Tennis Technology Tuesday
One of the recommendations from the classic tennis book “The Inner Game of Tennis,” is is for the player to imagine that they are observing their own match from an external perspective. It is a valuable technique for alleviating tension and stress while a match is in progress. It is also a valuable perspective to take for understanding what is happening strategically and tactically during the course of a match.
We are not always rational in the moment when playing tennis. That is an understatement. A few years ago, I was playing one of my tournament friends in a team match. I started the match strong, winning the first set behind aggressive serve and volley. I was also coming in behind the return of serve. Early in the second set, my opponent passed me on two consecutive screaming serve returns. I somehow became convinced that charging the net was no longer working. I completely changed tactics and wound up losing the match.
When we came off the court, my teammates were incredulous as to why I had abandoned what was clearly working after only two points. It didn’t help at all when my opponent confessed that she had actually shanked both winning returns rather than hitting the ball to her intended target. While this is a great example of a strategic and tactical blunder on the court, I am sure it is not my only one. I suspect that this has happened to me a lot of times that have escaped my attention.
I am a big fan of video analysis for tennis. Video is an extremely valuable tool for taking an external perspective on stroke technique and mechanics. It is also very effective for evaluating techniques and strategies used in competitive situations.
For recording video during a match, it is hard to beat a GoPro camera. I like it so much that I am on my third model. My first GoPro camera was purchased when the umpire I gave birth to was still playing junior tennis. Since parental observations of match play were occasionally met with skepticism, it was occasionally useful to have a clip or two as supporting evidence. That original GoPro camera actually melted while recording a junior tennis match in Abilene. It gets really hot in Texas, kids.
I currently have a GoPro Hero Session charging on my desk. I use it sporadically to record my matches and practice sessions. My current focus is analysis of my serve mechanics and first strike of the ball following the serve. Another way that I use it is to study and analyze the patterns of play that emerge in match play.
Last Thursday I started what I am anticipating will be a multi-part series “Tennis Tactics and Patterns of Play” One of the keys to developing the ability to discern effective strategy and tactics in tennis is to be aware of one’s own strengths and weaknesses. A GoPro camera is an essential tool for developing and validating that sense of awareness.
While it is not tennis specific technology, it is a critical technological tool to have in the tennis bag. I would note that anyone considering purchasing a camera needs to also purchase a high speed and high capacity micro SD card. A camera mount and a tripod with flexible legs are also extremely useful. The flexible leg tripod is very critical for mounting the camera on the fence or fence posts.
Chances are that you already have a GoPro, or other similar camera, in your possession. The key is to recognize it as enabling technology for tennis improvement.
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