Tennis Biomechanics

First of a 5-part series, this video features U. S. Tennis Association professionals explaining how the kinetic link system can help improve tennis stroke and shot consistency for the serve and return, ground strokes, volleying and the transition game. This fast-paced program is slickly-done using lots of camera angles and slow motion videography with some great information, on-screen titling and graphics. However, there is almost too much scientific introductory material here, and while the discussion of grips, stances, and ground stroke production are very good, the coaching is mostly voice-over and, as such, very impersonal and distancing to viewers. For beginning players, the tape is too technical and does not present skills in sufficient depth, and intermediate to advanced players normally do not need to watch videos--they need a coach and practice! Hopefully, the rest of the series will bolster the inadequacies of this one, but for now pass it by. Choose instead such videos as the Dennis Van de Meer, Peter Burwash and Vic Braden series. (J. Scholtz)