Tactical Differences in Problem Representations and Solutions in Collegiate Varsity and Beginner Female Tennis Players

Abstract

Youth tennis experts' tactical problem representations have been linked to their superior response selections during competition (McPherson & Thomas, 1989). To expand this research to adults, collegiate varsity (experts, n = 6) and beginner (novices, n = 6) female tennis players participated in an interview session to elicit problem representations and solutions to six tennis game situations. Interviews, transcribed verbatim, were coded for accuracy in solutions to each situation. Novices did not generate any solutions (actions), while experts generated similar and tactical solutions. Quantitative analysis of verbal data revealed expertise differences in problem representations and solution processes. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed that experts accessed more tactical and associated response selection and response execution concepts than novices. Findings indicate that experts will generate specialized cognitive processes to develop, monitor, and regulate their condition profiles and action plans during competition.