Season 2 of the Netflix docuseries “Break Point” brought a change in how the narrative arc of each episode was structured. During the first season, each episode interleaved coverage of multiple players during a single tournament. In contrast, the episodes of Season 2 focused on storylines for a single player across multiple tournaments. This was perhaps one last editing experiment to spark more ratings interest before the show’s eventual cancellation.
This week our exhaustive march through the training techniques glimpsed in the docuseries has transitioned to Episode 2 of the second season. The featured player in that episode is Holger Rune, whose storyline was a confusing mash-up of claims that he was effectively transitioning into a mature adult player interlaced with scenes that suggest that he is still a petulant toddler. Nevertheless, his fitness is sound.
In the first training clip from the episode, Rune performs an exercise that merges two techniques I have previously written about. However, the combination is unique enough to make this a new tennis functional exercise. Consequently, this post will just add to the previous body of work. Rune is seen performing “Medicine Ball Groundstrokes” while balanced on one leg on top of a wobble pad similar to the one described in “Finding Balance in Tennis Training.”
Weighted ball simulated groundstrokes are great for tennis players. Doing them while balanced on a wobble pad kicks it up a notch. This exercise enhances core strength, stability, balance, and coordination. Tennis players can use this training technique to improve their core strength as well as pre-match muscle activation, which is likely what Rune was doing in this scene.
Additionally, a small yellow weighted ball adds a nice touch, as that also potentially primes Rune’s eyes and neurons to track a tennis ball. The wobble pad he is using appears to be an inflatable clear bubble. I can not find that product listed for sale in the United States. However, I would recommend the much less portable but definitively sturdier “Bosu Balance Trainer” for this move.
Small weighted training ball. (<-Sponsored Link)
The multitude of tennis techniques can often appear to blur into one another. However, players have the creative freedon to combine fundamental exercises according to their individual preferences and needs. The multitude of potential variations can be used to create a personalized tailored training program. Performing weighted ball groundstrokes while balanced on a wobble pad is yet another example of that.
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