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Effect of tennis racket parameters on a simulated groundstroke
Tom B Allen1, Steve J Haake, Simon R Goodwill
1Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK. t.allen@shu.ac.uk
Journal of Sports Sciences
|December 21, 2010
Summary
Tennis racket design impacts performance. Heavier or head-heavy rackets increase ball rebound velocity and topspin. Structural stiffness also enhances rebound velocity for groundstrokes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Engineering
- Materials Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Composite materials offer extensive customization in tennis racket design.
- Key parameters like stiffness, mass, and balance point influence racket performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of altering tennis racket parameters on ball rebound velocity and spin.
- To analyze these effects for simulated groundstroke impacts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a finite element model of a suspended tennis racket and strings.
- Simulated oblique spinning impacts at various stringbed locations.
- Conducted simulations in a laboratory frame with a stationary racket.
Main Results:
- Structurally stiff rackets increased mean rebound velocity by 9%.
- Heavy rackets increased mean rebound velocity by 37% and topspin by 23%.
- Head-heavy rackets increased mean rebound velocity by 32% and topspin by 21%.
Conclusions:
- Increased racket structural stiffness enhances ball rebound velocity for groundstrokes.
- The influence of mass and balance point on rebound velocity is complex, depending on inertia and swing velocity.
- Racket design modifications significantly affect ball dynamics during groundstrokes.
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