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Ground Reaction Force
As the knees extend they produce what is called a "ground reaction force." The ground reaction force is generated when the player "pushes" down against the ground with his feet through the knee bend. The ground in turn "pushes" back, generating the force that propels the player upward and forward into the air toward the ball.
When a player pushes against the court with his feet, he generates ground reaction forces that propel him upward and forward to the ball.
There are actually 3 components to the ground reaction force: upwards (or vertical), forward (or horizontal), and sideways (or lateral).
The vertical component is the highest, with a force equal to about twice the player’s body weight. The horizontal component is also significant, generating a force that is two thirds to three fourths of the body weight, while the lateral component is minimal.
The ground reaction forces starts the transfer of energy upward through what is called the kinetic chain. In this way the force is "summed" through the body segments so that a high racket head velocity can occur at ball contact.
The extension of the knees propels the body toward the ball. This in turn…
