Describe the role of different types of muscle contractions during a tennis serve. (5 marks)
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- Preparation phase: Core muscles (rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae) maintain isometric contractions to stabilise the trunk. Lower body muscles also contract isometrically to maintain balance during the ball toss.
- Ball toss:Shoulder muscles (deltoids, supraspinatus) perform concentric contractions to raise the tossing arm. Simultaneously, the serving arm begins moving into position through concentric contractions of posterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi.
- Loading phase: Eccentric contractions occur in shoulder internal rotators and triceps as the racquet drops behind the head. These contractions control the backward movement while storing elastic energy for the forward swing.
- Acceleration phase: Powerful concentric contractions drive the serve. Pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and internal rotators accelerate the shoulder. Triceps extends the elbow explosively. Core muscles contract concentrically to rotate the trunk.
- Follow through: Eccentric contractions in posterior shoulder muscles and biceps decelerate the arm after ball contact. These contractions prevent joint damage by controlling the rapid deceleration forces.
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Sample Answer
- Preparation phase: Core muscles (rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, erector spinae) maintain isometric contractions to stabilise the trunk. Lower body muscles also contract isometrically to maintain balance during the ball toss.
- Ball toss:Shoulder muscles (deltoids, supraspinatus) perform concentric contractions to raise the tossing arm. Simultaneously, the serving arm begins moving into position through concentric contractions of posterior deltoid and latissimus dorsi.
- Loading phase: Eccentric contractions occur in shoulder internal rotators and triceps as the racquet drops behind the head. These contractions control the backward movement while storing elastic energy for the forward swing.
- Acceleration phase: Powerful concentric contractions drive the serve. Pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, and internal rotators accelerate the shoulder. Triceps extends the elbow explosively. Core muscles contract concentrically to rotate the trunk.
- Follow through: Eccentric contractions in posterior shoulder muscles and biceps decelerate the arm after ball contact. These contractions prevent joint damage by controlling the rapid deceleration forces.