Summer is here. There are burnt bits everywhere and open gardens, outdoor music, fetes and country fairs will be teasing people out to sample the culture of the Jurassic coast and countryside.
However, if you’re thinking of missing out on all the local entertainment on offer by watching tennis, you may want to take heed of a recent piece of advice from University of Greenwich scientists.
With Wimbledon almost upon us, budding tennis players are once again inspired to pick up their racquets and try to emulate their heroes. But by adopting the tennis style of professional players, amateurs may be laying themselves open to serious back and shoulder injuries. According to Karin Grabcova of the university’s Centre for Sports & Exercise Science, a faster game and lighter racquets has forced many players to change the way they play. Big hitters have caused them to alter the way they return the ball, especially on the forehand. “The situation is worse for amateur players who are mimicking (the) open-stance, pioneered by the professionals,” explains Karin, “as they have neither the body strength, fitness levels or skill of the professionals to cope with this more punishing technique.”
No such problems here – the forehand grip gently supports the tea cup, while the remote control in the other hand, adds poise and balance.
