The differences in energy system demands of competitive male tennis play between fast and slow courts

Аnna Skorodumova,Igor Baranov

doi:10.52383/itfcoaching.v27i79.75

Аnna Skorodumova, Igor Baranov

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.52383/itfcoaching.v27i79.75

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Abstract

This study investigated the energy system demand differences between matches played on fast courts and on slow courts of high-performance male players. Matches of Grand Slam matches played by Russian players were analysed. External indicators as such in-point playing time as a proportion of total match time were used to conduct the analysis. Data analysis found significant differences in all measured external indicators such as average match playing time, number of points and in-point time. Results also found a significant difference between match motor density (the percentage of total match time that made up effective playing time) for the two surface types, with the slow surface (clay) match motor density being significantly higher than that of the fast surface (grass and hard court), 14.5% and 12.9%, respectively. Subsequent analysis of point length reveals clay courts that slow courts had a significantly higher percentage of points that lasted more than 10 seconds whilst fast courts has a higher percentage of points under 10 seconds in length. It can be concluded that due to the length of the points, tennis primarily employs the ATP-PCr energy system for energy use, dipping into the anaerobic lactic acid energy pathways more on clay court matches. Whilst the aerobic pathways are not employed heavily in-point, they are still essential, possibly even more on clay court due to greater taxation on the anaerobic lactic acid pathway, as they provide the basis for ATP re-synthesis between points. This signals toward endurance as a major component of fitness in tennis.

Highlights

This study investigated the energy system demand differences between matches played on fast courts and on slow courts of high-performance male players
It is important to note that the differences between the percentages of points played that are under 10s and over 10s on fast and slow courts are statistically significant and they need to be considered when drawing up plans of training
Of 14.5 % of match time on a slow and 12.9 % on a fast pace court surface, 83.2-86.8 % depending on court surface type could be seen to be met primarily with the anaerobic lactic acid free energy system – the ATP-PCr pathway, whilst 16.813.18% of effective play time energy needs are provided by lactic acid anaerobic systems (Cheremisinov,2016; Jansen et al, 2016). 85.5-87.1 % of match time, depending on the type of court surface, is provided with aerobic abilities and, readiness of the athlete to play the following point will depend on their power and efficiency

Summary

Introduction

This study investigated the energy system demand differences between matches played on fast courts and on slow courts of high-performance male players. Staff at the FSBI Federal Science Centre for Physical Culture and Sport conducted a study of the external indicators of energy system demands of male tennis players during competitive matches played on slow surfaces (clay courts) and fast surfaces (hard and grass courts).

Results

Conclusion