Ball spin generation by elite players during match play

In this paper, a study describing the measurement of ball spin rates during a Davis Cup match is presented. Two high-speed video cameras were used to record the motion of the ball during the practice sessions and the matches. The ball spin rates were measured by counting the number of revolutions of the logo on the ball. Ball spin rates were measured for a range of shots, including several serves and backstrokes. It was found that the players typically hit the ball with more topspin during the match, than during practice sessions. The maximum spin rates measured for a topspin forehand and a serve were 3800 and 4300 rpm respectively.