"If I build up muscle, I might be able to put more spin on the ball."
This is a question that many tennis enthusiasts have in their minds.
However, from a scientific perspective, this idea requires some clarification.
〇Spins are not determined by muscle strength
Previous research has reported that there is no clear correlation between muscle strength indicators such as sprinting or ball throwing and the spin rate (number of rotations) in tennis serves.
In other words, players with high muscle strength do not necessarily serve with a high spin rate.
These results show that the idea that "increasing muscle strength automatically increases spin" is not necessarily correct.
The amount of spin is more strongly influenced by other factors than the muscles themselves.
The real factors that affect spin rate
Whether a tennis ball has spin or not
- Friction between the racket face and the ball
- Racket head speed
- Swing trajectory (swing from bottom to top)
- Stability of the racket face at impact
These are technical and athletic factors that play a major role.
In other words, the key to determining the amount of spin is not simply the "strength of power," but "how quickly and accurately you can handle the racket."
Indirect effects of muscle strength
Muscle strength may seem unrelated to spin, but that is not the case. Muscle strength does not directly generate spin, but rather plays an important indirect role as a foundation for stabilizing the swing. Insufficient muscle strength reduces body stability and racket head speed, and also reduces spin reproducibility. Particularly important are the serratus anterior, which stabilizes the shoulder blades, the oblique abdominal muscles, which support the trunk, and the pronator and supinator muscles of the forearm, which control the racket face. Proper function of these muscles enables stable spin.
Core and shoulder girdle training to create stable spins
・Serratus anterior muscle training method
1. Stand with your hands against the wall
2. Keeping your elbows straight, push only your shoulder blades forward.
3. Return slowly
・Oblique muscle training (bicycle crunch)
method
1. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head
2. Bring one knee to your chest and the other elbow close to your chest.
3. Alternate left and right
Do each exercise 15-20 times 2-3 times.
summary
The amount of spin on a tennis serve is not directly determined by muscle strength itself. As previous research has shown, there is no clear correlation between muscle strength and the amount of spin on a serve. However, this does not mean that muscle strength is unnecessary. Muscle strength is a fundamental element for consistently reproducing the correct form and movements that produce good spin. While it is not the main factor, it can be said to be an essential element. For this reason, it is important to continue strength training in order to increase spin.
Author: Tomonori Ishizuka, Physiotherapist, Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic
Supervised by Dr. Yasushi Sera, Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic
Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic https://sera-clinic.com/