Presumable role of tennis in the evolution of listesic damage: focus on the technical gesture of the forehand in open stance in amateurs

• Published in: ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review Vol. 32; no. 92; pp. 42 - 45
• Main Authors: Lisi, Rodolfo, Cigni, Simone
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 06.05.2024
• ISSN: 2225-4757; 1812-2302; 1812-2310; 1812-2329; 1812-2302
• DOI: 10.52383/itfcoaching.v33i92.433

Although there is an individual style by virtue of which each athlete interprets the basic technical gesture by mediating it according to their own biomechanical characteristics, most tennis instructors suggest executing the forehand in open position or, borrowing the term from the English language, in open stance (shoulders parallel to the net) as there is a potential increase in ball speed. All, however, to the detriment of the integrity of the spinal tract, especially in genetically and anatomically predisposed subjects (Lisi, 2018). Without wanting to go into the merits of professional tennis, the Authors advise - in those who approach racket sport as an amateur without ambitions of excellence - the use of the traditional closed position (shoulders perpendicular to the net) or, at least, a semi-open stance as it is sufficient to limit any harmful consequences at the level of the spine and to maintain one's competitive performance (Lisi, 2018).