Aerodynamic and Kinematic Factors Governing Slice (Backspin) Drop Shot Performance in Lawn Tennis

Author(s)	Ms. Sejal Sharad Kalyani
Country	India
Abstract	This study derives a proportionality and linear relation between launch speed (m/s) and racket angle (degrees). The strokes considered were solely slices, with the range of theta and bounce generation being the sole differentiations. For a shot to be a success, it must produce minimal bounce, while still traversing the net (~ 0.91 m) and landing between 12.5-13.25 m. After data collection of 15 trials under consistent conditions, the values were used to generate a regression model, and mathematical modelling and projectile equations were utilised to obtain an empirical equation. These results were obtained whilst keeping the Magnus effect of spinning bodies and fluid drag strictly in mind. This demonstrates a strong linear relation between launch speed and racket angle, with each degree of increase in racket angle indicating a reduction in launch speed by a factor of ~ 0.46 m/s.
Keywords	Magnus effect, Fluid drag, Slice drop shot, Launch kinematics, empirical modeling, linear regression, projectile motion, Bernoulli's Principle, Trajectory optimisation
Field	Physics
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-19

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