Tennis Neuromechanics Section – An Introduction

Neuromechanics is a Sport Science concept rarely discussed in tennis player development. In general, it is concerned with the relationship between the brain, nervous system and musculoskeletal system. The reason it is rarely discussed, much less addressed in player development, is that Tennis Neuromechanics is very complicated. It is also very important to development and performance. This section provides details of the system and application in player development.

This section of Truth in Tennis will focus on Tennis Neuromechanics concepts both in theory and in practice. As a coach or player it is quite possible you have heard very little about this area of Sport Science. That is unfortunate because it is at the core of learning and playing Tennis at a high (or any) level. Tennis Neuromechanics section articles will be organized into three fundamental areas described below. I believe this is the new frontier in player development.

System Neuromechanics –  The primary system functions are sensory input, brain integration and processing, and motor output to the musclo-skeletal system. An overview and basic description of these functions and the structures providing them will be addressed. A working knowledge of the system is important to understanding Neuromechanical relevance to learning movement patterns, what some call motor programs. It is also important to understanding how the system dictates performance on multiple levels.

Developmental Neuromechanics – Teaching a player how to move or hit a stroke is really about  altering the Neuromechanical system. The alteration can be at any level of the system. It is commonly thought that through repetition “motor programs” may be constructed to provide repeatability to a given motion and to a certain extent this is true. But there is much more to “motor learning” that should be of paramount importance to coaches and players.

Performance Neuromechanics – The global system function during a complex task may be referred to as Neurocognitive Motor Control (NCMC). It is arguably the most critical element in tennis competition once the basic skills are acquired. In a nutshell, the quality of sensory input along with the speed of integration in the brain leading to execution of the proper motor output (shot) separates players at all levels of tennis. Efficacy is quite variable and largely genetic but we will discuss ways to improve this in players.