Presents a comprehensive study of the technology behind the sport of tennis and contains diagrams and graphs to give a visual understanding of the physics involved in such things as the flight and bounce of the ball.

Science and technology have contributed immensely to the establishment of tennis as one of the world's major sports. The science involved is interdisciplinary, encompassing design, engineering, physics, sports science, biomechanics and many other areas. This book brings together a selection of international papers collated by the International Tennis Federation Technical Department. The papers come from a variety of sources including manufacturers, universities, national ruling bodies and the International Tennis Federation. Four main themes - equipment, sports science, facilities and the game itself - are covered, representing work carried out in over 20 countries. The themes dealt with are diverse and comprehensive, ranging from the construction of a championship grass court to the technical intricacies of the aerodynamics of tennis balls. The role of the player is also considered making this an important book for all those involved in the game of tennis, from researchers to coaches and players.

Plagued hackers and experts alike. This informative primer will help turn hours of mindless practice into a focused application of principles affecting the impact, bounce, and flight of the ball.

If you have watched a Grand Slam tennis tournament in the past decade, you are probably aware that the game is dominated by just a few international powerhouses. At the conclusion of each tournament, it is likely that you will see Serena Williams atop the women’s podium and a member of the Big Four—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray—hoisting the trophy for the men. And while there is not a lot of variety in the outcome of these matches, the game of tennis itself has changed drastically over the decades, as developments in technology and conditioning regimens, among other factors, have altered the style of play. Underpinning many of these developments is science, and this book explains the scientific wonders that take the ball from racket to racket and back again. Each chapter explores a different facet of the game—learning, technique, game analysis, the mental edge, physical development, nutrition for performance and recovery, staying healthy, and equipment—and is organized around a series of questions. How do we learn the ins and outs of hitting the ball in and not out? What are the main technological developments and software programs that can be used to assist in performance and notational analysis in tennis? What role does sports psychology play in developing a tennis player? What is the role of fluid replacement for the recreational, junior, and professional player? What rule changes have been made with respect to the racket, ball, and ball-court interaction to maintain the integrity of the game in the face of technological change? Each question is examined with the aid of explanatory diagrams and illustrations, and the book can be used to search for particular topics, or read straight through for a comprehensive overview of how player and equipment work together. Whether you prefer the grass courts of Wimbledon, the clay courts of the French Open, or the hard courts of the US and Australian Opens, Tennis Science is a must-have for anyone interested in the science behind a winning game.

How does your opponent put that tricky spin on the ball? Why are some serves easier to return than others? The mysteries behind the winning strokes, equipment, and surfaces of the game of tennis are accessibly explained by Howard Brody through the laws of physics. And he gives practical pointers to ways players can use this understanding to advantage in the game. Through extensive laboratory testing and computer modeling, Brody has investigated the physics behind the shape of the tennis racket, the string pattern, the bounce of the tennis ball, the ways a particular court surface can determine the speed of the game, and the many other physical factors involved in tennis.

Explains the scientific basis of the forces and motions used in tennis strokes and applies six basic biomechanical principles players can use to improve their technique.

Sport is undergoing a global technological revolution. Year on year, records are smashed, equipment gets more sophisticated, facilities improve almost beyond recognition. These changes are impacting on all areas of sport, from shoes to cycles and stadia. Is this making sport more exciting for participants and spectators? Or are talent and determination becoming secondary to money and technology, devaluing honest competition? In Higher, Further, Faster..., Stewart Ross looks at these questions and much more. Starting with a description of technology's impact on elements common to various sports, such as bats, balls, pitches and special clothing, he then examines the controversies that arise almost daily, from golf club technology to the use of Hawk-eye in tennis. He also looks ahead to the techno-future of major sports such as football, tennis, golf, cricket, cycling and motor sport, and asks where they are going: Are referees and umpires becoming redundant? If drugs will always win, do we really have a choice about using them? Will we ever see a Super-Human Olympics? Is modern professional sport more about technology than talent? Can athletes from the developing world ever hope to compete in modern sport? This book is a must-read for all participants and fans who want to understand the technological upheaval that is shaking modern sport to its very foundations. One thing's for sure: whether you find it stimulating or just plain scary, the future will be very, very different... About the author Stewart Ross is a full-time writer with some 200 published titles to his credit. He is also an occasional journalist and broadcaster, a frequent lecturer, notably on the QE2 and at ICES (La Roche sur Yon, France, where he lectures to science students), and a much sought-after presenter of workshops to schools and adult groups. www.stewartross.net