Abstract

Two inertial measurement units were placed on the distal and proximal forearms of tennis players of varying skill levels to determine what type of information it is possible to obtain from such sensors and investigate the difference skill level had on the sensor readings. Players of better skill had higher rotation rate on the proximal sensor (elite 2040°/s, rec 1650°/s and beginner 700°/s), which seems similar to previously reported information on shoulder internal rotation rate.1 Shoulder internal rotation rate is a key factor for an effective service. Two players previously had formal technique coaching for their serve; these players acceleration profiles suggest that they contact the ball with less forearm supination than the nontechnique trained group (z-y acceleration ratios were 3.388 and 4.184 in technique-trained compared to 0.206 and 1.226 in nontrained). A system like this could be developed over time to quickly give coaches quantification of a player's performance without the need to use a complex biomechanics laboratory.