(The above title is in homage to the Beastie Boys, but of course, you guys already knew that because you’re hip, now, with it and wow, right?)
But seriously, I have some super scienmatific news to pass along to you dear readers: according to a study published on Friday by Canadian and American researchers courtesy of research conducted at the University of British Colombia, the grunting which frequently accompanies a shot made in tennis – whether it be a serve, return volley or a vicious winner screaming down the sideline by a young lady (such as the lovely and talented Maria Sharapova pictured above), might have an actual strategic and results-based benefit.
I love when science actually serves a beneficial, real-world purpose. Everybody wins.
According the results of the study, the grunting somehow throws off the timing of the opponent in a statistically significant way, causing the returnee to not only misjudge the distance and speed the ball is traveling but could also disrupt a tennis player’s ability to “judge the spin and velocity of a ball from the sound it makes hitting a racket” by distracting them.
Via Reuters:
“Conservatively, our findings suggest that a tennis ball traveling 50 miles per hour could appear 24 inches 2 feet closer to the opponent than it actually is,” said Scott Sinnett, an assistant at the University of Hawaii.
Fascinating stuff, but as far as I’m concerned, like all sports, it’s not about the competitors, it’s about the fans. So I say, keep on grunting, gals! The power of the Beastie Boys compels you! Or at least my variation on the lyrics from the classic tune off Paul’s Boutique does, which should count for something.
***
You can grunt your way to tennis win, study says [Reuters]
