"3D Analysis of the Biomechanical Determinants of Foot Positions During the Forehand Stroke Performance in Tennis"

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical variables of foot positions during the execution of the forehand stroke in tennis, and to examine the impact of these variables on the effectiveness of technical performance. A three-dimensional biomechanical analysis was conducted using three Sony AS100v cameras positioned at two angled views (45°) from the front and rear to capture the full player motion, with an additional camera on the opposite side of the court to record the ball's landing point. The cameras were set at a frame rate of 60 frames per second. Twelve forehand stroke attempts were recorded, from which the best six were selected for analysis using the SkillSpector software, focusing on three key phases: the preparatory phase, the main phase, and the final phase. The results indicated that maintaining a foot stance width of 50–60 cm increased ball speed by up to 15%. An optimal force distribution between the feet (60% on the right foot and 40% on the left) improved performance by 12%. Ideal joint angles such as a knee angle between 130–145° and an ankle angle of 90° had a positive impact on the accuracy and speed of the stroke. Additionally, proper foot positioning reduced reaction time by 20% and enhanced overall performance effectiveness by 20%. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating biomechanical analysis of foot positioning into technical training programs to improve forehand stroke performance in tennis.