Tennis Performance Research Articles

Decoding the decade: Analyzing the evolution of technical and tactical performance in elite padel tennis (2011–2021)

Despite the recent popularity of padel tennis and extensive scientific research on technical and tactical performance, anthropometric, biomechanical, and physiological characteristics, there is still a lack of long-term retrospective investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to provide the changes in these indicators over a decade spanning from 2011 to 2021. The sample included 45 (i.e. 100 sets; 957 games; 5743 points; and 54,918 shots) professional men's matches (Padel Pro Tour and World Padel Tour finals and semifinals) from three different sports seasons (2011, 2016, and 2021). KPIs related to time motion and technical and tactical analysis (i.e. unforced errors and winner shots) were examined. A series of linear mixed models was performed to investigate difference among competition years (2011, 2016, and 2021). Comparing the evolution of the game across the observed decade, it emerged a more progressive intense game (more explosive and rapid playing actions), decreasing number of shots per point (8.8 vs 9.5), and an increasing number of shots per minute (44.2 vs 40.0). Further, an increase in the importance of efficiency in overhead shots (unforced errors from bandeja/vibora +116% from 2011 to 2016) and responding to serve shots (unforced errors from serve return +17% from 2011 to 2021) emerged. Therefore, the present findings are able to highlight the evolution playing of professional padel (i.e. fewer shots per point, shorter effective playing time, decreased average point durations, higher number of shots per minute), thus providing references to potential valuable training plans.

Effects of a 6-Week Agility Training Program on Emotional Intelligence and Attention Levels in Adolescent Tennis Players

Tennis can be a mentally challenging sport, and emotional intelligence (EI) contributes significantly to an athlete’s psychological well-being. Thus, this study investigated the effects of 6 weeks of a combined Change of Direction (CoD) and reactive agility (RA) intervention program on emotional intelligence (EI) in pubertal tennis players. A total of 28 youth tennis players, aged 11 to 14 years, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP-G, n = 15, 13 boys [age = 13.34 ± 0.98 years, maturity offset (MO) = −0.19 ± 0.96], and 2 girls [age = 12.77 ± 0.23 years, MO = 0.78 ± 0.04]) or a control group (CON-G, n = 13, 8 boys [age = 13.37 ± 0.75 years, MO = 0.00 ± 0.71], and 5 girls [age = 13.50 ± 0.92 years, MO = 1.41 ± 1.07]). The EXP-G performed combined CoD and RA training across the 6-week intervention period. The CON-G continued with the normal five 20 min regular tennis-specific training sessions per week, including technical and tactical drills and a small-sided games format. The overall training volume was similar between groups. Pre- and post-training, Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC, [EC TOTAL: global score of emotional competence level; EC INTRA: score of intra-personal emotional competence; EC INTER: score of inter-personal emotional competence]) and d2 attention tests were assessed. The present study employed an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test covariance to assess between-group differences (EXP-G vs. CON-G) at the post-test phase, utilizing baseline values as covariates. Noteworthy outcomes were observed, indicating statistically significant and substantial between-group disparities at post-test for various measures. Specifically, these differences were evident in the attention domain (effect size, d = 1.08 [Large], p = 0.001), the EC TOTAL test (effect size, d = 0.70 [Medium], p = 0.017), the EC INTA (effect size, d = 1.35 [Large], p = 0.001), and the EC INTER (effect size, d = 0.83 [Large], p = 0.009) tests. Due to the importance of agility training for overall competitive performance in tennis, our results suggest that young players should perform such training programs as part of conditioning training if the goal is to improve emotional intelligence and mental well-being.

A novel comparative study of NNAR approach with linear stochastic time series models in predicting tennis player's performance

BackgroundPrediction models have gained immense importance in various fields for decision-making purposes. In the context of tennis, relying solely on the probability of winning a single match may not be sufficient for predicting a player's future performance or ranking. The performance of a tennis player is influenced by the timing of their matches throughout the year, necessitating the incorporation of time as a crucial factor. This study aims to focus on prediction models for performance indicators that can assist both tennis players and sports analysts in forecasting player standings in future matches.MethodologyTo predict player performance, this study employs a dynamic technique that analyzes the structure of performance using both linear and nonlinear time series models. A novel approach has been taken, comparing the performance of the non-linear Neural Network Auto-Regressive (NNAR) model with conventional stochastic linear and nonlinear models such as Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Exponential Smoothing (ETS), and TBATS (Trigonometric Seasonal Decomposition Time Series).ResultsThe study finds that the NNAR model outperforms all other competing models based on lower values of Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). This superiority in performance metrics suggests that the NNAR model is the most appropriate approach for predicting player performance in tennis. Additionally, the prediction results obtained from the NNAR model demonstrate narrow 95% Confidence Intervals, indicating higher accuracy and reliability in the forecasts.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study highlights the significance of incorporating time as a factor when predicting player performance in tennis. It emphasizes the potential benefits of using the NNAR model for forecasting future player standings in matches. The findings suggest that the NNAR model is a recommended approach compared to conventional models like ARIMA, ETS, and TBATS. By considering time as a crucial factor and employing the NNAR model, both tennis players and sports analysts can make more accurate predictions about player performance.

Field and Court-Based Tests Used in The Determination of Physical Performance in Tennis

Tennis matches were won based on factors like technique and strategy when wooden rackets were in use. But today, with the increase in technology, fiber carbon rackets, and advanced racket string are used in matches. This has increased the game structure of tennis to high-intensity levels. Players need to improve their physical capacity to perform at this level. Because tennis has shifted towards a branch where not only technical capacity is not enough, and strength, power, speed, and endurance are also at the forefront. Some performance tests are conducted to develop and monitor these motoric characteristics. Sport-specific technical skills and a high physical performance profile are the dominant factors in tennis. Conditioning test batteries help to analyze the performance levels of amateur and elite-level tennis players at different levels in the laboratory and on the court. In line with this view, some tennis-specific field tests have been developed in the literature. At the same time, these tests have been compared with laboratory tests and have validity and reliability. Thanks to these developed tests, it provides the opportunity to determine the performance profile of the individual at different times of the year and to adjust the individual training program individually according to these test results. Therefore, this review aims to describe and evaluate the different performance tests recommended and used by performance coaches, sports scientists, and organizations (national tennis federations).

The effects of different music types on tennis performance among recreational players.

It is known that different types of music used during sports performance has different psycho-physiological effects. In this context, this study aimed to reveal the effect of different types of music on ITN test performance in tennis players. A total of 35 recreational tennis players voluntarily participated in the study. In the research, the ITN test performance of tennis players was measured in three different conditions with 48-hour intervals, these being without music, with motivational music, and with sedative music. The Freidman test was used in the analysis of the data that did not show a normal distribution, and the Repeated Measures ANOVA test was used in the analysis of the data that showed a normal distribution. According to the main findings of the study, it was determined that motivational music increased the ITN test performance of tennis players, while sedative music decreased their ITN test performance (p< .05). Additionally, it was determined that motivational music increased the groundstroke depth scores of tennis players, while sedative music decreased groundstroke depth scores (p< .05). In addition to this, it was determined that volley depth, groundstroke accuracy, and serve scores increased through motivational music (p< .05), whereas sedative music had no effect (p> .05). As a result, it was determined that the ITN test performances of tennis players can be increased through the psycho-physiological effect of motivational music. It can therefore be concluded that the use of motivational music during training and matches (between sets and/or time breaks) of tennis players can increase their shooting performance.

Epidemiology and Factors Influencing Davis Cup Retirements Over the Past Twenty Years.

The demands of professional tennis, including physical and psychological aspects, contribute to the frequency of retirements at elite levels of the sport. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of injuries and the factors that influence the retirements of professional tennis players competing in the Davis Cup over the last two decades. Retrospective cohort study. The data set includes data from 6,060 men's singles matches that included 1,814,141 games from Davis Cup ties played between 2000 to 2019. Factors that might influence the retirements were studied by means of generalized linear models using Poisson distribution. Incidence rates by 1000 games and incidence rate ratios of retirements are provided as association measures. The retirement incidence was 1.05 per 1000 games [95% CI: 0.90, 1.21]. The main risk factors associated with retirements were matches played on hard courts (IRR: 2.52 [95% CI: 1.32, 4.83]) and matches played in the final two matches of the tie and in a best-of-5-set format (IRR: 2.63 [95% CI: 1.69, 4.09] and IRR: 5.52 [95% CI: 3.50, 8.69], respectively). The most common injuries that led to retirements were those affecting the lower extremities, specifically involving muscular or tendinous tissues. This study provides valuable insights for coaches, players, support teams, and epidemiologists regarding retirements and their associated risk factors in Davis Cup tournaments. These findings may guide future research and inform strategies aimed at managing player health and performance in professional tennis. Level 2b.

Tennis performance priorities for all-court player using the Analytic Hierarchy Process method

Purpose: Above all, a wealth of research into the game of tennis has failed to provide an answer to the question of how to measure the overall performance of a top tennis player under competitive conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the priorities for all-court tennis players on offence and defence. Methods: The relative importance coefficients related to the style of all-court tennis players were determined for eighteen criteria for evaluating overall performance based on the expertise conducted by seven tennis experts. In this study, the priorities for “all-court” style were analysed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process method. From each given matrix, the vectors of importance coefficients defined by each of the experts were calculated using the geometric mean method and used to form a matrix of importance coefficients for an all-court player. The vectors of the arithmetic mean and standard deviations were calculated. Results: The top of the defensive hierarchical structure indicates that the quality of movement/defensive tasks and the quality of the first serve-return have a high importance; the quality of performance in long rallies has a medium to high importance. The top of the offensive hierarchy structure indicates that playing with multiple styles and the quality of the first serve have a high importance; the quality of taking the initiative in rallies and the quality of the offensive forehand have a medium to high importance. Conclusions: The results of this study can be used by coaches to select the optimal technical and tactical solutions.

How to reduce anxiety symptoms through individual sport in youth: A longitudinal study over 8-month observation.

Anxiety symptoms are widely observed among the youth, and engagement in sports has been demonstrated to mitigate these symptoms. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of specific sports and the potential moderating role of psychological factors, such as self-esteem and self-efficacy, on the influence of sports on anxiety, remains to be elucidated. This study was designed to longitudinally assess the impact of sports participation on anxiety symptoms among young individuals. The study encompassed 163 university students, with a male predominance of 81.6%, and explored the influence of sport-related factors (such as mastery of table tennis skills, level and engagement) and psychological aspects (including self-efficacy, self-esteem and resilience) on anxiety symptoms, employing an 8-month longitudinal approach. Physical activity, sedentary and sleep behaviour, along with age, body mass index (BMI), and sex, were accounted for as confounding variables. The study found that high table tennis performance score was found to buffer the development of anxiety symptoms in students with decreased self-esteem in an exploratory moderation model. Self-esteem and self-efficacy were negatively associated with the development of anxiety symptoms, whereas physical activity factors did not have a direct effect. This study highlights the potential of table tennis as a form of sport to alleviate anxiety symptoms in university students, particularly among those with decreased self-esteem. Future research should address the study's limitations and explore the potential moderating effects of other psychological factors. Overall, these findings suggest a potential new approach to treating anxiety symptoms among university students.

Analysis of Superior Extremity Strength on the Groundstroke Attack Skills of Tennis Athletes

A tennis player must be able to produce groundstroke attacks effectively because these strokes have an important strategic role in controlling and dominating the course of the match. To produce a groundstroke attack, a tennis player must have muscle strength in the superior extremities, because the superior extremities are the primary source of kinetic energy required to transfer momentum to the racket. Apart from that, good coordination between the muscles of the arms, shoulders, and back is also important to achieve optimality in groundstroke attacks. In a coordinated movement, energy from the tennis player's body is transferred through the arms to the tip of the racket when the racket makes contact with the ball. The aim of this study was to determine how much influence superior extremity strength has on forehand groundstroke skills. The type of research used is a correlational description, involving the independent variable being superior extremity muscle strength while the dependent variable is forehand groundstroke attack skill. The research sample was 20 POMNAS South Sulawesi tennis athletes taken by purposive sampling. The instruments used were the Bouncing Medicine Ball Test and the Hewitt Tennis Performance Test. Analysis through a correlation regression test. The results concluded that the ability to groundstroke attack was influenced by upper limb muscle strength by 59.3%.

Resistance Training Using Flywheel Device Improves the Shot Precision in Senior Elite Tennis Players: A Randomized Controlled Study

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of resistance training using a flywheel device applied to upper limbs, compared to traditional isotonic training, on strength and shot precision in tennis. Twenty-seven elite senior tennis players (age: 55.78 ± 2.69) were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG) using flywheel devices (n = 13) and a control group (CG) performing isotonic training (n = 14). The EG program included forehand, backhand, and one-handed shoulder press movements, while the CG performed seven resistance exercises on isotonic machines. A similar workout intensity was ensured using the Borg’s CR-10 scale. The assessment included a 30s arm curl test, a medicine ball throw test, and forehand/backhand/overhead shot precision tests. A significant time effect was found in the 30s arm curl test for the EG (F(1,25) = 13.09; p = 0.001), along with a time * group interaction (F(1,25) = 5.21; p = 0.031). A significant group difference was observed in the forehand shot precision test, where the EG achieved better scores than the CG and significant interaction time * group (F(1,25) = 8.35; p = 0.008). In the shot backhand precision test, a significant effect of time (F(1,25) = 5.01; p = 0.034) and significant time * group interaction were found (F(1,25) = 4.50; p = 0.044), but there was no significant difference between groups. Resistance training with flywheel devices has shown potential in improving tennis performance. Applying overload to specific athletic movements during both concentric and eccentric phases in the EG has shown enhanced strength and neuromuscular coordination in relation to shot precision, thereby enabling simultaneous improvements in both conditioning and the technical aspects of fundamental tennis shots.

The Interplay Between Table Tennis Skill Development and Sports Performance: A Comprehensive Review

This study presents a comprehensive literature review on skill development in table tennis, focusing on various factors that influence expertise in the sport. The research synthesizes findings from multiple studies to understand the effectiveness of mental training programs, the relationship between cognitive functions and table tennis skills, differences between elite and sub-elite players, the impact of visual attention on performance, the effects of plyometric training on serve performance, and the comparison of practice schedules for skill learning and retention. Additionally, the paper explores the stages of tennis forehand attacking technique development, encompassing generalization, differentiation, consolidation, and automation stages, while discussing individual and environmental factors influencing skill development, highlighting the importance of early learning experiences, motivation, intelligence, and family support. Furthermore, the research delves into the history of table tennis performance evaluation methods, including video observation, expert interviews, and the four-stage index evaluation, establishing the reciprocal relationship between skill development and sports performance, emphasizing how enhanced athletic performance fosters skill mastery and vice versa. The findings underscore the significance of mental preparation, cognitive functions, technical proficiency, visual attention, and practice structuring in the pursuit of expertise in table tennis, indicating that incorporating mental training, cognitive training, specialized practice, and plyometric exercises can be beneficial for skill development and performance improvement in the sport.

Well-being as a performance pillar: a holistic approach for monitoring tennis players.

This perspective article aims to discuss the usefulness of tools that can assist tennis professionals effectively manage the well-being of their players. This includes identifying and monitoring meaningful metrics (i.e., training load, training intensity, heart rate variability), as well as careful planning of training and competition schedules with appropriate recovery periods. The use of innovative training methods (i.e., repeated-sprint training in hypoxia and heat training), and proper dietary practices, along with biometric assessment for young players, represents should be considered. Adopting a holistic approach to decision-making about training and competition, balancing both health and performance considerations, is crucial for tennis players and their support teams. More research is needed to refine best practices for enhancing tennis performance while prioritizing the well-being of players.

Change-of-Direction Speed Assessments and Testing Procedures in Tennis: A Systematic Review.

Schneider, C, Rothschild, J, and Uthoff, A. Change-of-direction speed assessments and testing procedures in tennis: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): 1888-1895, 2023-Change-of-direction speed (CODS) plays an essential role in tennis match play, and CODS performance is, therefore, commonly assessed and monitored in tennis players. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to describe test characteristics, performance metrics, test-retest reliability, construct validity, and test outcomes of tests that are used to assess CODS in tennis players. A literature search conducted on PubMed and SPORTDiscus yielded 563 results. After applying the eligibility criteria, a total of 27 studies were included in the present review. Ten unique CODS tests were identified. 505 test variations were most frequently used across all studies, and total time required to complete the test was the predominant performance metric investigated. Intrasession test-retest reliability ranged from "moderate" to "excellent." Intersession test-retest reliability as well as the effects of tennis performance, sex, and age on CODS performance were unclear given the subject demographics and the limited number of studies that investigated these aspects. In conclusion, most studies included CODS tests that exhibit longer COD entry and total distances but similar COD angles to those seen during tennis match play. All CODS tests have at least "moderate" intrasession test-retest reliability. However, to improve CODS assessment methods and to increase our current understanding of CODS performance in tennis players, there is a need to conduct more research on the intersession test-retest reliability, construct validity, and the effects of sex, age, and tennis performance and to investigate other performance metrics that might provide additional insights into CODS (e.g., phase-specific performance variables).

Comparing the add-on effect on agility improvement between visuomotor and plyometric training among university tennis team

&lt;p&gt;目的：敏捷為網球運動表現重要能力的關鍵指標。本研究評估視覺反應動作訓練和 增強式訓練，對網球選手在眼腳反應時間、下肢力量、速度與敏捷性之成效。方法 ：以大學網球選手分別為視覺反應動作訓練組、增強式訓練組與控制組各 24 人， 共計 72 人。三組均接受 4 週相同的網球訓練 (每週 3 天，每天 2 小時)，每次完 成網球訓練後，視覺反應動作訓練組及增強式訓練組額外增加 3.5 分鐘輔助訓練。 採用成對 t-test 比較受試者組內前後測有無差異，及單因子變異數分析 (One-way ANOVA) 比較三組間眼腳反應時間、下肢力量、速度與敏捷性及成效。結果：(一) 視覺反應動作訓練組與增強式訓練組經訓練後，慣用與非慣用腳之眼腳反應時間、 下肢力量、速度與敏捷性均顯著進步 (p &lt; .05)。(二) 視覺反應動作訓練組之慣用腳 之眼腳反應時間顯著優於控制組 (p &lt; .05)，非慣用腳之眼腳反應時間顯著優於增強 式訓練組與控制組 (p &lt; .001)。(三) 增強式訓練組在下肢力量與敏捷性顯著優於控 制組 (p &lt; .05)。(四) 視覺反應動作訓練組與增強式訓練組在速度皆顯著優於控制組 (p &lt; .05)。結論：視覺反應動作訓練組與增強式訓練組在眼腳反應時間、下肢力量、 速度與敏捷性等均提升，惟眼腳反應時間是視覺反應動作訓練組相較二組佳，而增 強式訓練組在下肢力量、速度與敏捷性相較二組顯著提升。建議教練在訓練時可依 選手欲加強之處，斟酌選擇補強訓練方式，以達提升敏捷能力。&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Purpose: Agility is one of the critical indicators of tennis performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of eye-foot response time, lower limb strength, speed, and agility through visual reaction and plyometric training among tennis athletes. Methods: University tennis athletes were assigned to visual reaction training (n = 24), plyometric training (n = 24), and active-control groups (n = 24). Three groups received the same tennis session for 4 weeks (2 hours a day, 3 days a week). After each session, the visual reaction and plyometric training groups had 3.5 min extra auxiliary training. Paired t-test was made to compare these measures before and after 4-week training. In addition, one-way ANOVA was used to compare these measures and the improvement of these measures after 4-week training among the three study groups. Results: (1) After 4-week training, the visual reaction training group and plyometric training group showed significant improvement in the eyefoot response time of the dominant and non-dominant foot, lower limb strength, speed, and agility (p &lt; .05). (2) The visual reaction training group had a significantly better of the dominant foot than the control group (p &lt; .05) and significantly better eye-foot response time of the non-dominant foot than the plyometric training group and control group (p &lt; .001). (3) The plyometric training group was significantly better than the control group in lower limb strength and agility (p &lt; .05). (4) The visual reaction training and plyometric training groups were both significantly better than the control group in speed (p &lt; .05). Conclusion: The eye-foot response time, lower limb strength, speed, and agility in visual reaction training and plyometric training groups were all improved. In contrast, the eye-foot response time was better in the visual reaction training group than in the other groups, while the lower limb strength, speed, and agility showed significant improvement in the plyometric training group compared to the other groups. Therefore, we recommended that coaches choose our two auxiliary training programs according to the athlete&amp;rsquo;s demands.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Analysis of the spatial distribution of the serve and the type of serve-return in elite table tennis. Sex differences.

Serve and return of the serve are among the most critical technical-tactical factors influencing performance in table tennis (TT). The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in the spatial distribution of serve and serve-return in elite TT players. A total of 48 elite TT players (men: n = 24; women: n = 24) participated in the investigation. A total of 24 matches were recorded and examined, analysing 1,177 plays and 5,319 strokes in the men's competition and 950 games and 5,097 strokes in the women's competition. Technical actions were analysed using an observation tool validated by two expert TT coach with a high level of agreement (K > 0.80). Men distributed their serves over zones 1 and 2 of the table, while women more frequently selected zone 5 (p < 0.05). In men, 30.1% of the serves were near the net, 63.6% in the middle zone of the table and 6.2% in the end zone of the table, while in women, these values were 10.9%, 67.2%, and 21.8%, respectively. As for the technique of the serve-return depending on the zone of the service, in men the action of the cut from zone 1 and 2 predominated, while in women this technique was more frequent from zone 5 (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the serve-return with the flip technique in zone 1, 3 and 4 was more frequent in men (p < 0.05). As for the return of the serve with the topspin technique, there were differences in zone 3, being more frequent in men (p < 0.05). Finally, the serve return with cut and defensive serve-return techniques in zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 were more frequent in women (p < 0.05). There are differences between sexes in service and return of serve actions during a match in elite players.

Six inertial measurement unit-based components describe wheelchair mobility performance during wheelchair tennis matches

The aim of this explorative study was to determine the key inertial measurement unit-based wheelchair mobility performance components during a wheelchair tennis match. A total of 64 wheelchair tennis matches were played by 15 wheelchair tennis players (6 women, 5 men, 4 juniors). All individual tennis wheelchairs were instrumented with inertial measurement units, two on the axes of the wheels and one on the frame. A total of 48 potentially relevant wheelchair tennis outcome variables were initially extracted from the sensor signals, based on previous wheelchair sports research and the input of wheelchair tennis experts (coaches, embedded scientists). A principal component analysis was used to reduce this set of variables to the most relevant outcomes for wheelchair tennis mobility. Results showed that wheelchair mobility performance in wheelchair tennis can be described by six components: rotations to racket side in (1) curves and (2) turns; (3) linear accelerations; (4) rotations to non-racket side in (4) turns and (5) curves; and finally, (6) linear velocities. One or two outcome variables per component were selected to allow an easier interpretation of results. These key outcome variables can be used to adequately describe the wheelchair mobility performance aspect of wheelchair tennis during a wheelchair tennis match and can be monitored during training.

Enhancing Physical Fitness and Promoting Healthy Lifestyles in Junior Tennis Players: Evaluating the Influence of “Plyospecific” Training on Youth Agility

Physical fitness is a crucial component of tennis performance, and improving agility and lateral movement can give young tennis players a competitive edge. By training with plyospecific exercises, which focus on explosive movements and plyometric exercises, junior players can improve their speed, power, and reaction time on the court. The paper aimed to evaluate the effects and benefits of a 10-week physical training program on the agility of junior tennis players, using the results of seven agility tests, applying statistical t-tests for paired and independent samples, and the difference-in-differences approach. In order to achieve this, a sample of 48 U16 male Portuguese tennis junior players was used. The empirical results indicated that the training program had a positive impact on the agility of the tennis players. Specifically, the results showed improvements in the T-test performance on both the right and left sides, as well as improvements in the Edgren test scores on the left and right sides. Additionally, there was an increase in the average number of lateral and forward movements, suggesting enhanced agility among the players. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the training program in improving agility-related skills and performance in tennis. Coaches can incorporate similar training methods and exercises to improve their players’ agility, leading to better performance on the court.

Talent identification among elite Czech male junior tennis players (U12) according to their future tennis performance and birthdate

Talent identification (TI) in sport, which is the selection of individuals disposed to achieve elite performance in adulthood, is often based on physical fitness testing. TI is linked to the phenomenon called the Relative Age Effect (RAE), referring to the influence of birthdate on sports performance. This retrospective study is based on the assumption that elite adult athletes possessed indicators predictive of a successful career already at a young age. The study aimed to assess the differences among Czech male tennis players according to 1) their tennis performance in adulthood, 2) their birthdate in each semester (S). The participants were players U12 who were later among top 1000 in the ATP Singles Rankings (SR). The research data was obtained during regular testing of the Czech Tennis Association (1998–2019). Significant differences between subgroups R1 (SR 1st - 500th) and R2 (SR 501st - 1000th) were found, surprisingly in favor of R2 in 4 variables. Significant differences were found in favor of B1 (born in S1) in 2 variables, and in favor of B2 (born in S2) in 2 variables. La identificación de talentos (IT) en el deporte, que es la selección de individuos dispuestos a lograr un rendimiento de élite en la edad adulta, a menudo se basa en pruebas de aptitud física. La IT está relacionada con el fenómeno llamado Efecto de la Edad Relativa (EER), que se refiere a la influencia de la fecha de nacimiento en el rendimiento deportivo. Este estudio retrospectivo se basa en la suposición de que los atletas adultos de élite poseían indicadores predictivos de una carrera exitosa desde una edad temprana. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las diferencias entre los tenistas masculinos checos según 1) su rendimiento en el tenis en la edad adulta, 2) su fecha de nacimiento en cada semestre (S). Los participantes fueron jugadores sub-12 que más tarde se ubicaron entre los 1000 mejores en el Ranking ATP de Individuales. Los datos de la investigación se obtuvieron durante las pruebas periódicas de la Asociación Checa de Tenis (1998-2019). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los subgrupos R1 (ranking 1 - 500) y R2 (ranking 501 - 1000), sorprendentemente favorables a R2 en 4 variables. Se encontraron diferencias significativas favorables a B1 (nacidos en S1) en 2 variables, y favorables a B2 (nacidos en S2) en 2 variables.

The Concurrent Validity of Mobile Application for Tracking Tennis Performance

The SwingVision (SV) application represents software for the automatic analysis of movement and specific parameters in tennis, but no study evaluated its applicability so far. Therefore, the aim of this research is to determine the validity of SwingVision for monitoring speed and placement parameters when performing serve and the frequency, type, and rotation of each stroke in the game. The sample of participants (N = 5) consisted of elite male junior tennis players (mean age 15.6 ± 0.35 years, mean height 179.16 ± 5.71 cm, and mean weight 72.62 ± 3.89 kg). Video analyses of closed and open character exercises were used to compare real data and those obtained using SV. The placement results determined good and very good validity (ICC = 0.83–0.87). In terms of speed, the results were found to have good validity (Speed_AD-ICC = 0.76–0.80). SV provided very good validity (ICC = 0.97) in the stroke detection parameter and also presented good validity in recognizing the rotation of shots (ICC = 0.76). SV provides valid objective feedback on tennis performance. Thus, the results justify the use of SV as a helpful tool in the training process, both in training and matches.

Physiological and performance effects of high-intensity interval training in tennis players: a systematic review

The purpose of this systematic review was to overview the physiological and performance effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in tennis players. Searches for this review were performed by using four electronic databases: Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus with Full-Text, and PubMed. Intervention studies investigating the effects of HIIT on tennis players were searched from inception to December 29th, 2021. Seven studies met all of the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The findings revealed that tennis players who participated in HIIT interventions had improved their aerobic capacity and tennis performance. Fluctuating results were reported for agility, sprint, and jump performances. In conclusion, the results of the review may suggest that HIIT is more beneficial for tennis players to achieve improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness and technical abilities regardless of age, gender, and competitive level.