Future Trends in Tennis: Part 2

Are players with two forehands a viable future option? In the first article in this series I outlined some thoughts on the possible evolution of players, playing styles, rackets and technique. Let’s continue now with some additional, more radical thoughts about the possible further evolution of training and coaching, focusing on laterality, ambidexterity and symmetry. LateralityTraining Laterality is the preference for one side of the body or the other, like being right or left handed or right or left-footed. The study of laterality also relates to the dominance of the left or right eye. Coaches and trainers are currently exploring the effects laterality has on motor performance and technical development. In tennis, Paul Dorochenko has been a leader in this field of study. Click Here to see him training with a young Roger Federer. Others like the Spanish coach Jofre Porta are using laterality to inform their developmental work with players. (Click Here to see my previous profile of him on Tennisplayer.) Future coaches may be able train and enhance eye dominance from a young age to improve technical development and overall sports performance. Understanding laterally may also be a key in understanding a player’s potential to play ambidextrous tennis....