Tennis Backhand Action of the Term Paper

The back also is commonly utilized as a source of stabilization and power during a backhand shot. Improper technique can lead to strain in the back as well, usually resulting from an overly arched back, which can result in small tears or strains of the tissues supporting the spine (Walkerbout Health, 2007). Some players, especially those that continuously engage in bad form, are more at risk for chronic injuries, even arthritis when they do not take care of these muscles and work to properly strengthen and train them between playing sessions (Walkerbout Health, 2007).

Among the muscles that are most stable in this shot include the quadriceps muscles in the upper leg. Strengthening and stretching of these muscles is important to prevent knee pain and injury resulting from the rapid motions the player engages in when preparing for and following through with a tennis shot. There are instances where a tennis player will suffer from injuries to the Achilles tendon or the calf muscles supporting the quadriceps if the player tends to push off from their calf when following through with the backhand shot (Walkerbout Health, 2007). A tear in the calf muscles is a somewhat common injury among tennis players, though the odds of injuring this muscle are dramatically reduced with proper training and stretching of the muscles following vigorous play.

Typically poor form is to blame for most of the injuries to the muscles in the elbow and ligaments of tennis players during a backhand shot. This is one reason proper technique is critical to success as a tennis player. Other common injuries one may suffer aside from those mentioned include tendonitis or tendinosis, injuries that do not affect the muscles themselves, but rather the tendons supporting them (Davies & Houseworth, 2000).

In short, one may conclude nearly all the major muscles of the body are involved in the tennis backhand. The muscles of the lower and upper abdomen, the muscles of the upper and lower back, the gluteus, the quadriceps and calves, the forearms, deltoids, biceps, neck and even pelvis are involved in this shot. All of these muscles work synergistically to support the human body during the practice of hitting the ball using a backhand swing.As with any sport, it is critical the player pays attention to their form and the force with which they swing, to avoid injury if possible to the primary and supporting muscles that allow for proper postural functioning during the backhand swing.

Even the slightest misjudgment in movement can result in long-term injury, in part because the backhand movement is one that is often delivered with great force and rapidity. Players would benefit from extensive training that focused on identifying the key muscles involved in this swing and their role in each phase of the swing, outlined above, from posturing, to hit, to follow through and recovery. Proper stretching and training can help stabilize the core, trunk and upper body muscles used to provide power and stability during each of these phases of the swing. The impact exerted on the ball will depend on the amount of strength and weight the tennis player places in the leg, hip, pelvis and shoulder when throwing the ball and when hitting the ball, as well as when landing following the shot of the ball to the other player. The muscles mentioned in this report represent the primary muscles engaged during an ordinary tennis swing. Not included are the fascia and other supporting tissue and structures that provide for swift and elongated movement during play.

References

Davies, J.A. & Houseworth, S. (2000). "University of Illinois Medical Center: Tennis

Elbow. University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago. Accessed 3, June 2007:

http://uimc.discoveryhospital.com/main.php?t=enc&id=2650

Walkerbout Health Ltd. (2007). "Top 3 Tennis stretches to improve performance and reduce injury." Walkerbout Health Pty Ltd.….....