Basic Kinematics

The upper extremities have a pretty amazing repertoire of positions, largely because of the impressive range of motion of the shoulder and wrist. The following are the motions that we will be using to 'construct' tennis strokes:

    Deep Shoulder (scapula):

    • Rotation - internal and external
    • Horizontal Flexion - forward and back
    • Vertical Flexion - up (abduction) and down (adduction)

    Shoulder:

    • Rotation - internal and external
    • Horizontal Flexion - forward and back
    • Vertical Flexion - up (abduction) and down (adduction)

    Elbow:

    • Flexion - flexion and extension
    • Rotation - pronation and supination

    Wrist:

    • Flexion - ulnar (towards the pinky finger) and radial (toward the thumb)
    • Flexion - dorsal (towards the back of the hand) and palmar (towards the palm)
Basic Rotations of the Upper Extremity: Also, don't forget the deep shoulder joint between the scapula and chest wall. It is so neglected its movements do not have common names.