Male Tennis Players Research Articles

Morphofunctional upper limb asymmetries in young tennis players: the role of maturity status

The aim of this study was to check for upper limb volume asymmetry and strength ratio of shoulder muscle rotators in young tennis players. A total of 21 young male tennis players took part in the study. Subjects’ maturity status was determined using predicted age at peak height velocity (PHV); thus, the sample was divided into two groups: negative maturity offset values (PREPHV; n = 9) and positive values, including 0 (POSTPHV; n = 12). Upper limb volumes were estimated using the truncated cone method. Concentric peak torque in the external and internal shoulder rotations was determined using an isokinetic dynamometer at 60o.s−1. The external to internal rotation ratio was also calculated. There was morphological upper limb asymmetry in both groups (p < 0.05), with no difference between the groups. However, only the POSTPHV group presented shoulder strength asymmetry. External to internal rotation ratios were 76% and 89% for dominant and nondominant arms, respectively, in the POSTPHV group. PHV seems to be a critical period for functional asymmetry in young tennis players, particularly the internal rotation strength and conventional ratio of shoulder rotation. Thus, an assessment of shoulder rotator strength is required to monitor its progression and avoid the risk of injury in the dominant rotator cuff.

Training Load and Injury Incidence Over One Season in Adolescent Arab Table Tennis Players: A Pilot Study

Background: It has been established that injury incidence data and training load in table tennis is somewhat limited. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze and report training load and injury incidence. This was established over a full season in highly trained youth table tennis athletes. We further aimed to establish what variables related to training load have a statistically significant effect on injury in youth table tennis. Methods: Data was collected from eight male adolescent table tennis players of Arabic origin. Training and game time were monitored continuously throughout each training session and match. Heart rate was measured throughout and then subsequently analyzed to quantify internal training load. Results: Players were subjected to an average of 1901 h 33 min ± 44 h 30 min of training time and 140 h 0 min ± 11 h 29 min of game time over the season. Overall injury incidence was 8.3 (95% CI: 4.6 - 12.0), time-loss injuries 4.4 (95% CI: 1.9 - 6.9) and growth conditions 2.0 (95% CI: 0.6 - 3.3) per 1000 hours. Internal training loads quantified via the Edwards training impulse equation were significantly different between training weeks (P = 0.001), with lowest values around competition periods (P < 0.05). For every extra auxiliary unit of relative training load per minute during training, a significant increase (P = 0.014) in injury occurrence was present. Conclusions: Most of the injuries occurred during the first quarter of the year (65%), when training loads were highest. In conclusion, the results of this preliminary study showed that training loads increase during a season until competition period, with relative training load per minute being linked to the likelihood of injuries. The rate of overuse injuries and growth-related conditions were higher than previously reported in adolescents in other racket sports.

Lower Trapezius Weakness and Shoulder Complex Biomechanics during the Tennis Serve.

This study aimed to assess the effect of lower trapezius (LT) weakness on humeral and scapular kinematics and shoulder muscle activity during the tennis serve. Fifteen competitive male tennis players (age, 23.8 ± 3.4 yr; height, 182.8 ± 6.7 cm; mass: 76.6 ± 8.7 kg; tennis experience: 15.6 ± 4.9 yr) performed two tennis serves before and after selective fatigue of the LT (25-min electric muscle stimulation). During each tennis serve, racket, humeral and scapular kinematics and the activity of 13 shoulder muscles were recorded using an optoelectronic system synchronized with indwelling and surface electromyography. The serve was split into five phases, that is, early and late cocking, acceleration, early and late follow-through. Selective fatigue led to a 22.5% ± 10.4% strength decrease but did not alter maximum racket speed and humerothoracic joint kinematics. However, increased scapular upward rotation was observed in the acceleration (P = 0.02) and early follow-through (P = 0.01) phases. Decreased muscular activity was observed during the early cocking phase for the LT (P = 0.01), during the acceleration phase for the LT (P = 0.01), anterior deltoid (P = 0.03), pectoralis major (P = 0.04), and subscapularis (P = 0.03), and during the early follow-through phase for the anterior deltoid (P = 0.03) and LT (P = 0.04). The LT weakness altered neither serve velocity nor humerothoracic joint kinematics, but impaired scapulothoracic kinematics and anterior shoulder muscle activation. Such alterations may reduce the subacromial space and jeopardize humeral head stability. These findings shed new light on the consequences of LT weakness, highlighting the importance of monitoring and strengthening this muscle in overhead athletes.

Cross-Sectional Analysis Investigating the Concordance of Maturity Status Classifications in Elite Caucasian Youth Tennis Players

BackgroundTo evaluate the concordance of skeletal age (SA) with two predicted estimates of biological maturity status in elite British youth tennis players.MethodParticipants were 71 male and female elite youth tennis players aged 8 to 16 years. Weight, height, and sitting height were measured. SA (Fels method) was the criterion indicator of maturity status. Maturity status was predicted with two methods: predicted age at peak height velocity and percentage of predicted adult height at the time of observation. Players were classified as late, average (on time), or early maturing with each method. Concordance of classifications was evaluated with kappa coefficients and Spearman’s rank order correlations.ResultsKappa coefficients between maturity status classifications were low in both sexes, − 0.11 to 0.22, while Spearman’s rank order correlations between maturity status classifications based on SA and the percentage of predicted mature height were moderate in males (0.35) and females (0.25), but the corresponding correlations based on predicted age at peak height velocity (PHV) varied, moderate and negative in boys (− 0.37) and low and positive in girls (0.11). Concordance of maturity status classifications based on the prediction methods and SA among tennis players was thus limited.ConclusionsMaturity status based on the percentage of predicted mature height at the time of observation correlated better with maturity status based on SA in contrast to status based on predicted age at PHV in this sample of elite youth tennis players.

Game Activity and Physiological Responses of Young Tennis Players in a Competition With Two Consecutive Matches in a Day.

This study aimed to determine whether the game activity and physiological responses of young tennis players differed depending on the session of play (e.g., morning (MOR) vs. afternoon (AFT)) and the final match outcome (e.g., winners vs. losers), during a simulated competition with two matches on the same day. Twelve well-trained male tennis players (14.5±0.8 years) took part in a simulated competition of two 3-set matches separated by 3 h. All the matches were video-recorded and the participants were monitored using 10 Hz global positioning (GPS) units including a heart-rate (HR) monitor. Effect size (ES) statistics were used to investigate the magnitudes of the differences. During the AFT matches, in absolute terms, players covered longer total distance (ES=moderate), ran more distance between 0 and ≤ 4m·s-1 (ES=small-to-large) compared to MOR matches. Total duration was also longer (ES=large) in the AFT, where the rest time between rallies was also longer (ES=very large). HR was similar during both AFT and MOR matches, but higher rates of perceived exertion (RPE) (ES=moderate) were reported in the AFT. Only peak running velocity was observed to be likely higher for losers compared to winners (ES=small). Game activity and physiological responses of young tennis players differ when two consecutive matches are played on the same day. These data might help to elucidate the need for specific pre-competition training loads and/or in-between match/session recovery strategies when facing overloaded competitions.

Lateral differences in maximal grip strength in Czech male tennis players aged 11 – 12 in the context of injury prevention

The term laterality indicates the one-sided preference or functional advantage of the stronger, more accurate and coordinated limbs or organs and the brain hemisphere of a human body. In the preference process, more accurate, precise, coordinated and stronger side is chosen from the perspective of motoric functions. Among the general population is about 10-13% of left-handers and in certain sport fields this percentage may (baseball, tennis, box etc.). The left-handed dominance in tennis is considered an advantage. Due to unilateral load, there may be an excessive side-effect in strength differences in tennis and overloading of specific muscle group could lead to an injury. The aim of the research was to identify the levels of somatic and strength characteristics and assess the lateral difference in maximal grip strength of Czech elite male tennis players. The sample consisted of male tennis players, ranging in age from 11 to 12.9 years (n=186) who participated in the regular tests for Czech Tennis Association in years 2000-2018. Base anthropometrics were measured (height, weight) and maximal grip strength of both hands using the hand-held dynamometry (Grip D, Takei). Data came from normal distribution (statistically proven – chi-square test). The basic statistical characteristics were calculated (body height, M=155.08±7.98 cm; body weight, M=43.45±7.13 kg; strength of right hand: M=24.88±4.67 kp; strength of left hand: M=21.70±4.74 kp). It was found that 87.6% of the players (n=163) were right-handed and the remaining 12.4% left-handed (n=23). The assessment of the significance (Cohen´s d) between the dominant (playing) hand for the right-handed and left-handed players showed small effect size (dominant hand right: MRHR=25.11±4.41 kp, dominant hand left: MLHL=26.62±5.65 kp; d=0.30, small) in favor of the left-handed players. The difference between the dominant and the non-dominant hand showed large effect size for the right-handed (dominant hand right vs. hand left; MRHR=25.11±4.41 kp, MRHL=21.01±4.15 kp, d=0.96, large) and medium effect size for the left-handed players (dominant hand left vs. hand right; MLHL=26.62±5.65 kp, MLHR=23.24±5.98 kp, d=0.58, medium). The results showed that the value of 15 % level of strength laterality between dominant and non-dominant hand was exceeded for the right-handed (55.83 %) and left-handed (43.48%) groups ergo the exceeded value could be a cause of injuries. Because of this signals attention should be given during training process for optimizing the required load.

VO2max and Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry Results in NCAA Division I Tennis Players

PURPOSE: Describe VO2max and body compositions using dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in NCAA Division I male tennis players. METHODS: Nine (9) male NCAA Division 1 tennis players (age 19.6 ± 1 yr, height 183.6 ± 5.9 cm, weight 75.6 ± 5.3 kg) who were in pre-season were tested as part of their athletic training program. Each subject underwent a DXA scan two weeks prior to their VO2max test. VO2max tests were conducted using the Bruce protocol (mL/kg/min). On the day of the test, athletes were instructed to consume their normal free-living breakfast and not engage in strenuous activity including team workouts prior to the test. Subjects ran to volitional exhaustion and peak exercise times and VO2max numbers were recorded. Blood pressures were monitored according to the ACSM guidelines before, during, and after the exercise. After the completion of the test, data were analyzed to determine VO2max, max heart rate (HR) which was recorded using a 12-lead ECG, and ventilatory threshold during exercise. RESULTS: Results shown in Table 1. CONCLUSION: With respect to published norms for men that are matched to age, the players’ measured VO2max average would be ranked in the 90th percentile and deemed excellent for VO2max based on the ACSM guidelines. The highest recorded VO2max from the study is ranked in the 95th percentile and deemed superior. Based off the ACSM guidelines, the average for the body fat percentage falls in the 55th percentile and is deemed fair. The leanest player of the group is in the 80th percentile and deemed excellent.

A Comparison of Forehand Swing Biomechanics between Male and Female Tennis Players

A Comparison of Forehand Swing Biomechanics between Male and Female Tennis Players

Energy Contributions of Short-distance Running with Change of Direction in Tennis Baseline Practice

Short-distance running with change of direction (SR-COD) is one of the baseline practice regulary performed in tennis training, but the energy contributions of this practice is relatively lacking. PURPOSE: To investigate the energy contributions of tennis SR-COD, with the emphasis on the duration, distance, and frequency. METHODS: 16 collegiate male tennis players (22.2 ± 1.7yrs, 175 ± 5cm, 69.2 ± 6.1kg) volunteered to this study. Two duration (1 and 2min), two distance (1 and 2min) and two frequency (20 and 30 stroke/min) were utilized, i.e. 1min-2m-20stroke/min, 2min-2m-20stroke/min, 1min-4m-20stroke/min and 1min-2m-30stroke/min. A portable spirometric system (K4b2, Cosmed, Italy) was utilized to measure the ventilatory activities. Capillary blood from earlobe was collected and analyzed with blood lactate analyzer (Biosen C-line, EKF, Germany) prior to and post the test. The aerobic (Aer), anaerobic lactic (Anl), anaerobic alactic (Anal) energy contributions were calculated with the method based on the accumulated oxygen uptake and blood lactate during the practice, as well as the fast part of the oxygen uptake kinetics during the recovery, respectively. The relative energy contributions from the coresponding three pathways were also calculted as Aer%, Anl%, and Anal%. RESULT: The energy contributions of SR-COD was Anal 37.4~40.1kJ (32.1~41.7%), Anl 15.1~33.5kJ (14.8~30.4%) and Aer 37.8~100.8kJ (33.9~61.9%), respectively. With the increase of duration, distance and frequency, there was no significant change in Anl, there was significant increase in Anal and Aer (P<0.05, except Aer when increasing frequency). Further, %Anal decreased with the increase of duration, distance, and frequency (P<0.05). %Anl enhanced significantly with the increased distance and frequency (P<0.05), but declined insignificantly with increased duration (P<0.05). %Aer increased significantly with longer duration (P<0.05), but reduced with longer distance and higher frequency (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Longer duration of SR-COD mainly increases the stimulation on Aers system, while longer distance and higher frequency of SR-COD mainly increases the stimulation on Anl energy. These findings should be taken into account when designing the SR-COD training program in tennis.

Lower Limb Maneuver Investigation of Chasse Steps Among Male Elite Table Tennis Players.

Background and Objectives: The popularity of table tennis has increased globally. As a result, the biomechanical movement patterns in the lower limb during table tennis have attracted extensive attention from coaches, scientists and athletes. The purpose of this study was to compare the differences between the long and short chasse steps in table tennis and evaluate risk factors related to injuries in the lower limb. Materials and Methods: Twelve male elite athletes performed forehand topspin strokes with long and short chasse steps in this study, respectively. The kinematics data of the lower-limb joints were measured by a Vicon motion analysis system. The electromyograms (EMG) of six lower-limb muscles were recorded using a myoelectricity system. Results: The key findings were that the angle change rate of the ankle in the long chasse step was faster with a larger range of motion (ROM) in the coronal and transverse planes. The hip was also faster in the sagittal and transverse planes but slower in the coronal plane compared with the short chasse step. In addition, the vastus medialis (VM) was the first activated muscle in the chasse step. Conclusions: The hip and ankle joints in the long chasse step and the knee joint in the short chasse step have higher susceptibility to injury. Moreover, tibialis anterior (TA), vastus medialis (VM) and gastrocnemius (GM) should be sufficiently stretched and warmed prior to playing table tennis. The results of this study may provide helpful guidance for teaching strategies and providing an understanding of potential sport injury mechanisms.

Data-driven analysis of point-by-point performance for male tennis player in Grand Slams

Tennis is an individual sport that requires a specialized training and match preparation for every player. Former studies in tennis have tried many approaches to analyze player’s performance using descriptive statistics (such as: match time, rally duration, or game number) and match-related statistics (such as: first and second serve percentage, aces, double faults, or net points won). Although helpful in providing general information of match characteristics and evaluating player performance, there is scarce consideration over how elite male players behave on point-by-point basis according to different contextual variables. This study aimed to assess predictors of point outcome (win/lose) related to year, tournament types, round, set, quality of opposition, game status, serve and rally by using match data of 2011-2016 four Grand Slam. A total of 29675 points were recorded and analyzed through classification tree analysis (exhaustive CHAID). The results showed that the performance of tennis player was conditioned by the familiarity with court surfaces as well as other contextual variables, such as game type, quality of opposition, match status, serve and return and rally length (p< 0.05). These results provide insight for coaches and players when planning the game strategy, allowing more appropriate tactics under different game status.

Immunological Response and Match Performance of Professional Tennis Players of Different Age Groups During a Competitive Season.

Kozłowska, M, Żurek, P, Rodziewicz, E, Góral, K, Żmijewski, P, Lipińska, P, Laskowski, R, Walentukiewicz, AK, Antosiewicz, J, and Ziemann, E. Immunological response and match performance of professional tennis players of different age groups during a competitive season. J Strength Cond Res 35(8): 2255-2262, 2021-We aimed to investigate the effect of physical workloads on immunological response, match performance, and iron metabolism in professional tennis players of different age groups throughout the tournament season and to determine the interdependence of vitamin D status and inflammation. Thirty-eight young, male tennis players with a top national ranking (1-25) participated in this study and were assigned to the following age groups: cadets (CG), juniors (JG), and seniors (SG). Blood samples were collected at the beginning, midpoint, and end of the tournament season to assess the proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), anti-inflammatory myokines (interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-10), heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP27), iron metabolism markers, and vitamin D concentrations. The total number of matches (won and lost) at the national and international events was recorded. The IL-6 and IL-10 concentrations significantly increased across all groups in the middle and end of the tournament season (effect large and very likely). The TNF-α concentration was elevated at the end of the season in CG and SG. The increase in TNF-α concentration corresponded with an increase in hepcidin concentration in these groups. The significant increase in HSP27 concentration was only noticed in SG with normal vitamin D concentrations. In JG and SG, a mild seasonal increase in vitamin D concentration was noted, but still it was insufficient. The immunological response was not affected by the number of tennis matches; however, the anti-inflammatory effect was regulated by higher concentrations of vitamin D. Unexpectedly, most tennis players had vitamin D deficiency. Iron status remained unchanged.

A Functional Link Between Mental Representation in Long-Term Memory and Cognitive Performance in Working Memory.

Although there have been various attempts to identify the perceptual-cognitive mechanisms underlying the superior performance of skilled players over novices in sports, few studies have examined the relationship between mental representations and cognitive performance according to the skill levels of players. The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional link between mental representations in long-term memory and cognitive information processing ability in working memory by analyzing mental representation structure and cognitive performance according to skill level. Twenty male skilled and 25 male novice tennis players participated in this study. Structural dimensional analysis of mental representation was used to evaluate the mental representation structure of a tennis serve. In addition, cognition and movement chronometry was used to assess the cognitive performance of a tennis serve in working memory. Results of the representational analysis showed that the similarity of the skilled players to the standard representation structure was higher than that of novices. Furthermore, results in cognitive performance showed that the skilled players had a higher accuracy and shorter response time compared to the novices. Finally, a significant correlation between the adjusted Rand index and cognition movement chronometry accuracy was observed. Taken together, the mental representation structure and cognitive performance of the skilled players were superior to those of the novices, and mental representations were positively correlated with the accuracy of the cognitive information processing. These results imply that the degree of functional connection between working memory and long-term memory may be used as a perceptual-cognitive factor to explain improvement in performance.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Stroke Effectiveness Test in Table Tennis Based on the Temporal Game Structure.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a stroke effectiveness test in table tennis based on the temporal game structure to assess the ball speed and ball placement of the players, with a purpose to analyze its reproducibility and validity.Methods: Nineteen male table tennis players participated in this study. The test was performed twice during the first session and once during the second session to assess the intrasession and intersession reproducibility, respectively. Moreover, the test was examined on its ability to discriminate between regional (n = 10) and local performance-level (n = 9) players and on the relationship between the test results and the table tennis performance to assess the discriminant and concurrent validity, respectively. In general, the test consisted of 11 simulated rallies of 2–5 balls with the effort and rest ratio of 0.5, and focused on attack with offensive strokes at defensive balls delivered by a robot randomly between the left and right positions on the table.Results: Ball speed, ball placement, and ball speed-ball placement index showed satisfactory reliability (ICC range 0.78–0.96, P < 0.05) and agreement (CV range 2.7–16.2%) outcomes. Additionally, the Bland–Altman plots show the systematic error of the analyses closer to 0, and that most values were within the limits of agreements. Concerning validity analyses, regional players had higher scores of ball placement (+51.3%; P = 0.01, ES = 1.33) and ball speed-ball placement index (+56.1%; P = 0.0009, ES = 1.87) as well as made fewer errors (-25.4%; P = 0.017, ES = 1.20) than local players. Moreover, ball placement (r = -0.79, P = 0.04), ball speed-ball placement index (r = -0.78, P = 0.04), and percentage error (r = 0.88, P = 0.01) presented a strong and significant correlation with table tennis performance. However, ball speed was slightly different between the regional than local players (+1.7%; P = 0.78, ES = 0.13) and this variable was not related to table tennis performance (r = 0.32, P = 0.49).Conclusion: Our findings show evidences that the test is reproducible. Moreover, discriminant and concurrent validity are confirmed for ball placement and ball speed-ball placement index.

Perfectionism and motivation in sport: The mediating role of mental toughness

An extensive body of research has been done on the links between perfectionism and motivation, yet the underlying mechanisms linking these psychological characteristics have been underexplored. In this study, we used an integrative modelling approach to examine associations between dimensions of perfectionism (i.e. personal standards [PSP] and concerns over mistakes [CMP]), mental toughness (MT) and motivational orientations (i.e. self-determined motivation [SDM] and non-self-determined motivation [NSDM]). Based on a sample of 318 male (n=218) and female (n=100) tennis players (Mage=17.61, SDage=2.41), fit indices derived from structural equation modelling supported a partially mediated model. Residual PSP associated positively with MT (β=0.74) and SDM (β=0.40), and negatively with NSDM (β=-0.22). Conversely, residual CMP associated negatively with MT (β=-0.14) and SDM (β=-0.19), and positively with NSDM (β=0.73). Mental toughness was positively associated with SDM (β=0.28), but was unrelated to NSDM (β=0.07). The relationship between residual PSP and SDM was partially mediated by MT (standardised indirect effect: 95% CI=0.19, 0.46). The findings of this study support research linking dimensions of perfectionism with motivational orientations and offer preliminary evidence on the mediating role of MT in the association between these psychological constructs. With emerging research supporting the capacity to develop MT through targeted interventions, the findings are discussed alongside salient implications.&#x0D; Significance: &#x0D; &#x0D; Mental toughness partially mediated the association between pure personal standards perfectionism and self-determined motivation.&#x0D; Particularly among athletes with higher personal standards of perfectionism, more autonomous forms of motivation may be sustained via efforts that seek to develop athletes’ mental toughness.&#x0D;

Sodium citrate supplementation enhances tennis skill performance: a crossover, placebo-controlled, double blind study

BackgroundThe efficacy of sodium citrate supplementation (SC) in exercise performance is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SC on skilled tennis performance.MethodsTen Brazilian nationally-ranked young male tennis players (age: 17 ± 1 yrs.; stature: 176.7 ± 5.2 cm; body mass: 68.4 ± 7.9 kg) participated in this crossover, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Upon arrival, at baseline, in both experimental sessions blood was collected, then subjects ingested either sodium citrate (SC - 0.5 g.kg−1BM in capsules of 500 mg) or a placebo (PLA). Two hours later, pre-match blood was collected then skills tests (skill tennis performance test - STPT, repeated-sprint ability shuttle test - RSA) were performed followed by a 1-h simulated match. Immediately following the match, blood was again collected, and STPT, and RSA were administered.ResultsAll metabolic parameters (i.e. base excess, pH, bicarbonate, and blood lactate) increased (p < 0.001) from baseline to pre-match and post-match in SC condition. Each metabolic parameter was greater (p < 0.001) in SC compared to PLA condition at both pre- and post-match. The SC condition elicited a greater (p < 0.01) shot consistency at post-match in the STPT vs. PLA condition (SC: 58.5 ± 14.8% vs. PLA: 40.4 ± 10.4%). A greater (p < 0.001) amount of games won was observed in the simulated match for SC condition vs. PLA condition (SC: 8.0 ± 1.6 vs. PLA: 6.0 ± 1.7). Additionally, the games won during the simulated match in SC condition was positively correlated with percentage shot consistency (r = 0.67, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe current findings suggest that SC supplementation is an effective ergogenic aid to enhance skilled tennis performance.

A single step analysis of plantar pressure distribution in tennis specific movements

Studies indicate that injury risks in tennis depend on the playing surface type. In order to assess loading during tennis specific movements, plantar pressure parameters are determined and analyzed. So far, only comparisons between whole stride sequences on different surfaces have been performed showing some inconsistent results. We assumed that on the more slippery clay higher vertical forces are required to accelerate, and that on hard-court higher loadings occur during deceleration. Hence, we analyzed the influence of the playing surface on respective types of steps. Eight experienced male tennis players performed two different tennis specific movements on clay and hard-court. We used a Pedar-X insole measurement system for determining selected plantar pressure parameters for the whole foot as well as for the forefoot and rear foot area. Steps were categorized as accelerating or decelerating regarding the path of the center of pressure during impact of the foot on the ground. For accelerating steps, a multivariate analysis revealed significant differences (Pillai-Spur; p < .05) for both repeated factors as well as their interaction for both playing conditions. All loading parameters were significantly higher in the forefoot area on clay for one of the two playing conditions investigated. For decelerating steps, the multivariate analysis revealed significant differences for both repeated factors for one playing condition. Higher values were observed for all loading parameters in the rear foot area in both playing conditions on clay. Running styles during tennis specific movements depend on the court surface. Separate analyses of acceleration and deceleration steps may help revealing high-risk parts and periods.

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. On-Court Tennis Training in Young Tennis Players.

Kilit, B and Arslan, E. Effects of high-intensity interval training vs. on-court tennis training in young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 188-196, 2019-This study aimed to examine the effects of 6 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. 6 weeks of on-court tennis training (OTT) on the psychophysiological responses, performance responses, and technical scores of young tennis players. Twenty-nine young male tennis players (aged 13.8 ± 0.4 years) were divided into HIIT (n = 14) and OTT groups (n = 15). Both groups trained for the same total training duration with passive rest in each session. Pre-test and post-test included maximum oxygen consumption ((Equation is included in full-text article.)max), sprinting, jumping, 400-m running time, a tennis-specific technical test, and the t-drill agility test. The training interventions resulted in similar improvements in (Equation is included in full-text article.)max responses (HIIT: +5.2%, d = 1.36 [large effect]; OTT: +5.5%, d = 1.50 [large effect]). Both training protocols increased jumping and sprinting performances significantly from pre-testing to post-testing (p < 0.05, d values ranging from 0.40 to 1.10). The OTT group showed significantly higher performance responses in terms of the agility test performance and technical scores (p < 0.05, d = ranging from 0.77 to 0.88 [moderate effect]) compared with the HIIT group. By contrast, the HIIT group exhibited significantly higher performance responses in terms of the 400-m running time (p < 0.05, d = 1.32 [large effect]). Our results showed that tennis-specific on-court drills might be a more effective training strategy to improve agility and technical ability with greater physical enjoyment, whereas HIIT may be more appropriate for speed-based conditioning in young tennis players.

Playing tennis matches on clay court surfaces are associated with more perceived enjoyment response but less perceived exertion compared to hard courts

Background: A few studies have shown that different types of court surfaces can have different effects on tennis match performance in different age groups, however, no studies have researched on tennis match performance responses in young tennis players. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different court surfaces on psychophysiological responses, time-motion and match characteristics of young tennis players. Methods: Twenty-six young male tennis players (age 13.0 ± 0.3 years, body height 158 ± 8 cm, body mass 48 ± 7 kg) volunteered to participate in the study. Heart rate was monitored along with total distance covered in four different speed zones-walking, low-intensity running, moderate-intensity running and high-intensity running, using two portable multivariable integrated 10 Hz GPS monitoring devices over twenty-six outdoor tennis matches; ratings of perceived exertion and enjoyment level were also determined at the end of the matches. Variables describing the characteristics of the matches determined from video recordings were: strokes per rally, rally duration, effective playing time, work-to-rest ratio and rest time between rallies. Differences between hard and clay courts were assessed by a paired t-test. Results: The results showed that clay court surfaces induced significantly more perceived enjoyment scores (29.4 ± 2.8 vs. 26.0 ± 3.2) with lower perceived exertion level (13.4 ± 2.7 vs. 14.4 ± 2.9) compared to hard courts. Moreover, a clay court surface is also more effective at improving physiological responses, time-motion and match characteristics compared to hard court. Conclusions: If a coach strives to improve their young tennis players' tennis-specific performance with greater physical enjoyment, clay court surfaces should be specially used in their tennis training season.

Quantifying hitting activity in tennis with racket sensors: new dawn or false dawn?

ABSTRACT The non-invasive measurement of movement through sensor technologies is common in elite sport, yet only recently become possible in tennis. This study validated two commercial tennis racquet sensors compared to gold standards in VICON and expert notational analysis. One national-level male tennis player hit 24 shots (9 forehands and 9 backhands, hit with heavy topspin, flat and slice; 6 serves) using a Babolat Play racket with a Zepp sensor. Measures of shot type, impact location and racket speed were compared against those captured by a 500-Hz 12 camera VICON system. Cohen’s kappa (κ) and a weighted kappa (κ w) assessed the accuracy of stroke classification and impact location, respectively, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) validated sensor-derived racket speed. Both sensors recorded the same total stroke volume as VICON, while Zepp racket speed displayed near perfect agreement with VICON (ICC = 0.983; p < 0.001). They exhibited moderate agreement with true stroke classification (Babolat: κ = 0.730; Zepp: κ = 0.612) and minimal agreement with true impact location (Babolat: κ w = 0.412; Zepp: κ w = 0.217). During match play, both sensors achieved near perfect accuracy for stroke volume but experienced difficulty discriminating the different stroke types. In sum, the Babolat Play and Zepp determined stroke volume and intensity accurately but were less effective in identifying specific strokes and impact locations.