Mechanical analysis of racket and ball during impact

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Physics
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Previous experimental studies indicated that tennis ball rebound velocity is unaffected by grip firmness.
• The relationship between ball approach and rebound velocity is complex, influenced by multiple factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide analytical support for experimental findings on tennis ball rebound velocity.
• To investigate the influence of grip firmness on ball-racket impact dynamics using classical impact theory.

Main Methods:

• A mathematical model based on classical impact theory was developed.
• The model analyzed the functional relationship between ball approach and rebound velocities.
• Published experimental data and an independent experiment were used for validation.

Main Results:

• The rebound-to-approach velocity ratio is primarily a function of the coefficient of restitution.
• Mass and length ratios for tennis are negligible, making the coefficient of restitution the dominant factor.
• The coefficient of restitution was found to be practically independent of grip firmness.

Conclusions:

• The study analytically confirms that grip firmness does not significantly alter tennis ball rebound velocity.
• The coefficient of restitution is the key parameter governing ball-racket impact outcomes.
• Classical impact theory effectively explains the observed dynamics in tennis ball impacts.