Formula 1 Cars v. Tennis Players
Comparing Powerhouse Vehicles and Powerhouse Athletes
At SETS Consulting, we like our analogies. Why? They are easy for those who like comparison and visualization. While you would never think that a car and a tennis player would have much in common, there is more than meets the eye.
The structural design of any vehicle can tell the story of its function and effects on its performance. Consider a Formula 1 race car: beneath a Formula 1 car's streamlined exterior lies a sturdy frame, held together by a very tight suspension for surgical precision and handling. Here are six commonalities between the two and how it can apply to your athletic foundation:
#1: A Wide Wheel Base v. a Wide Footwork Stance
A race car's center of gravity is only inches above the track. The width of the wheelbase is also wide. A tennis player’s optimal footwork base is one point five to three shoulder widths apart. Together, the wide base and low center of gravity allow the car and player to perform turns at high speeds and still achieve maximum stability and downforce to prevent losing traction and balance.
#2: Minimal Ground Clearance v. Knees Bent/Hips Low to the Ground
Low drag and aerodynamics are the names of the game. When you are down in the athletic foundation position, you establish your "athletic height." Your athletic height should measure six inches to one foot below your normal standing height. You achieve this low-to-the-ground position by bending your knees to lower your hips while maintaining an upright back posture. Formula 1 cars are just 37 inches high, keeping a low center of gravity and profile.
#3: Sturdy Frame v. Strong, Upright Back Posture
Weak posture in a player’s body, similar to the inefficient design in a race car, poorly manages the flow of power production and leads to strokes and vehicles that easily breakdown. In addition, the risk of injury or damage increases dramatically when you misuse and maintain a weak posture or design. Formula 1 cars are made of super strong and light carbon fiber chassis. Players need to rely on greater strength in their back muscles, chest, and abdomen. These muscle groups will provide enhanced core stability for more controlled power.
#4: Tight Suspension v. Intense Muscular Reinforcement of Foundation
From a movement perspective, intensely-reinforced back posture works like a tight suspension in a Formula 1 car: it allows you to generate quick reactions and sharp changes of direction while resisting the forces of inertia that slow you down. Big muscles require big strength and stability.
#5: Super-Charged Engine v. Powerful Lower Body Muscles
The legs are the primary power source of movement, acting like the high-powered engine of the Formula 1 car. Explosive "quick twitch" muscles generate immediate acceleration and movement. Top players have well-developed legs and thighs for this reason. This gives you an indication of how important lower body strength is to a tennis athlete's performance. Your quadriceps and gluteus muscles must be in great shape to perform low to the ground like a Formula 1 car.
#6: Speed Shift Transmission v. Multi-Directional, Quick Footwork Patterns
The athletic foundation, first step reaction technique, quick stride acceleration footwork, change of direction techniques, etc. are basically the same maneuvers in most sports - it’s more than just how powerful a car is. Ultimately, it’s about how quickly the car can shift up and down into gears to maximize the power and utilize the handling to its advantage. The strongest players don’t always win. The players that do win are the ones that are able to fully control their power at the right place, right time, and in a fraction of a second. Shifting gears on the court or on the race track requires knowledge of what the machine is capable of and what is required.