Biomechanical Analysis of the Kinetic Chain in Tennis Serve for Ball Speed Optimization: A Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review aims to analyze the biomechanical mechanisms of the kinetic chain during the tennis serve and their relationship to ball speed optimization. Purpose:This study investigates how sequential segmental coordination from the lower limbs through the trunk to the upper extremities contributes to maximum serve velocity. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SPORTDiscus.Articles published between 2003 and 2024 were retrieved using keywords such as “tennis serve biomechanics,"kinetic chain," "serve velocity," and "angular velocity." A total of 25 peer-reviewed articles were selected based on relevance, methodological rigor, and publication recency. Results: Evidence consistently demonstrates that effective proximal to distal sequencing of body segments - beginning with lower limb drive, followed by pelvic and trunk rotation, shoulder internal rotation, elbow extension, and culminating in wrist flexion is the primary mechanism for generating high ball speed. Disruption at any link in the chain significantly reduces terminal velocity. Shoulder internal rotation and wrist angular velocity appear to be the most critical distal contributors, while hip and knee engagement form the essential proximal foundation. Implications: These findings hold important practical implications for coaches and sport scientists in designing training programs that target specific kinetic chain nodes to improve serve performance while minimizing injury risk. Future research should investigate real-time kinetic chain feedback tools for on-court coaching. This review includes 25 references and 2 summary tables.