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HMS, TIP NSE-Bank 27a

A tennis player is competing in a tournament over several days.

In the first match, the tennis player loses several points by hitting the ball into the net.

How can biomechanics be used to improve this athlete’s performance?   (4 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • Biomechanics can be used to improve the performance of this tennis player by examining the movement patterns of the body during execution of a skill to ensure it is performed correctly.
  • Biomechanical analysis may identify that during a shot, the player is unbalanced. This could cause them to drop their shoulder, follow-through incorrectly and reduce the chance of hitting the ball over the net.
  • Other factors this type of analysis could reveal include the player having a sub-optimal swing technique or a poor racquet grip. These factors can affect the angle at which the player hits the ball and result in the ball hitting the net.
  • Biomechanical analysis can therefore be used to improve the athlete’s ability to perform the skill successfully and also reduce the risk of injury.
Show Worked Solution
  • Biomechanics can be used to improve the performance of this tennis player by examining the movement patterns of the body during execution of a skill to ensure it is performed correctly.
  • Biomechanical analysis may identify that during a shot, the player is unbalanced. This could cause them to drop their shoulder, follow-through incorrectly and reduce the chance of hitting the ball over the net.
  • Other factors this type of analysis could reveal include the player having a sub-optimal swing technique or a poor racquet grip. These factors can affect the angle at which the player hits the ball and result in the ball hitting the net.
  • Biomechanical analysis can therefore be used to improve the athlete’s ability to perform the skill successfully and also reduce the risk of injury.