Reliability of an Observational Method Used to Assess Tennis Serve Mechanics in a Group of Novice Raters
Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: Background: Previous research has developed an observational tennis serve analysis (OTSA) tool to assess serve mechanics. The OTSA has displayed substantial agreement between the two health care professionals that developed the tool; however, it is currently unknown if the OTSA is reliable when administered by novice users.\nPurpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if reliability for the OTSA could be established in novice users via an interactive classroom training session.\nMethods: Eight observers underwent a classroom instructional training protocol highlighting the OTSA. Following training, observers participated in two different rating sessions approximately a week apart. Each observer independently viewed 16 non-professional tennis players performing a first serve. All observers were asked to rate the tennis serve using the OTSA. Both intra and inter-observer reliability were determined using Kappa coefficients.\nResults: Kappa coefficients for intra and inter-observer agreement ranged from 0.09 to 0.83 depending on the body position. A majority of all body positions yeilded moderate agreement and higher.\nConclusion: This study suggests that the majority of components associated with the OTSA are reliable and can be taught to novice users via a classroom training session.
Authors: Natalie L. Myers, W. Ben Kibler, Gilson J. Capilouto, Philip M. Westgate, Tony English, Tim L. Uhl
Language: English
Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2796711703