Finding The Optimal Position For Tennis Serving Manoj Mirchandani-gobigred11@gmail.com South Point High School Belmont, NC Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics 2009 Visual and Image Processing Dr. Rahman Tashakkori, Mr. Jere Miles, Ms. Biva Shrestha Appalachian State University July 2009

Introduction The serve: Most Important- starts out If mess up, point over Different Angles and Techniques

Background Despite many players, only some Research Mostly learned from coaches and trainers Serve has 3 most important parts

Background Main Points: Starting Point Contact Follow-Through

Methods Videotaped- individual frames

Methods MS Paint- draw lines Analyzed angles

Methods Angles studied and compared Also in MS Paint 1st serve on 1st videotape compared to 1st serve on 2nd videotape and so on

Results WENT IN DID NOT GO IN If body not positioned correctly, did not go in STARTING POSITION CONTACT FOLLOW-THROUGH WENT IN Faced 90˚ with net Arm extended Stepped into court DID NOT GO IN Faced Inward Arm not extended Pivoted on left foot

Conclusion Slightest mistake- not same results Angle of hit and body Must start at 90˚- starting position Must extend arm in almost straight line Must step into court

Future Work Different Variables Skill Racquet type and String type Grip Weather- sun vs. rain Temperature- pressure

References Petal. "Main points for topspin serve." Tennis the game of passion. 27 Jan 2009. 21 Jul 2009 http://tennisbloghere.blogspot.com/2009/01/main-points-for-topspin-serve.html

Acknowledgements Dr. Tashakkori Mr. Miles Ms. Shrestha Videographers- Alex Chin, Will Greene, Hall Liu