Tennis Racket Impact Point and Coefficient of Restitution

Abstract

The relationship between the contact point of a ball hitting a tennis racket and the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the ball was investigated. A tennis ball was launched onto various points on the head of a clamped tennis racket. The impact was recorded from the side and behind using high-speed cameras to determine the contact point and COR. The COR was calculated by dividing the rebound velocity by its impact velocity, measured using Logger Pro video analysis. The results showed the COR increasing in value as the contact point approached the central line and with the highest values on the line towards the handle. This study provides insights into the physics of tennis rackets and can be used to inform coaching.

Keywords

• tennis racket
• impact position
• coefficient of restitution