enforce it correctly. Like in this example: