Computer Simulation of the Relationship between Flat Service and Service Return in Tennis Singles

Ching-Hua Chiu

《International Journal of Sport and Exercise Science》 2卷2期 (2010/06) Pp. 25-34

https://doi.org/10.29901/RJS.201006.0001

並列摘要

In tennis singles matches, the serving players try hit an ace by placing the ball to their advantage. In contrast, the receiving players try to position themselves for the best defence to return the ball in time and avoid losing points. This study is an attempt to establish a mathematical model on how to attack by optimally placing a flat service and to return the service with the optimal defence position. Four members of a college tennis team (height: 175.5±2.1cm; weight: 70.3±5.4 kg; age: 22±3.1 years) were the subjects of this study. The experiment was conducted in three stages. First, a flight algorithm based on the physics of the flat service was established. Next, spline functions were used to construct an algorithm for the 3D space available for defence during service return. Finally, data on the time of service return were collected through a high-speed video camera and then keyed into a computer program to test and simulate the flight and defence algorithms. When the serving player increased the impact speed, the receiving player was unable to hit it back. Also, when the placement was close to the receiving player's lateral sides, the serving player also increased his chances of winning a point. However, if the service bounced on the ground right in front of the receiving player, it was more likely to be returned. The placement findings were defined as the U effect in this study. This experiment also defined the receiving player's original defence space and helped identify positions vulnerable to attack, which enabled successful service returns. In conclusion, the simulation results of this experiment correspond to real conditions; therefore, the model established in this study is qualified to be a training tool for tennis players in serving and service returning.

並列關鍵字

Algorithm ； U effect ； Defensive space