Introduction to 3D Analysis

3D quantitative analysis: the leap from interpretation to physics. The world of tennis is becoming more technically advanced. From stroke analysis, to player preparation, to performance evaluation, progressive coaches and players are using an array of innovations and increased expertise to get results. Perhaps the biggest advances have been made in the stroke visualization and interpretation realm. This comes as no surprise to subscribers to Tennisplayer, as the use of video, and video editing software, combined with intense study and description of touring pro technique has led to continuing revolutions of understanding. In these articles, I want to introduce an entirely new level of analysis that is now becoming available for players: 3D biomechanical analysis. Many coaches, including John Yandell, have referred to this as the "holy grail" of stroke analysis. With this new technology, measurements can be made of players that produce a 3-D mapping of the body in motion. Once the movements are mapped, we can quantify stroke production, and shift analysis away from the use of imagery and interpretation directly into the world of physics and biology. 3D mapping allows us to shift from stroke interpretation to physics. Coaches and players armed with this information, and the...