Biomechanics

To have balance when performing a forehand is advantageous to have a large proportion of power and accuracy created. The three factors of balance, centre of gravity (COG), base of support (BOS) and the line of gravity (LOG) are essential in achieving the perfect stroke. The BOS is a key involvement in generating power and providing stability. The wider the base of support the more stable you are therefore it is essential to have a wider base of support before and during the forehand is performed as 'the larger the area of the base of support is, the greater the stability' (Hede et al, 2011, pg 78). It is evident in the video footage that I have a poor base of support which can be the main influence for my poor hip and torso twist which disadvantages my stroke as less power is generated. The line is gravity or LOG is a line centered through the body. When the line of gravity runs through the middle of the base of support the more stable the athlete is, 'Maximum stability is achieved by positioning the Centre of Gravity as close to the ground and as close to the centre of the base of support as possible' (Kiss et al, 2010, pg 178). Due to my base of support the line of gravity is not located in the middle, making me unstable during my stroke. This is supported through the video of my forehand especially on my follow through where my body is leaning backwards creating momentum in the wrong direction. The centre of gravity is where all the concentrated mass of the body is contained. When in the preparation stage of the forehand where the knees are bent the centre of gravity is lowed which increases stability. When the body springs upwards the centre of gravity is located higher on the body which makes the body less stable. In my forehand stroke on the video footage it is evident that my centre of gravity doesn’t move much as my knee’s aren’t bent enough to lower the centre of gravity.