Left-Handedness in Tennis: Tactical, Coaching and Training Considerations

Authors

  • Doug Eng
  • Mark Kovacs

Keywords:

Left-handed tactical advantage, Handedness, Tactical patterns, Spin

Abstract

Left-handedness has been often considered to be an advantage in tennis due to spin and tactical patterns. Recent research indicates that such advantages are minimal at the pro tour level but can still exist at the club level. The advantage has been suggested to be frequency-dependent, where if right-handed players become more accustomed to left-handed opponents, the advantage is neutralised. It is suggested that frequency of training with left-handed opponents with serve and forehand tactical patterns can prepare players better. Recommendations for tactics, training and coaching are made.

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References

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Loffing F., Hagemann N., Strauss B. (2012). Left-Handedness in Professional and Amateur Tennis. PLoS ONE 7(11): e49325. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0049325

Miller, S. (2009). The decline of left-handed first basemen. The New York Times, online March 29, 2009.

Perelle, I.B., & Ehrman L. (1994). An international study of human handedness: The data. Behavior Genetics, 24, 217-227. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01067189

Raymond, M., Pontier, D., Dufour, A., Møller, A.P. (1996). Frequency- dependent maintenance of left-handers in humans. Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 263, 1627-1633. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.1996.0238

Shimizu A., Endo M. (1983). Handedness and Familial Sinistrality in a Japanese Student Population. Cortex 19(2) 265-272. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-9452(83)80020-3

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Published

2014-08-31

How to Cite

Eng, D., & Kovacs, M. (2014). Left-Handedness in Tennis: Tactical, Coaching and Training Considerations. ITF Coaching & Sport Science Review, 22(63), 26–30. Retrieved from https://itfcoachingreview.com/index.php/journal/article/view/503

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 63 (2014)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2014 Doug Eng, Mark Kovacs

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