Pro Agility Times in Youth Before and After a Six Week Urban Tennis Program

Abstract

The ability to change direction quickly is key to success in the game of tennis. According to Henry's Specificity Hypothesis, both explosive strength and reaction time are inherited abilities. However, it has also been shown that certain skills, such as directional change, can be influenced through training. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a six week urban tennis program on pro agility time. METHODS: Players (N= 356, 12.2 ± 3.9 years) took part in 6 week urban tennis training program. All players participated in a pro-agility test at the beginning and the end of the 6 week training program. Results were analyzed using a dependent samples t-test to determine significance (set a priori at ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: There was a significant (p=.01) decrease in pro agility times after the 6 week training camp) (6.9 ± 3.3 seconds vs. 6.6 ± 1.2 seconds). CONCLUSION: In the present study a six week urban tennis training program significantly decreased pro agility time. This could be the result of being familiar with the test, however, it is more plausible that participants improved skills such as stopping and starting, and directioncal changing as a result of their participation in the training program. Each of these skills would be of benefit in a tennis match and may lead to more success on the court.