It is not uncommon to find some athletes grunting, groaning, yelling, or screaming on every shot or display of force. Some say it gives them more power in their throw or hit and others say they need it in order to accomplish the act. Without it they are unable to execute as needed.
Screaming is most notable in tennis and it seems that there are always one or two top tennis players – usually women – who carry it to an extreme. You can hear them three or four courts away! But are such screams or yells necessary?
For example, in execution of a hit or throw requiring the display of force, the player must hold his or her breath. After the throw or hit, it is necessary to quickly exhale in order to relieve the increased pressure in the thoracic cavity. This is quickly accomplished with a yell or scream etc. But, the yell or scream is not needed. It only requires a quick exhalation to get rid of the increased pressure.
Note however that this occurs in the follow-through and as a result, does not increase force. At this time there is a very sharp decrease in force as the players try to return to normal as quickly as possible in preparation for the next act or hit or throw. Those who say that it increases force are in error. This has been substantiated with studies done on breathing patterns in throwing and hitting athletes.
Thus it appears that those who continue to yell or scream on every shot do so more out of habit rather than necessity. However, it appears that some notable coaches teach this. For example, four of the top screamers in women’s tennis trained or presently train at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy.
Tennis and other hitting sports require a great deal of concentration. Because of this the yelling and screaming that occurs after a shot can be very distracting to the opponent. (Is this why it’s taught?) In fact, some players are now complaining to the head referee in major matches. In such cases, I agree with the opponent’s in that the screamers should quiet it down or cease doing it.
For information on how you can improve your groundstrokes faster than with simply more playing, read Explosive Tennis: The Forehand and Explosive Tennis: The Backhand. You can have better strokes without yelling or screaming!