Hager, R., Bertagna, T., Prusak, K., & Hunter, I. (2004). The effects of multi-view video modeling and skill acquisition on learning the tennis serve. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 1419.

This study examined the effect of a multi-view video modeling approach versus a single-view modeling approach on the acquisition and performance of the tennis serve for males (N = 56) and females (N = 55) enrolled in university beginning tennis classes. One female and one male tennis player demonstrated the tennis serve for both the single- and multi-view groups. The models were experienced tennis players and were considered experts. Each individual viewed a single repetition of the video-taped demonstration of the tennis serve 40 times. Ss in the single-view modeling group watched the service demonstration from one perspective. Ss in the multi-view modeling group watched the serve 10 times from each of four angles alternately for a total of 40 views. Ss from both groups were told to view their video once a day at least five times a week over a period of five weeks. Participants kept a log of how many days they watched the video and how many minutes per day of service practice they completed. Each subject attempted to learn the tennis serve only from video observation and individual practice. No instruction was offered.

There were no pre-experiment differences between groups. The multi-view group improved significantly more than the single view group. The multi-view group improved at a faster rate than did the single-view group.

Implication Multi-view video modeling appears to be more effective than single-view modeling in teaching the tennis serve to beginning tennis players.

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