B1

Observation and analysis of core skill one: The serve in tennis

Technical models


Serve success rate

B1: Demonstration situation

Core skill one: The tennis serve

I set up an experiment in which I asked my performer to complete 10 serves in each box of the tennis court.  I used a camcorder to record his attempts and completed a results table to show his level of success.  The data I collected was interval in nature.  Therefore I calculated the mean as a suitable form of data analysis.  This is because the data had a definite and implied order.


Looking at the quantitative data, you can see that the average serve success rate was quite poor.  Only 40 to 60% of the serves were successful.

Looking at the data qualitatively, you can see that there is a major flaw in my performer serving ability.  The major problem in my performer’s ability is the toss up, take back and contact.  To perform an effective serve these three subroutines have to be performed precisely.

I have listed the strengths and weaknesses of my performer's ability to serve in section C1.


Foot placement and early preparation

Feet lined, just slightly behind the baseline.

Front foot at an angle and back foot are running parallel to the baseline.

Racket faced forwards towards the target and spare hand supporting the throat of the racket

Toss up

Ball thrown slightly in front of the body with enough height

There is a smooth coordinated action with all body parts working together

Tack back

Racket taken effectively behind the back.

The ball is still slightly in front of the body and at a perfect height for the outstretched racket

Contact

As the ball reached the top of the throw up, the model accelerated the racket head at the ball in a throwing action

The ball is being watched by the performer and is at a height where a lot of power is generated.

Follow through

Racket followed through all the way.

The action is followed through across the body and the model is recovering quickly to be ready for the next shot


B2

Observation and analysis of core skill two: The Forehand drive

Technical models


B2: Demonstration situation

Core skill two: The Forehand

I set up an experiment in which I asked my performer to complete 10 forehand drives.  I used a camcorder to record his attempts and completed a results table to show his level of success.

The data I collected was interval in nature therefore I calculated the mean as a suitable form of data analysis.  This is because the data had a definite and implied order.


Looking at the quantitative data, you could see that my performer's forehand drives were effective.  A high percentage of 70 to 80% of the shots were successful.

Looking at the qualitatively, you can see that my performer's forehand drives were a consistently high.  This is because my performer's backswing, contact/timing and accuracy were performed precisely.  These were the important subroutines, which allowed the perfect forehand.

My performer used this type of shot, to his advantage and allowed him to hit many winners.

I have listed strengths and weaknesses in section C2


Early preparation and Footwork

The model is ready and looking towards the ball. Feet are spread wide to allow quick movement around the court

Racket faced towards the opponent with both hands.

Take back

Left foot in front holding the racket firm.

The racket head is brought back to allow power.

Left hand faced outwards to allow balance and sot precision

Contact

Ball hit towards the centre top of the racket.

Timed perfectly so that all different muscle groups combine to produce huge racket head speed that will sent the ball fast.

Contact made at waist height

Follow through

The forward swing of the racket is low to high which allows the model to be ready for the next shot


The Backhand drive

Technical models

Join now!

Demonstration situation

The Backhand

I set up an experiment in which I asked my performer to complete 10 backhand drives.  I used a camcorder to record his attempts and completed a results table to show his level of success.

The data I collected was interval in nature therefore I calculated the mean as a suitable form of data analysis.  This is because the data had a definite and implied order.


Looking at the data quantitatively, you could see that my performer's backhand ...

This is a preview of the whole essay