Competitive activity of elite female tennis players on courts with different cover types

Abstract

The purpose is to identify and compare the indicators of external parameters of load experienced by elite fe- male tennis players during competitive matches on courts with various covers. Methods and organization of the research. We used the following methods of research: 1) educational observa- tion using stenographic record of each shot and timing of each point; 2) methods of mathematical statistics. The recording of competitive matches was held at Grand Slam tournaments and at other major international competitions played on courts with "slow" and "fast" cover. We recorded and analyzed 53 matches. It was im- portant to solve two problems – to get quantitative indicators of external parameters of load experienced by elite female athletes during matches on courts with various covers and to compare them. In order to have the right to compare, it was necessary to make sure that there was no difference in the excellence level of female tennis players who took part in the competition. For this purpose, we calculated the rating of pairs and the difference of player ratings in each pair. We selected the pairs with no significant excellence difference who took part in the same tournaments with various court covers. We selected 20 matches on each cover type. Research results. Comparative analysis of obtained data resulted in identification of significant difference of all indicators of external parameters of load experienced during matches on "fast" and "slow" courts. Conclusion. The authors come to the conclusion that the study results can be used in adjustment of training process plans for athletes during preparation for tournaments on "fast" and "slow" covers at the stages of sport perfection and sport excellence, in lectures for sport university students and coaches at advanced training courses, and in writing qualification papers.