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Woodpeckers and tennis players share similarities when preparing to strike

Scientists have investigated how woodpeckers use their muscles and their breathing to prepare to strike wood -- and they liken it to the way tennis players prepare to smack a ball.

Copyright 2025 NPR

Christopher Intagliata is a senior editor at All Things Considered, where he writes news and edits interviews with politicians, musicians, restaurant owners, scientists and many of the other voices heard on the air.