How does your opponent put that tricky spin on the ball? Why are some serves easier to return than others? The mysteries behind the winning strokes, equipment, and surfaces of the game of tennis are accessibly explained by Howard Brody through the laws of physics. And he gives practical pointers to ways players can use this understanding to advantage in the game.
Through extensive laboratory testing and computer modeling, Brody has investigated the physics behind the shape of the tennis racket, the string pattern, the bounce of the tennis ball, the ways a particular court surface can determine the speed of the game, and the many other physical factors involved in tennis.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
A physics professor explains how the laws of physics work in the game of tennis. Included are studies of string tension, the size, shape, and weight of a racket, ball trajectories, court surfaces, and reflex time. Numerous tables, graphs, and formulas accompany the text. The author suggests such knowledge may enable the player "to gain a point here, a point there." The reader need not be a degree-bearing engineer to profit from the material, but this work is definitely aimed at dedicated students of the game, those who wish to play "with the head as well as the arm." For comprehensive collections only. William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"Get right to the good stuff: how to use the laws of nature to win points and enjoy the game more. You'll find some interesting things here."—Tennis
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A classic tennis book on tennis physics,
By A Customer
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This review is from: Tennis Science for Tennis Players (Paperback)
This is a very readable book which will appeal to tennis aficionados who want to understand the "why's" of tennis. It is not really a "how to do it" sort of book. Sections in the book explain the physics of tennis strings and the tennis racket frame itself, as well as the physics of tennis strokes (e.g., why certain types of shots are more likely to go out or into the net). Some of the subject matter has since been explored in greater detail by the online tennis community, but this book nevertheless remains very informative and relevant to tennis players and coaches who like to tinker with their equipment and their game.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Finally, tennis facts.,
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This review is from: Tennis Science for Tennis Players (Paperback)
There is so much misinformation in tennis! This book sorts through all the hype and confusion and gives true information on what makes a tennis ball go. From rackets to strings to strokes, this book shows what is important and what is not. For instance, why is it so hard to hit a hard shot from mid-court? Why do shots down the line go out so much? Should I serve hard or slow? How can I become more consistent at serving and groundstrokes? Should I crowd the net or stay back and get ready for a lob?This book finally gives answers to these perplexing questions.
4.0 out of 5 stars
mad tennis scientist,
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This review is from: Tennis Science for Tennis Players (Paperback)
This book is very interesting for tennis players who have a scientific background. It may be a tad complicated for the average Joe tennis player. It explains the why hows and what to do's to give you the best chance of winning in tennis based on physics. The book however is quite dated and talks about the oversized Prince racket as a new design and Borg as a current player. The new racket designs and strings have changed the modern game of tennis. I would have liked a more up to date version or at least a new chapter.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
There is a famous advertisement in many tennis magazines that points out that the ball never touches that very expensive, high-tech tennis racket. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
standard size racket, initial ball speed, vertical angular acceptance, incident ball speed, string plane deformation, initial vertical angle, minimum vertical angle, margin for allowable error, different ball speeds, wider racket, flexible racket, strung area, vertical acceptance angle, stiff racket, ball speed increases, oversize racket, racket weight, racket motion, backspin shot, racket face, topspin shot, crosscourt shot, racket speed, racket head, hit waist Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Court Position, Prince Graphite, Supreme Court, Trajectories of Tennis Balls New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
There is a famous advertisement in many tennis magazines that points out that the ball never touches that very expensive, high-tech tennis racket. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
standard size racket, initial ball speed, vertical angular acceptance, incident ball speed, string plane deformation, initial vertical angle, minimum vertical angle, margin for allowable error, different ball speeds, wider racket, flexible racket, strung area, vertical acceptance angle, stiff racket, ball speed increases, oversize racket, racket weight, racket motion, backspin shot, racket face, topspin shot, crosscourt shot, racket speed, racket head, hit waist Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Court Position, Prince Graphite, Supreme Court, Trajectories of Tennis Balls New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
8
books
cite this book:
See all 8 books citing this book
- Biomedical Engineering Principles in Sports (Bioengineering, Mechanics, and Materials: Principles and Applications in Sports) by George K. Hung on page 124, page 178, and page 206
- Tennis: Olympic Handbook of Sports Medicine by Per Renström on page 26, page 38, and page 247
- The Physics of Sports by Angelo Jr. Armenti on page 140, page 166, and Back Matter
- World-Class Tennis Technique by Paul Roetert in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Science and Racket Sports I by T. Reilly on page 133, and page 178
See all 8 books citing this book
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