Today, tennis is generally taught using a "game-based approach", rather than the traditional way of rehearsing each stroke for precise technical execution. The goal for players becomes, not to reproduce an ideal stroke, but to better understand the tactical challenges of the game and then use modifications to individual stroke technique to meet these challenges. Power, with control, is a key factor that must be mastered in this "game-based approach" to learning. This presentation will discuss the following factors related to this end. A) The use of elastic energy: During the backswing phase of stroke production the muscles, tendons and associated tissue, are actually stretched and store energy. On movement reversal, during the shortening phase, the stretched tissues (that are now in a better position to produce force) recoil to their original shape and in so doing increase racket speed (~ 10-20% augmentation) and enhance movement to the ball.2 This aspect of stroke production, which plays a role from early skill development, also places an increased load on the muscles that are stretched. B) The distance over which racket speed can be developed: One of the main reasons for having a backswing is to increase the distance over which racket speed can be developed during the forwardswing. This factor plays a role in the generation of power in groundstrokes, the serve, and even the volley. C) The use of co-ordinated movements: if a high racket speed is required, a number of body segments must be co-ordinated to produce an optimal result. The role of intemal rotation of the upper arm at the shoulder joint, will specifically be discussed in high speed stroke production.1 Removal of one segment from this chain of co-ordinated movements, has been shown to place greater load on other segments/joints, if the same racket speed is to be achieved.3 D) The linking of angular and linear velocities: Modern players primarily use rotation to develop power, whereas traditional coaching emphasised amore linear approach to stroke production. The coaching logic is that an open stance (associated with rotation) limits the use of linear momentum in creating racket speed, while a closed stance (associated with the traditional approach) limits the role of hip and trunk rotation (angular momentum) in stroke production.4 This presentation will discuss how a combination of linear and angular momentum can best be used at different stages of stroke development to produce an optimal result.
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