Recently, tennis has become more aggressive, and the increase in speed is advancing. The symbol of this change is the strong forehand hit. The purpose of this study is to clarify the special characteristics of the techniques and tactics of the forehand used in recent years by the qustion naire investigation. Questionnaire object person was 314 university student tennis players (240 men, 74 women), and split by skill level into a high ranked group and a low ranked group. The characteristics of the high ranked group are follows:
1. About playing styles, there were a significant number of typical aggressive players. In a cross table of play style and development, the combined aggressive type was significant in number.
2. About movement of forehand, there were many players who used the heavy western grip.
3. About tactics, there were many players who answered that they would get around to their forehand more than 60% of the time. When they went around, many players would hit either long cross court.
4. About playerʼs strong and weak points, players were good at hitting high balls. And they proud hit cross court and inside-out when they went around.
From these results, it is now clear that the forehand is being used more aggressively. One potential cause for this may be an improvement in racquet technology. We should think it necessary to conduct guidance on the forehand based on these results. However, it can be expected that these characteristics will continue to evolve, and another study will likely become necessary.
View full abstract