Biomechanical Insights Into the One-Handed Backhand Drive in Tennis: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Objectives. This bibliometric analysis aimed to examine the trends, patterns, and significant contributions to the understanding of the one-handed backhand drive biomechanics in tennis from 2000 to 2024. Materials and methods. Using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, a systematic review of academic literature was conducted, including articles, conference papers, and reviews. The study examined publishing trends, geographical distribution, authorship, citations, and thematic content. Results. The analysis revealed a steady increase in publications, reaching a peak between 2015 and 2020. Research articles were the most common document type, followed by reviews and conference papers. The United States and Australia were the leading contributors, with a strong culture of international collaboration evident. Keywords such as “biomechanics”, “tennis”, “backhand,” and “performance” were central to the research. The Journal of Sports Biomechanics was a prominent publication venue, with several highly cited documents. Conclusions. The bibliometric analysis demonstrated significant scientific progress in understanding the biomechanical principles of the one-handed backhand drive in tennis. It highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and global partnerships in advancing sports biomechanics research. The study serves as a comprehensive reference for scholars, coaches, and practitioners, offering insights into performance enhancement and injury prevention strategies, and identifying potential areas for further research.