Biomechanics of wheelchair tennis serve

150 km/h

MAXIMAL SERVE SPEED

75%

OF POINTS ARE PLAYED IN LESS THAN 3 STROKES

73%

OF POINTS WON ON 1ST BALL AT HIGH LEVEL WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

66%

OF 1ST SERVE IN BALLS AT HIGH LEVEL WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

For wheelchair tennis players, the serve is an important weapon in winning matches. Optimizing performance is therefore fundamental for paratennis players. This involves optimizing not only the technical factors of the motion, but also the settings of the wheelchair and the interactions between the player and his wheelchair. For several years now, the M2S laboratory has been collaborating with the French Tennis Federation to provide scientific support for the French wheelchair tennis teams as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The aim of this collaboration is to develop scientific knowledge on the biomechanics of wheelchair tennis strokes, help players optimize their performance and prevent upper-body injuries (shoulder, elbow, abdominals, back). Scientific data relating to the performance of wheelchair tennis players is developing rapidly, reflecting the growing interest in this sport.

Collaborations

Wheelchair tennis

French Tennis Federation : National wheelchair tennis teams – preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Ronchin Tennis Club

St Grégoire Tennis Club (WTC Wheelchair Tennis Challenge)

Studies

Publications

Le tennis fauteuil

S. Houdet et C. Martin. « Le tennis fauteuil », Tennis : Optimisation de la Performance, De Boeck Supérieur, 2018