A Descriptive Study of the Value of Motor Response Speed and its Contribution to the Performance of the Forehand Stroke in Tennis

Abstract

The importance of this research lies in understanding the significance of motor response speed in the forehand stroke skill in tennis. The research problem, observed by the researcher, is the lack of attention given to motor response speed and its insufficient emphasis during tennis lessons, its integration with basic skills, and the absence of support tools for developing this skill. The research objectives are to identify the relationship between motor response speed and the accuracy of performing the forehand stroke in tennis, and to determine the contribution of motor speed to the accuracy of this skill. The research methodology employed a descriptive approach with a sample of (30) students, purposively selected from the third year of the College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences. The students were randomly divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group, each consisting of (10) students. The researcher's main conclusions and recommendations are as follows: Certain motor skills are significantly correlated with the accuracy of the forehand stroke, specifically the speed of motor response. Achieving speed depends on the accuracy of the forehand stroke to increase the speed of the stroke. There are significant contributing factors to both speed of response and accuracy of the forehand stroke. The researcher recommends that speed of response plays a crucial role in activating and executing the movement correctly, following the kinetic sequence of movement in a smooth and error-free transition from the lower body to the upper body, ending at the wrist joint. Coaches should focus on motor skills alongside other sciences to ensure proper training based on scientific principles and accurate information. Further studies should be conducted on the same sample to identify variables not addressed in this research.