This week, we are moving into the penultimate episode of the Netflix docuseries “Break Point. “Season 2, Episode 5 focuses on Jessica Pegula and Maria Sakkari as they try to break through their perineal consistency to actually win tournaments. During that journey, Marketa Vondrousova appears onscreen shortly before dismissing Pegula from the semi-finals of Wimbledon. Vondrousova rounded out that tournament by defeating Ons Jabeur in the Finals to earn her first — and quite possibly her only — Grand Slam title.
I don’t have a name for the movement Vondrousova is seen performing during this sequence. She is grasping a resistance band that looks to be anchored at waist level behind her and just off-screen while rotating her arm from side to side in a wide overhead arc. It mimics the arm swing path when delivering a serve or hitting an overhead.
Given the context, Vondrousova is most likely using this exercise as part of a muscle activation routine. The wide, overhead arc she is seen performing engages the shoulder and upper back muscles while also working on rotational mobility and stability. By mimicking the mechanics of a serve or overhead, she’s warming up and priming her muscles for those specific motions she’ll be executing on the court. This targeted activation is crucial in preventing injuries and ensuring the body is ready to perform at its highest level.
Resistance tape is an item that all tennis players should have. It is a versatile tool for strength training, building flexibility, and muscle activation. The bands are ideal for low-impact exercises, making them great for injury prevention and recovery. Additionally, the portability makes them convenient for on-the-go workouts. Overall, it’s a practical and effective piece of equipment that can enhance any tennis player’s training routine.
Yellow Resistance Band (8 Yards) (<- Sponsored Link)
I’ve never seen this particular exercise performed, and I don’t have a proper name for it. I would appreciate the enlightenment if anyone knows what this movement is called. From what I can tell, it looks like a terrific shoulder activation exercise that is perfect for preparing the muscles for the overhead shoulder rotations required in tennis. The wide arc and controlled motion seem designed to mimic the motion of a serve or overhead shot, which makes me think it could be a powerful addition to any warm-up routine.
Using effective warm-up movements like the one seen in this clip can help any tennis player stay ready for the demands of the game. Resistance bands are a great tool for priming the body to move efficiently on the court. If you haven’t already, it might be time to invest in a resistance band and experiment with some of these exercises yourself—it might just be the missing piece of your own pre-match preparation.
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