The purpose of this study was to compare double-handed backhand kinematics of the non-dominant wrist of tennis players using either an eastern or continental grip position with the non-dominant hand. Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers on sixteen sub-elite right-handed tennis players using a 12-camera VICON motion capture system (250 Hz). Participants executed double-handed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (Eastern [E] and Continental [C]), aiming for two crosscourt zones (Deep [D] and Short [S]), totalling to four conditions (ED, CD, ES and CS). Three successful attempts from each condition were selected for analysis. The eastern grip demonstrated faster horizontal racket head velocity compared to the continental grip. However, no differences were observed in accuracy or spin rate between grips (p > 0.05). In the non-dominant upper limb, elbow flexion was smaller in the continental condition throughout the swing, whilst wrist extension and ulnar deviation was larger. Collectively, these data suggest that the continental grip may place the wrist in a position vulnerable to overuse injury. Future research into the kinetics of the double-handed backhand would help better understand the onset of ulnar-side wrist pain in tennis.

The purpose of this study was to compare the upper limb kinematic chain of tennis players using either an eastern or continental non-dominant grip position during the forward swing of the double-handed backhand stroke. Sixteen right-handed tennis players performed backhands using two non-dominant grip positions (eastern and continental), aiming for two cross-court zones (deep and short). Trajectory data were captured using sixty reflective markers attached to the upper limb and racket using a 12-camera Vicon motion capture system (250 Hz). Peak angular velocity was significantly greater for multiple joint rotations at the dominant shoulder and entire non-dominant limb in the eastern grip. Subsequently, greater peak racket head angular velocity and post-impact ball speed were generated by the eastern grip, while shot accuracy was similar between grip types. There was delayed dominant shoulder peak adduction angular velocity for the continental grip, possibly due to a lack of skill familiarity causing changes in coordinative patterns. Collectively, the non-dominant grip position appears to influence proximal and distal upper limb movement. Future research should explore upper limb segment coordination comparing preferred and non-preferred double-handed backhand techniques and complete inter-disciplinary investigations to understand what grip positions are most effective for individuals to learn double-handed backhands.

This study aimed to understand how tennis coaches perceive and approach the development of grip positions, a foundational skill in tennis. Professionally accredited coaches, classed as less (n = 140) or more (n = 86) experienced, participated in an online survey where they provided their perspectives on the importance of developing grip positions and their opinions on using physically constraining tools for coaching. Irrespective of coach experience level, the findings revealed that technique development and grip position training were ranked as the two most important components in foundational tennis skill development. The Semi-western grip for forehand (less: 68%; more: 65%), a combination of Continental and Eastern grips for double-handed backhand (less: 59%; more: 48.8%), and the Continental grip for serves (both: 94%) were identified as the most commonly taught positions for different shots. Perceived barriers to developing grip positions were out of habit (less: 62%; more: 56%), discomfort (less: 58%; more: 50%), and lack of confidence (less: 44%; more: 21%). Notably, 65% of coaches expressed an openness to incorporating physically constraining tools to enhance grip-specific skill development. Overall, this study serves as a foundational resource, guiding coaches in optimising their strategies for foundational tennis development, prompting further research in this area.

The purpose of this study was to explore the experiential knowledge of tennis coaches as it related to the development of grip positions in tennis athletes. Accredited tennis coaches (n = 11) completed semi-structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions about their coaching background, the importance of grip positions compared with other areas of foundational development, and their opinions on using physically-constraining tools (PCTs). Two major themes, “Grip positions are an adaptive skill” and “Why and how do I modify an athlete’s grip?”, were identified. Coaches expressed the opinion that grip positions were dynamic and a modifiable component of tennis stroke technique. Irrespective of shot type, grip positions were viewed as a non-negotiable aspect of talent development and intrinsically linked to other components of the stroke. Coaches questioned the necessity of technique refinement for grip positions given the complex and time-costly nature of bringing about effective motor-behaviour change. Some coaches expressed reservations about skill transfer into live match-play, intuitively expressing the concepts of the constraints-led approach to manipulate key variables within the athlete’s environment to foster learning. Future research should aim to assess the short- and long-term effects of PCT use in tennis and establish the extent to which PCTs can impact learning and skill transfer.

Background: Female sports participation is at an all-time high, from amateur to professional levels. There has been recent media and scientific focus on the higher rates of injury to the anterior cruciate ligament and head injuries in female athletes compared with male athletes. A similar association has not been emphasized in the foot and ankle. Hence, this research aims to establish the rate of foot and ankle injury at the professional level in female athletes compared with their male counterparts. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to understand the rate of foot and ankle injuries in professional and semiprofessional athletes. It was hypothesized that female athletes are injured at higher rates compared with their male counterparts. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, Ovid EMBASE, and Ovid MEDLINE were searched for relevant papers up until October 23, 2023. Papers reporting on rates of foot and ankle injuries in female professional or semiprofessional athletes were included, along with a male comparison group. A total of 2510 papers were screened. A meta-analysis was performed on 4 separate subgroups using common and random-effects models. Results: A total of 53 papers met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis of proportions was performed. Of this total, 21 records reported absolute elite athlete numbers and 32 reported athletic exposures. Meta-analyses were performed on these 2 subgroups separately. The literature was found to have a high risk of bias. The rate of injuries to the foot and ankle in female athletes was higher than their male counterparts overall (log odds ratio). Professional female athletes had significantly more injuries compared with their male counterparts using a common-effects model (odds ratio, 1.52 [1.44-1.61]) Chi-square testing demonstrated significant heterogeneity. Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that female athletes suffer foot and ankle injuries at professional and semiprofessional competition levels at higher rates than their male counterparts. The literature on this topic is limited to large observational studies with significant risk of bias and heterogeneity. The current research provided an understanding of the significant effects of foot and ankle injury rates, detailing the increased exposures that are present in female semiprofessional and elite sports.

With continued advancement in flooring technology, modular sports flooring tiles have emerged as a potential alternative flooring solution for sports performance. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding their effects on ground reaction forces in landing tasks (GRFs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of flooring surface on peak GRFs during bilateral drop landings. Eighteen physically active adults (10 males, 8 females) completed three bilateral drop landings from a 50 cm height across each of three flooring types: modular sport tiles, athletic track, and bare force plates, measuring contacts from both the left and right limb. GRFs were captured using two in-ground force platforms, normalised to body mass, and then analysed using a linear mixed-effects model with post-hoc comparisons where significant interactions were recorded. Peak anterior GRFs were significantly lower in the modular tiles compared with athletic sports track and bare metal surfaces (p < 0.001, η²_p ≥ 0.430). Additionally, anterior (p = 0.048, η²_p = 0.040), lateral (p < 0.001, η²_p = 0.280), and vertical (p = 0.001, η²_p = 0.100) GRFs were significantly greater in the right limb compared with the left limb within each flooring surface condition. Future research should investigate sport-specific movement patterns and long-term adaptations associated with training on modular surfaces to assess their potential role in enhancing performance and mitigating injuries.