"Kinetic Transfer of Force During the Performance of the Forehand Stroke in Ground Tennis (Case Study)"

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze and investigate the kinetic chain and force transmission during the forehand stroke in tennis, through a case study of six attempts focusing on quantifying the force generated by various body segments during the sequential transfer of energy from the lower limbs through the trunk to the upper limbs across the stroke phases. Three-dimensional cameras were used to record 18 forehand stroke attempts, from which the best six were selected and analyzed using the MaxTRAQ software. A 3D scale reference was captured during filming, and the cameras were set to a frequency of 120 frames per second. The results of the study revealed a clear distinction between the preparatory and main phases of the forehand stroke, as the ball’s horizontal velocity increased from 14.59 m/s to 47.63 m/s, reflecting the effective transmission of force from the lower limbs through the trunk to the upper limbs. The force exerted by the right palm showed a perfect correlation with the resultant velocity (1.000), while certain angles, such as the right shoulder angle, had a minimal effect. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of coordination between angles, forces, and biomechanical accelerations to achieve effective technical performance. This suggests the need for specialized training to enhance this interaction and improve the efficiency of the forehand stroke in tennis.