Impact Probability Distribution, Sweet Spot, and the Concept of an Effective Power Region in Tennis Rackets

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Abstract
A two-dimensional impact probability density distribution for tennis rackets has been established. It was found that the center of this distribution, and therefore the most likely candidate for a preferred impact center, is the nodal point of the fundamental transverse vibration mode. It is suggested that the node be defined as the sweet spot and the location of maximum restitution as the power spot. The concept of an effective power region centered at the sweet spot and accounting for both the decreasing impact probabilities around the sweet spot and the global restitution function has been introduced. About 78% of all impacts fall within this region, which is therefore truly representative of the power transfer characteristics of a racket. It has been found that high-quality rackets have an effective power area in excess of 100 cm2.

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