Young Male Tennis Players Research Articles

The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Sand Versus Hard Surfaces on Physical Fitness in Young Male Tennis Players.

To examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining plyometric exercises with acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction drillsconducted on sand or hard surfaces on the fitness qualities of young male tennis players. Thirty-one young male players were allocated to a training group performing 12 training sessions on sand or hard surfaces, during a 6-week period. Tests included linear sprint (10-m acceleration with 5-m split times), change of direction (modified 5-0-5 test), vertical jumps (countermovement jump and the 10/5 repeated-jump test), isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, and dynamic balance (Y-balance test). Perceived training loads and muscle soreness were assessed during the intervention. Both training strategies were similarly effective in improving the analyzed fitness components. Group × time interaction effects were noticed, with countermovement jump (P = .032), repeated-jump test (P = .029), and reactive strength index (P = .008) favoring hardsurfaces and 5-m sprint (P = .009), dynamic balance (P < .05), adduction strength (P < .05), and abduction strength (P < .001) indices favoring sand. Furthermore, the sand group promoted greater perceived training loads and muscle soreness (P < .05) than the hard group across the intervention period. Neuromuscular training strategies characterized by a relatively low volume (∼35min), conducted on sand or hard surfaces, promoted similar improvements in the fitness qualities of young tennis players, with selected surface-interaction effects. Training on sand can cause transiently higher training loads and persistently higher muscle soreness, suggesting the need for an adequate familiarization period.

Effects of a 6-week on-court training program on the International Tennis Number (ITN) and a range of physical fitness characteristics in young tennis players.

The study aimed to (i) verify the effects of an on-court training program on the International Tennis Number (ITN) of young tennis players, as well as on a set of change of direction, linear sprint, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) variables, and (ii) identify the main predictors of ITN. The sample consisted of 20 young male tennis players (mean age, 13.62 ± 0.23 years). Players underwent a 6-week on-court training program. The ITN and a number of change of direction variables (T-drill and repeated sprint ability), linear sprint (5 m, 10 m, and 20 m distances), and VO2max were measured. All variables improved significantly between the pre- and posttest (p < 0.001). The ITN (7.98 ± 6.06%, d = 0.82) and VO2max (6.77 ± 1.21%, d = 1.53) showed the greatest relative improvement with moderate to large effect sizes. The hierarchical linear model retained the time (estimate = 18.90, p < 0.001) and the T-drill (estimate = -64.77, p < 0.001) as significant predictors of the ITN. This indicates that the ITN improved significantly over the 6-week training program and that the T-drill test was the best and most significant predictor. Coaches and researchers are encouraged to monitor the ITN along with other physical fitness and technical variables. They can also use the T-drill test to understand the ITN of their players.

Exercise-Induced Fatigue Impairs Change of Direction Performance and Serve Precision among Young Male Tennis Players.

This study investigates the effect of exercise-induced fatigue on change of direction performance and serve precision among young tennis players. A group of 21 players (age 12.90 ± 0.76 years), ranked among the top 50 players on the national tennis federation scale and the top 300 on the "Tennis Europe" scale, participated in the study. They underwent a standardized physiological load protocol using the "300-m running test" which consists of consecutive runs for 15 shares of 20 m (15 × 20). Its intensity was determined using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale where subjects evaluated their level of experienced load on a scale from 0 to 10. Prior to and after the protocol, they performed a pre-planned change of direction T-test and serve precision test. Results showed significant increase of time in the T-test (from 11.75 ± 0.45 s to 12.99 ± 0.4 s, p = 0.00) and decrease in serve precision parameter from (6.00 ± 1.04 to 4.00 ± 1.26, p = 0.00) after the fatigue test protocol. The RPE increased from 5 to 9, after the fatigue protocol, indicating the desired fatigue effect. These findings indicate that exercise-induced fatigue impairs change of direction performance and serve precision among young tennis players.

Effects of a Six-Week International Tour on the Physical Performance and Body Composition of Young Chilean Tennis Players.

In tennis, it is common for young male tennis players to spend several weeks away from their local training camps during the competition season, which could affect their performance. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of a six-week international tour on physical performance and body composition in young Chilean tennis players. Twenty-four men between the ages of 14 and 16 participated in this research. In body composition and anthropometric measurement, body weight, height, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5-m and 10-m sprints, modified agility test (MAT test), countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. Results show that, in body composition, BFP and SMM significantly decreased post-tour (p &lt; 0.05; effect sizes ranging from 0.23 to 0.33, respectively). In physical performance, agility and 5-m and 10-m sprints significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05, effect sizes ranging from -0.63 to 1.10). We conclude that after a six-week international tour, BFP, SMM, agility, and speed (linear sprint) tend to decrease significantly, with a greater effect in the sprint tests.

EFEITOS DO TREINAMENTO FUNCIONAL SOBRE A QUALIDADE DE GOLPE DOS JOGADORES DE TÊNIS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Functional training values the athletes’ physical activity and the integral exercise proper of the practiced sport. Tennis frequently integrates this exercise into regular training, aiming to enrich teaching. Objective: Compare the effects of functional training in daily exercise on the tennis players’ strokes based on the athletes’ performance. Methods: A research sample of 18 young male tennis players in tennis clubs were used. The volunteers were randomly divided into two groups, control and experimental. The control group received traditional physical training methods in their daily training. The experimental group had functional physical training added to their daily training. Before and after training, the ITN and functional movement screening methods were used to study the hitting quality of the tennis players. Finally, a mathematical and statistical analysis of the results ascertained in the tests was performed. Results: After 12 weeks, the mean level and accuracy of the experimental group were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05). The control group showed a slight improvement in the mean level and ball accuracy but without statistical significance (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Functional training associated with regular training positively improved the quality of hitting in tennis players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Body Composition, Somatotype and Raw Bioelectrical Impedance Parameters of Adolescent Elite Tennis Players: Age and Sex Differences

Studies analyzing tennis players' body composition and morphological and bioelectrical characteristics are scarce, especially among adolescents. This study aimed to explore sex- and age-based differences in body composition, somatotype, and bioelectrical properties among elite young male and female tennis players aged 13-16 years. Twenty-two male (14.45 ± 1.10 years) and 20 female (14.30 ± 1.03 years) elite tennis players participated in this study and were compared according to sex (males vs. females) and, within each sex, according to age (13-14 years vs. 15-16 years). Female adolescent elite tennis players had higher body fat (BF) percentage and higher endomorphy than males. They also had lower skeletal muscle mass and total body water (TBW) percentages. Older boys had lower resistance and a higher TBW and phase angle (PhA) than younger boys, likely due to maturation and performance. No significant differences were found between younger and older girls, except for the PhA, potentially associated with better cell function and performance. This study provides valuable reference data for coaches of elite youth tennis players. Due to the few differences found in body composition and somatotype in the different age groups, the PhA may be used by practitioners as a reference for cell function and performance.

Acute influences of tennis services on cardiac output and brachial hemodynamics in young male tennis players.

This study aimed to examine the influences of tennis service exercise on cardiac output (CO) and bilateral brachial hemodynamics in young tennis players. Experimental study. Ten young male tennis players (21 ± 2 years of age) participated. Each performed 100 tennis services without a return shot for experimental tennis exercise. Cardiovascular hemodynamic variables, including bilateral brachial blood flow (BF), shear rate (SR), blood pressure, and CO, were collected under three conditions: 1) baseline, 2) immediately after the tennis services (post), and 3) 1 h after the tennis services (1-hour). The positive incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for brachial hemodynamic variables was calculated. Immediately after the 100 tennis services, CO, brachial BF, SR, and brachial vascular conductance (VC) in the dominant and non-dominant arms increased (p < 0.05). At the 1-hour condition, CO returned to baseline; the brachial BF, SR, and VC in the non-dominant arm returned to baseline levels, whereas the same variables in the dominant arm remained increased. The iAUC for brachial BF and VC in the dominant arm was higher than that in the non-dominant arm. Furthermore, the brachial BF/CO ratio index in the dominant arm increased at the post and 1-hour conditions, whereas that in the non-dominant arm was unchanged. Tennis service exercise specifically increases brachial BF, SR, and VC in the dominant arm, independent of increased CO. Our findings contribute to unveiling the underlying mechanisms of brachial artery adaptations in tennis players.

Relationship between Oxygen Uptake Reserve and Heart Rate Reserve in Young Male Tennis Players: Implications for Physical Fitness Monitoring.

The aims of this study were to (i) verify the relationship between reserve oxygen uptake (VOreserve) and reserve heart rate (HRreserve) in young male tennis players, and (ii) understand the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2) measured at the end of a tennis drill and recovery heart rate (HRrecovery) after the tennis drill. Ten young male tennis players (16.64 ± 1.69 years; 62.36 ± 6.53 kg of body mass; 175.91 ± 5.26 cm of height) were recruited from the National Tennis Association. Players were instructed to perform a tennis drill based on an incremental intensity protocol. Afterward, three levels of intensity were used based on VO2reserve and HRreserve. A significant variance was observed between levels (VO2reserve and HRreserve = p < 0.001). VO2reserve presented a significant and high agreement with HRreserve. The mean data revealed non-significant differences (p > 0.05), a very high relationship of linear regression (R2 = 82.4%, p < 0.001), and high agreement in Bland Altman plots. VO2, at the highest level of intensity (>93%), presented a significant correlation with HRrecovery during the immediate 30 s after the drill (rs = 0.468, p = 0.028). Tennis coaches or instructors must be aware of the differences between monitoring or prescribing training intensities based on HRreserve or HRmax. They can also use HRrecovery for 30 s immediately after exercise to verify and understand the variation in their players' cardiorespiratory capacities.

RESEARCH ON THE FITNESS ASSESSMENT TESTS OF 9-10-YEAR-OLD MALE TENNIS ATHLETES IN DISTRICT 3, HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

The goal of this article is to identify suitable fitness assessment tests so that a realistic and scientific description of the physical conditioning of male tennis players aged 9 to 10 in Ho Chi Minh City can be provided. The author employed common sports research methods involving document synthesis, interviews, test reliability, and validity to select the 6 most popular tests to quantitatively assess the professional fitness of young male tennis players in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The influence of growth and development on shoulder rotators strength in young male and female elite tennis players.

Tennis practice requires a lot of technical, physical and mental qualities that have to be trained from the youngest age. The important number of hours spent on the court can lead, medium-to-long term to strength or flexibility adaptations, even in the youngest players. The current study aimed to explore the developmental consequences of repetitively playing tennis on shoulder range of motion and shoulder rotators' strength in elite male and female tennis players. Eigthy four painfree elite tennis players were assessed during preseason between 2009 and 2019. Clinical assessment included internal and external rotation range of motion and forward shoulder posture while maximal internal and external rotators strength were assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer in concentric and in eccentric modes (at 60°/s and 240°/s). In male players, growth and maturation induced an increase in forward shoulder posture. Absolute peak torque and bodyweight peak torque of internal and external rotators in concentric and eccentric mode were also significantly increased during with age while ER/IR concentric ratios were significantly decreased. In the female players, only absolute peak torque of internal and external rotators in concentric mode and eccentric strength of external rotators were significantly influenced by the development. Specific adaptations were found in male and female players with age and practice. The important variability in the results within the different age categories and the gender strengthens the importance of regular screening (and isokinetic evaluations) in young tennis players in order to highlight potential atypical profiles, which could have a negative influence on performance or increase the risk of injuries during the development of the player.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE SKILL RELATED PHYSICAL FITNESS EVALUATION INDEX SYSTEM OF CHINESE YOUNG MALE TENNIS PLAYERS

The skill-related physical fitness evaluation index system is an important reference basis for evaluating the competitive level of tennis players. At present, there are few studies on the skill-related physical fitness evaluation index system of Chinese young male tennis players. Based on the characteristics of tennis events and the sensitive period of the development of young tennis players skill-related physical fitness variables, this study uses literature methods, Delphi method and other research methods to construct an evaluation index system for Chinese young male tennis players skills related physical fitness. The results show that: Chinese young male tennis players skill-related physical fitness includes six first-level indicators including speed, strength, endurance, agility, flexibility, and power, 11 second-level indicators such as aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, upper body power, and lower body power, etc. 16 third-level indicators such as the hexagon test, beep test, sit and reach, etc.

Growth and maturity status of young male table tennis players

ABSTRACT A maturity-associated gradient among adolescent athletes in many sports tends to favour early maturing participants. This study was aimed to describe inter-individual variance in growth and skeletal maturation among male youth table tennis. The sample included 99 players registered in competitive clubs for at least 2 years. Chronological age (CA) ranged 10.00–14.63 years. Stature and body mass were plotted relative to US references. Skeletal age (SA) was estimated with the Fels method. Maturity status was given as SA minus CA. Somatic maturation was derived from predicted age at peak height velocity. Mean values for stature and weight were above the reference medians from 10 to 13 years and at the median in the oldest group. In general, SA was in advance to CA (CA: 12.45 ± 1.28 years; SA: 13.44 ± 2.37 years). The majority of the players were early maturing according to SA (52%) and average maturing based on the somatic indicator (80%). The results suggested that table tennis tends to retain taller and heavier participants who are somewhat advanced in skeletal maturity. Participation in youth table tennis and opportunities to win need to consider age- and maturity-associated variations, particularly regarding bands for competitions.

Construction of the skill related physical fitness evaluation index system of Chinese Young male tennis players

The skill-related physical fitness evaluation index system is an important reference basis for evaluating the competitive level of tennis players. At present, there are few studies on the skill-related physical fitness evaluation index system of Chinese young male tennis players. Based on the characteristics of tennis events and the sensitive period of the development of young tennis players skill-related physical fitness variables, this study uses literature methods, Delphi method and other research methods to construct an evaluation index system for Chinese young male tennis players skills related physical fitness. The results show that: Chinese young male tennis players skill-related physical fitness includes six first-level indicators including speed, strength, endurance, agility, flexibility, and power, 11 second-level indicators such as aerobic endurance, anaerobic endurance, upper body power, and lower body power, etc., 16 third-level indicators such as the hexagon test, beep test, sit and reach, etc.

The Impact of a Motor Imagery-Based Training Program on Agility, Speed, and Reaction Time in a Sample of Young Tennis Athletes during Ramadan Fasting: Insights and Implications from a Randomized, Controlled Experimental Trial.

The objective of this study was to explore whether a training program incorporating motor imagery could have an effect on physical performance outcomes in terms of agility, speed, and reaction time in a sample of tennis athletes who fasted during the month of Ramadan. Recruited subjects were 27 young male tennis players, randomly allocated to two groups: the imaging training group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 14). The study was designed as a randomized, controlled experimental study. The control group was engaged in watching videos concerning the history of the Olympic Games, whereas the motor imagery group followed a motor imagery-based training program. Physical performance outcomes were assessed during four sessions (one before Ramadan and three during Ramadan) by means of field tests. Our results revealed a drop in all performance outcomes measured in the middle and at the end of Ramadan for both groups (p < 0.01). The effect of the group × time interaction (p < 0.01) was reported for all physical performance outcomes measured for the two groups. This drop in performance was greater for the control group compared to the motor imagery group in the middle and at the end of Ramadan. This study showed that fasting during Ramadan reduced agility, speed, and reaction time performance for tennis players. A motor imagery-based training program could be an effective approach to reduce the effect of fasting during Ramadan and stabilize physical performance outcomes in terms of agility, speed, and reaction time for male tennis players.

Effects of Resisted Vs. Conventional Sprint Training on Physical Fitness in Young Elite Tennis Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of 6-week resisted sprint (RST) versus conventional (unresisted) sprint training (CG) on sprint time, change of direction (COD) speed, repeated sprint ability (RSA) and jump performance (countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ)) in male young tennis players. Twenty players (age: 16.5 ± 0.3 years; body mass: 72.2 ± 5.5 kg; body height: 180.6 ± 4.6 cm) were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: RST (n = 10) and CG (n = 10). The training program was similar for both groups consisting of acceleration and deceleration exercises at short distances (3-4 m), and speed and agility drills. The RST group used weighted vests or elastic cords during the exercises. After 6 weeks of intervention, both training regimes resulted in small-to-moderate improvements in acceleration and sprint ability (5, 10, 20 m), SLJ and CMJ performances, COD pivoting on both, the non-dominant (moderate effect) and the dominant (small effect) foot, and the percentage of decrement (small effects) during a RSA test. Between-group comparisons showed that the SLJ (Δ = 2.0%) and 5 m sprint time (Δ = 1.1%) improved more in the RST group compared with the CG group. This study showed that 6 weeks of RST or unresisted training are time-efficient training regimes for physical improvements in young male tennis players.

Effects of Motor Mental Imagery Training on Tennis Service Performance during the Ramadan Fasting: a Randomized, Controlled Trial.

The objective of the present study is to analyze the effects of motor mental imagery training on tennis service performance among tennis athletes who fast during Ramadan. Participants were 38 young male tennis players, randomly divided into two groups: Imaging Training (IMG, n = 18) and control group (CG, n = 20). The CG has watched videos on the history of the Olympic Games, while IMG has followed a training program in motor imagery. The performance of the tennis service was obtained by the product between accuracy and speed of typing (accuracy × average speed of all shots (km/h)). The effect of group/time interaction (p < 0.01) was identified for all performance indicators (accuracy, running speed and performance (speed × precision)), with improvement only in IMG (p = 0.01). The results showed that motor imagery training could be an effective strategy for mitigating/counteracting the negative effects of Ramadan on the tennis service performance.

Age and sex-related upper body performance differences in competitive young tennis players.

ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to analyze the shoulder functional profile of young male and female tennis players and to establish the relationship among physical variables and serve speed.MethodsA total of 128 Spanish tennis players (Under-13 (n = 32/32 males/females) and Under-15 (n = 36/28 males/females), were tested during National training camps. Tests included passive shoulder range of motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, medicine ball throws (MBT), and serve speed. Age and sex pairwise comparisons were carried using the Hedges’ g index (dg).ResultsResults showed age and sex effects on serve speed and all MBT, with males showing greater changes (1.51≤dg≤1.98) with age than females (0.92≤dg≤1.35; p<0.05). U15 males showed higher (p<0.05) absolute shoulder IR and ER strength than U13, with only significant differences between males and females in the U15. Regarding ROM, U15 males showed a decreased IR ROM compared to U13 (dg = -0.84; p<0.05) and higher significant IR bilateral deficit (dg = 0.51; p<0.05). The distances obtained in the different MBT were the variables more correlated to serve speed.ConclusionThe present results suggest that shoulder strength, medicine ball throws and serve speed increased along with age in young elite tennis players of both sexes. However, a decreased range of motion and bilateral deficit for glenohumeral internal rotation is evident in male under-15 tennis players. Muscle strength, power and shoulder range of motion are key factors for serve speed in young tennis players.

Effect of Coach Encouragement on the Psychophysiological and Performance Responses of Young Tennis Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of coach encouragement during the on-court tennis training drills (OTDs) on the psychophysiological and performance responses of young tennis players. Twenty-five young male tennis players (14.0 ± 0.3 years of age) performed six bouts of each of the four common OTDs; Star, Suicide, Box and Big X (30:60 s; 1:2 work to rest ratio). The heart rate (HR) and total distance covered were monitored using two portable multivariable integrated 10 Hz GPS monitoring devices during all OTDs, and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE-10) and short form Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) values were determined after each OTDs bout. The results demonstrated that OTDs with coach encouragement induced significantly higher psychophysiological and performance responses compared to OTDs without coach encouragement (p < 0.05). The results of this study confirm that coach encouragement improves the intensity, performance and physical enjoyment level during OTDs. These findings might inform training practices in youth tennis players in order to improve tennis performance.

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.

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.