Quantifying Anticipation and Visual Search Strategies in Male Club Level Tennis Players

Anticipation in tennis is based on a players’ ability to effectively read an opponent (Huesmann and Loffing, 2019). This investigation aimed to assess this ability by measuring visual focus (fixation) and response time of male club level tennis players. Methods: Nineteen male club level tennis players participated in this study. In order to establish ecological validity, data collection was undertaken in a Perceptual Experience Laboratory. Footage of an opponent playing a series of planned shots was played on a cylindrical screen. Fixation data and response time was logged for each participant using Tobii wearable eye tracking technology and Fulcrum Angles software. Results: The mean response time to shots played was 0.34±1.5s this changed significantly depending on shot type (p<0.001). Mean response time to shots was significantly increased (p=0.002) when participants responded accurately to receive a shot (0.36±1.4s) compared to when they responded inaccurately (0.28±0.18s). Fixation data revealed that the area fixated on for the longest duration during an accurate response was the opponents’ head (0.30±0.28s), this changed to the racket (0.39±0.30s) when the player executed an inaccurate response . Discussion & conclusion: Results suggest that at club level, male players require more time to process information in order to respond accurately. They also process different information when responding accurately and inaccurately. References: Huesmann, K & Loffing, F. (2019) Contextual cue utilization in visual anticipation in tennis: On the role of an opponents on -court position and skill. German journal of exercise and sport research, 9(3), pp.304-312.