A Determination of Velocities and Angles of Projection for the Tennis Serve

The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum and maximum velocity of the tennis ball for selected heights of contact and angles of projection and wall impact points during the tennis serve. By use of a ballistics formula, a number of variables which determine the trajectory of the tennis ball were programed for the computer. Tables were tabulated and are available for all data gathered. Angles of projection from the horizontal were selected to range from −5° to 15° in increments of 1°. Velocity of the serve ranged from a low of 30 ft. per second to a high of 176 ft. per second. Finally, the height of the contact point ranged from a low of 6.0 ft. to a high of 9.0 ft. in increments of .5 ft. Height of the ball when crossing the net (impact point on the practice court) ranged from a low of 3.01 ft. to a high of 8.47 ft. The minimum height at crossing was achieved at 6.5 ft. service height, a −3° angle of projection and time from baseline of .30 sec. This is a relatively high velocity serve. In contrast, the maximum height over the net of 8.47 ft. was achieved at an 8.5 ft. service height, a 15° angle of projection, and time of .79 sec. to point of impact. These data indicate that at higher service heights and slower velocities, a ball can hit the impact area as much as 8.47 ft. from the floor, 4.47 ft. above the net and still remain in the service court.