SPEED PERCEPTUAL CUES DESCRIPTION FOR SERVE ANTICIPATION IN PROFESSIONAL TENNIS

RESUMO

Patrick Zawadzki y Josep Roca i Balasch

The aim of this study was to describe four perceptual cues during real situation to help the anticipate response on tennis serve devolutions. An observational design was used thru bi-dimensional kinematics analysis. Were participants professional male players (n=18) with ATP ranking (M = 112.84, DT = 86.02). Canonical correlation analysis was applied in 42 variates by 293 serves to define wide, depth, and speed cues. Main result showed strong correlation on second serves Rc = 0.97 (Wilks = 0.0056, Chisq = 303.45, pChisq < 0.001, F = 4.67, pF < 0.001, df1 = 117, df2 = 117.74). Inside equation strongest canonical coefficients earlier from impact suggest the racket elbow and toss shoulder as speed perceptual cues. The Opponent Study importance as facilitator of faster and better adjusted responses in sport opposition situations was marked.