Young Tennis Players Research Articles

Beneficial effects of imagination of successful action after an actual error on baseline performances in non-expert young tennis players.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of motor imagery (MI: imagining the success or failure of a forehand or backhand shot) training according to an internal visual modality centred on the movement and the target to be reached on tennis performance. 66 young (Mage = 12.1 years) players were randomly divided into three groups: control, failure MI or success MI, and performed 3 experimental phases. The pre-test consisted of performing 6 blocks of 5 forehand and backhand groundstrokes (sent randomly by a ball launcher towards the baseline) and a super tie-break. The acquisition phase consisted of 12 sessions, each including a standardized warm-up followed by 15min of background rally in pairs. The participants of the MI group were instructed, after unprovoked errors on their part, to imagine performing the previous shot correctly (positive MI) or missing (failure MI). The post-test was identical to the pre-test. The efficiency score of shots and the number of errors committed at the pre- and post-test served as dependent variables. The results of this study indicate that participants in the success MI group performed better than the control and failure MI groups at post-test. The success MI, performed after errors, has positive effects on the quality of the shot and reduces the number of unforced errors of tennis players, while failure MI induces negative outcomes. The use of success MI, integrated in training session, is recommended.

Joint position and force senses in young female tennis players and untrained adolescents.

The aim of the study was to determine the differences between tennis players and untrained peers in the development of upper limb proprioception in 10-15-year-olds. A group of 67 girls (12.75 ± 1.46 years old), including 33 tennis players and 34 age-matched untrained controls, was divided into three age groups: A1, 10-11-years-old; A2, 12-13-years-old; and A3, 14-15-years-old. Joint position sense (JPS) and force sense (FS) were assessed by reproducing memorized target angle or torque value of three joints: glenohumeral, elbow, and radiocarpal. The JPS error for the elbow joint in group A1 was 71% and 80% higher (p < 0.01) than that in groups A2 and A3, respectively, and the performance of all tennis players was 27.5% (p = 0.01) better than that of untrained controls. For FS, proprioception of only the more demanding task tested (reproduction of 50% maximal voluntary contraction) and specific function (elbow and radiocarpal extension, and glenohumeral internal rotation) showed development with age. The error values for elbow extension (A1, A2) and the glenohumeral joint (A3) of tennis players were lower than those of age-matched controls. We conclude that the development of FS in the upper limb varied and was related to the specific functions and joints. The 10-13-year-old tennis players showed elbow extensor FS performance at the level of the older participants, while the 14-15-year-old tennis players were characterized with superior FS internal rotation performance in the glenohumeral joint.

The effects of coach encouragement on the physical and technical test performances of young tennis players

This study investigates the effects of coach encouragement (CE) on the physical and technical performance of young tennis players. Twenty nationally ranked male tennis players (age: 13.6 ± 0.3 years, height: 160.9 ± 7.9 cm, body mass: 52.5 ± 7.6 kg,) participated in the present study. The physical and technical tests were conducted both with and without CE, using a randomized crossover design. Participants attended two sessions for performance assessments, undergoing a series of tests, including the hit and turn tennis test (HTTT), international tennis number test (ITN), counter-movement jump (CMJ) test, 20-m sprint tests, and the T-drill agility test. A paired t-test results demonstrated significant improvements in VO2max, CMJ height, 20-m sprint times, T-drill agility, and ITN scores under CE conditions compared to tests conducted without CE (p &lt; 0.05). These findings suggest that CE positively influences physical and technical performances. Moreover, the effects of CE were more pronounced in long-duration exercises (HTTT and ITN), highlighting the crucial role of motivational support from coaches in the development of young athletes.

Gender-Specific Physiological Profiles and Performance Metrics in Young Elite Table Tennis Players

Table tennis requires a combination of anaerobic and aerobic energy systems, agility, short reaction times, and precise motor skills. The aim of this study is to investigate gender-specific physiological profiles and performance measures in young elite table tennis players. The objectives are to identify key physical and anthropometric attributes contributing to table tennis performance, compare these attributes between male and female athletes, and develop targeted training recommendations. The study involved sixteen players (8 males and 8 females) within the age range of 10 to 18 years who train regularly at Istanbul Pendik Sports Hall. Inclusion criteria required training at least three times per week and participating at championship levels. Anthropometric measurements were taken using a Seca 220R stadiometer and a Seca 710R weighing scale, with body fat percentage estimated via a Tanita scale. Performance tests included vertical jump height (Witty Microgate device), reaction times (custom device), and heart rates (Activio Sport System). Assessments were carried out between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Male athletes had higher mean values in height (159.00 ± 13.29 cm), weight (50.00 ± 12.06 kg), and vertical jump height, whereas female athletes had better reaction times (1.17 ± 0.14 seconds). No statistically significant differences were found in body fat percentage and mean heart rate. t-Tests revealed that gender differences in most performance metrics were not statistically significant, but correlation analysis showed statistically significant relationships between various physical characteristics and performance outcomes (p&amp;lt;0.05). As a result, physical fitness and reaction time are crucial for table tennis performance. Tailored training programs should focus on these attributes to enhance performance in young elite players. Future studies should follow these metrics longitudinally to understand their impact on competitive success.

Defamation or Duty? A Legal Lesson from Youth Tennis

This defamation case between a youth tennis player, through his parents, against the parent of another young tennis player spotlights the intricate balance between safeguarding participants’ rights and ensuring a harassment-free sporting environment.

Optimizing young tennis players' development: Exploring the impact of emerging technologies on training effectiveness and technical skills acquisition.

The research analyzed the effect of weekly training plans, physical training frequency, AI-powered coaching systems, virtual reality (VR) training environments, wearable sensors on developing technical tennis skills, with and personalized learning as a mediator. It adopted a quantitative survey method, using primary data from 374 young tennis players. The model fitness was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), while the hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling (SEM). The model fitness was confirmed through CFA, demonstrating high fit indices: CFI = 0.924, TLI = 0.913, IFI = 0.924, RMSEA = 0.057, and SRMR = 0.041, indicating a robust model fit. Hypotheses testing revealed that physical training frequency (β = 0.198, p = 0.000), AI-powered coaching systems (β = 0.349, p = 0.000), virtual reality training environments (β = 0.476, p = 0.000), and wearable sensors (β = 0.171, p = 0.000) significantly influenced technical skills acquisition. In contrast, the weekly training plan (β = 0.024, p = 0.834) and personalized learning (β = -0.045, p = 0.81) did not have a significant effect. Mediation analysis revealed that personalized learning was not a significant mediator between training methods/technologies and acquiring technical abilities. The results revealed that physical training frequency, AI-powered coaching systems, virtual reality training environments, and wearable sensors significantly influenced technical skills acquisition. However, personalized learning did not have a significant mediation effect. The study recommended that young tennis players' organizations and stakeholders consider investing in emerging technologies and training methods. Effective training should be given to coaches on effectively integrating emerging technologies into coaching regimens and practices.

Pedagogical aspects of the formation of psychological training of young tennis players

Pedagogical aspects of the formation of psychological training of young tennis players

Can acute mobilization and oscillation training profit on the joint position sense and strength of the rotator cuff muscles in young tennis players?

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that act to stabilize the human shoulder and allow for its extensive range of motion. This study aimed to compare the immediate effect and durability of mobilization and oscillation dumbbell (OD) training on the Joint Position Sense (JPS) and strength of rotator cuff muscles in young tennis players. Twenty-six tennis players were divided into two experimental groups. G1 only performed mobilization techniques while G2 only performed OD training, before, after and after one week of the protocols, the strength and JPS of the shoulder joint were measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. Repeated analysis of variance (RMANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test were used to examine the differences between the groups. The analysis of covariance was used to examine the differences between the groups. In general, the results showed a significant effect of both mobilization techniques and OD training programs on the JPS and internal and external rotation strength of young tennis players, but only one difference was observed between the two in external rotation for the eccentric/concentric action at 120°/sec (p=0009; ƞ2p= 0.32). Moreover, the main findings showed that mobilization techniques and OD improved internal and external rotations after the protocol and after one week when compared with baseline for the concentric/concentric and eccentric/concentric at 60°/sec and 120°/sec (p &lt; 0.05) with only one exception for the internal rotation concentric/concentric at 120°/sec for both groups (p &gt; 0.05). Based on this, it seems that in healthy tennis players, both one-session mobilization techniques and OD training can be used to improve JPS and strength. Keywords: Shoulder, Isokinetic, Torque, Resistance, Rotator cuff.

Effects of tennis racket swingweight on forehand speed and accuracy in youth players

ABSTRACT Few studies have analysed the effects of the racket inertial parameters on hitting performance in young tennis players. The research aims to study the relationship between the swingweight of the racket and speed and accuracy variables, in young tennis players. Twenty-six players (13.1 ± 2.94 years) performed a forehand hitting test with three rackets of different swingweight (low, medium, and high). Ball speed and hitting accuracy were calculated using a radar, Zepp2 sensor and photogrammetry. Significant differences were found in the ball speed measured by the Zepp2, with the racket with a low swingweight producing a higher speed (p < 0.05; Mean ± SD; 108 ± 43 vs. 102 ± 47 vs. 101 ± 49 km/h, for the racket with a low, medium, and high swingweight). In accuracy, there were significant differences in the absolute longitudinal error, being the racket of the low swingweight the most accurate (182 ± 49 cm vs. 215 ± 88 vs. 208 ± 72 cm; p < 0.05). Also, the low swingweight racket showed higher errors in the net. It is concluded that the lower swingweight racket generates the highest speed values while the error pattern is different between the different swingweights.

Neuromuscular Fitness Is Associated with Serve Speed in Young Female Tennis Players.

In tennis, the serve plays a key role in determining the success of a player. The speed of a serve is influenced by a multitude of interconnected skills and abilities. The objective of this study was to establish the correlation between the explosive strength of the throwing type, the grip strength and flexibility of the arms, and the shoulder girdle with the serve speed in young female tennis players. Additionally, the study aimed to develop a regression model that accurately predicts the serve speed by analyzing the interplay among these variables. The study was carried out on a group of 20 tennis players, who had an average age of 13.10 ± 0.74 years. Additionally, their height was recorded as 165.70 ± 4.90 cm, and their body mass was measured at 51.45 ± 5.84 kg. To assess the motor abilities of the upper extremities, four tests were used that aimed to measure the explosive strength of the throwing type; one test was for the strength of the hand and forearm muscles, and one test was for the flexibility of the arms and shoulder girdle. Of all the variables examined, the medicine ball throw shot put (MBTSP) (r = 0.75), overhead medicine ball throw (OMBT) (r = 0.70), and grip strength (GS) (r = 0.71) displayed a notable correlation with serve speed (p < 0.05). The results obtained from the multiple regression analysis indicate that the combination of selected predictors (MBTSP-medicine ball throw shot put, OMBT-overhead medicine ball throw and GS-grip strength) explained 75% of the variability in serve speed. Significantly, MBTSP surfaced as the predominant predictor, autonomously elucidating 51% of the variability in serve speed. The importance of improving the analyzed motor skills of young female tennis players to enhance their serve in terms of speed is emphasized by the findings of this research.

The Impact of Virtual Reality Training Curriculum on Some Physical Abilities of Young Table Tennis Players

فإِنَّ أَهمية البحث تتجلى في ضرورة معرفة تأَثير تمرينات العالم الافتراضي الواقعي ودورهُ في تنمية بعض القُدرات البدنية لناشئ تنس الطاولة في العملية التدريبية اعتماداً على الأُسس التي يجب أَن يضعها كُلُ مُدرب بالحسبان في العملية التدريبية والمُنافسات سواءً في اختيار نوع التمرينات وأَسلوب تنفيذهُ أَو في التأَثيرات الناتجة عن استخدام التمرينات المُختلفة والتي من خلالها يُمكن الوصول باللاعب للمُستويات الرياضية العُليا وتحقيق نتائج جيدة. اما اهداف الدراسة وضع منهج تدريبي لِتمرينات العالم الافتراضي والواقعي يتلاءم وقُدرات عينة البحث من لاعبي تنس الطاولة وكذلك التعرف الى تأثير المنهج المعد وفقا للعالم الافتراضي والواقعي في بعض القُدرات البدنية للاعبي تنس الطاولة وكانت مشكلة البحث من خلال مُتابعة الباحثتان للوحدات التدريبية الخاصة بلعبة تنس الطاولة ، وجدت إِنَّ هُنالك قلة الاعتماد على استعمال اساليب تدريبية حديثة، من المُمكن أَن تحدث التطور الملموس والواضح في تطوير هذهِ اللعبة ولاعبيها، وعلى وجه الخصوص الاساليب التي تُستعمل فيها الادوات التدريبية الحديثة والمُساعدة، وكذلك التقنيات الالكترونية التي يستخدمها العالم الحديث، ومن هذهِ التقنيات الحديثة هي استخدام تمرينات تربط بواقع تدريبي افتراضي، فضلاً عن الواقعي والدمج بينهما، ومعرفة مدى تأثير هذا الواقع الذي يُستخدم بالصورة العلمية والدقيقة على قُدرات اللاعبين البدنية. لذا ارتأت الباحثتان معالجة هذه الثغرة التدريبية بشكل علمي دقيق من خلال وضع منهج تدريبي يعتمد على تمرينات علمية تتضمن في واقع افتراضي وواقعي، وتأَثير هذهِ التمرينات ضمن هذا الاسلوب التدريبي الحديث والذي يعتمدهُ العالم الحديث، في القُدرات البدنية للاعبين تنس الطاولة الناشئين، ووضعهُ في خدمة مُدربي واكاديمي تنس الطاولة في بلدنا، واستعملت الباحثتان المنهج التجريبي لملائمته مشكلة الدراسة , وتحدد مجتمع البحث وهم اللاعبين الناشئين في لعبة تنس الطاولة للموسم الرياضي 2023-2022 ، وكانت عينة البحث (20) لاعب ، موزعين الى مجموعتين (10) لاعبين مجموعة تجريبية و (10) لاعبين مجموعة ضابطة بعدها تم اجراء التجربة الرئيسة للحصول على نتائج الدراسة ومعالجتها احصائياً اذ استنتجت الباحثتان ان استخدام تمرينات الواقع الافتراضي ساهمت بطريقة إيجابية في رفع المستوى القدرات البدنية للمجموعة التجريبية, تفوق المجموعة التجريبية التي استخدمت البرنامج المعدة بتقنية الواقع الافتراضي على المجموعة الضابطة التي استخدمت الطريقة التقليدية الشرح اللفظي والنموذج العملي) في متغيرات القدرات البدنية، وهذا ما يحقق احد اهداف التنمية المستدامة للامم المتحدة في العراق (التعليم الجيد). وعلى ضوء تلك الاستنتاجات توصي الباحثتان ضرورة استخدام الواقع الافتراضي لما أثبتته نتائج في هذا البحث من ووجود تأثير إيجابي لها على مستوى الأداء البدني لعينة البحث، وأهمية مراعاة الفروق في الخصائص البدنية بين الاطفال عند تعليم القدرات البدنية المختلفة.

Спортивна підготовка юних спортсменів з настільного тенісу в Україні, Канаді та Польщі

Relevance of the research topic: Sports training is one of the components of success in achieving high results in table tennis. Analyzing the experience of advanced countries of the world is always a good practice to identify positive aspects and introduce them into the Ukrainian system of sports training of young table tennis players. The need to find new approaches that would contribute to the qualitative renewal of means and methods of improving sportsmanship in table tennis strengthens the relevance and timeliness of the research in this field. Purpose and methods of the study: The purpose of the study was to reveal the step-by-step sports training in table tennis in the countries of the world (in particular, Canada and Poland) and in Ukraine. To achieve the goal, a complex of general scientific research methods was used: the observation method to carry out a versatile characterization of a wide range of issues; the method of critical analysis for the study of various sources of information; analysis, synthesis, systematization, generalization. Results of the work and key conclusions: During the study, it was concluded that in Ukraine the process of teaching children to play table tennis begins at school age, on the other hand, in Canada and other countries that use models of Long Term Athlete Development, familiarization, encouragement and the first basic training takes place at preschool age multi-sport skills. In Poland, phasing is similar to Ukraine, and it is assumed that at this stage of learning table tennis, children should develop an interest in table tennis, and the coach’s task is to develop internal motivation and training discipline. Taking into account the results of the comparison and analysis, it is proposed to review the process of teaching table tennis in Ukraine and add a starting stage, which will involve teaching basic motor skills and be carried out in preschool educational institutions in the form of a game in a safe, stimulating and fun environment. In the future, this will facilitate the selection to the initial groups for teaching table tennis and will form the sports interest of children in this sport.

Innovative circuit training for children 10-12 years old to improve forehand and backhand drive skills

Mastery of forehand and backhand drive skills is crucial for the foundational development of table tennis athletes. This study aims to introduce an engaging training methodology for children aged 10-12 to enhance their table tennis abilities. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through the Delphi technique and repeated measures. Participants included three academic experts, four professional table tennis coaches, and nine young table tennis players. The research employed a questionnaire featuring a rating scale from one to four (very relevant, relevant, somewhat relevant, not relevant) for content validity and a one to three scale for assessing the practicality of the instruments. Data analysis was conducted using Aiken's formula. Results. The innovation in training methodology using the circuit approach to enhance beginner-level forehand and backhand drives in table tennis demonstrated significant effectiveness. The first aspect, alignment of the training concept with objectives, received a validation score of V = 0.952. Similarly, the training movements' relevance to objectives and the modifications introduced both scored V = 0.952. The suitability of the training procedures received a slightly lower score of V = 0.857. A practicality assessment of all components yielded scores exceeding 80%. Conclusion. The circuit training methodology designed for children aged 10-12 significantly improves forehand and backhand drive skills, demonstrating high content validity and practicality. Consequently, this study's findings endorse the circuit training approach as an effective means to enhance table tennis skills among young athletes.

Variation in Psychological Profiles of Young Tennis Players, Boys, and Girls Aged 11–14

Variation in Psychological Profiles of Young Tennis Players, Boys, and Girls Aged 11–14

Changes in Body Composition and Physical Performance after a Six-Week International Tour in Young Chilean Female Tennis Players.

Junior tennis players travel a lot to play tennis tournaments; this causes them to spend a lot of time away from their homes and disrupts their training, which could reduce their performance and increase the risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to analyze the changes in physical performance and body composition after a six-week international tour in young Chilean female tennis players. Thirty young female tennis players (15.4 ± 0.6) participated in this study. Body weight, skinfolds, and perimeters were measured. Body fat percentage (BFP) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) were calculated. For physical performance, 5 m sprint, the 505 with stationary start test (505 test), the pro-agility test, countermovement jump (CMJ), and medicine ball throw (MBT) were evaluated. The results show a significant increase in BFP and decrease in SMM (p < 0.01; d = -0.18 and 0.19, respectively). In terms of physical performance, 5 m sprint, the 505 test (p < 0.01; d = -0.95 and -0.95, respectively), CMJ, MBT, and HJ significantly decreased post-tour (p < 0.05; d = 0.96, 0.89 and 0.47, respectively). We conclude that, after a six-week international tour, there were changes in body composition and a significant decrease in 5 m sprint, the 505 test, CMJ, and MBT.

The relative age effect and its influence on athletic performance in Chinese junior female' tennis players.

The relative age effect (RAE) has been the focus of numerous studies; however, there are still fewer studies in women's sports than in men's sports. In this study, all female players (N = 2,255) who participated in Chinese junior tennis competitions (U12, U14, U16, and the National Junior Team) from 2014 to 2019 were investigated in terms of competitors' birth dates and year-end rankings. For the purposes of the analysis, the birth dates were also separated into quarters and half years. The study's objectives were to analyze the prevalence of the RAE among young Chinese female tennis players and to further examine how the RAE affects athletic performance. Differences between the observed and expected distributions of birth dates were tested using the chi-square statistic, and subsequent calculations were tested using odds ratios. The RAE was discovered to be present in every group of Chinese junior female tennis players (p < 0.001), with the proportions of those born in the first half of the year being 56.4% (U12), 53.1% (U14), and 57.0% (U16), respectively. The RAE for athletes selected for the National Women's Junior Tennis Team was even more significant, with the percentage of birth dates in the first half of the year at 61.2%. Finally, we observed a tendency for the effect of the RAE on the athletic performance of adolescent female tennis players to diminish with age.

Effects of a neuromuscular training program on the performance and inter-limb asymmetries in highly trained junior male tennis players

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of neuromuscular training on the performance of highly trainer junior tennis players. MethodsTwelve male tennis players (age: 13.4 ± 0.36 years; weight: 50.2 ± 6.29 kg; height: 163 ± 4.41 cm) participated and were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) performed neuromuscular training that included exercises for speed, strength, throws, agility, jumps and coordination twice a week for a duration of 10 weeks. Performance was evaluated using various variables, including bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump, 30 cm drop jump and horizontal jump, 505 change of direction test conducted with both the right and left legs, 20-m sprint, and overhead 3 kg medicine ball throw. Asymmetries were also evaluated during the unilateral tests. The impact of the training was assessed through the utilization of ANCOVA tests and effect size measurements. ResultsThe results indicated a significant enhancement in the EG, specifically in bilateral vertical jump and horizontal jump, as well as explosive strength and speed. Conversely, the control group (CG) did not display similar advancements. Furthermore, there was no increase in asymmetries. ConclusionThis suggests that the implementation of a neuromuscular training program could prove to be an effective approach in enhancing explosive power in the lower limbs among young competitive tennis players. Finally, this training program could contribute to the enhancement of their physical attributes in lower body of young tennis players.

Effects of Proprioceptive Insoles and Specific Core Training on Postural Stability for Preventing Injuries in Tennis.

Tennis is a complex sport based on unpredictability that requires adequate physical and psychological preparation to prevent injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8-week specific core stability training on postural stability in competitive adolescent tennis players, aged between 14 and 19 years old. Sixty-one participants were randomly allocated into two groups: experimental (n = 32) and control (n = 29) groups. The first group wore proprioceptive insoles 8 h a day and performed a detailed training 3 times a week for 8 weeks; the second group only received proprioceptive insoles to wear 8 h a day for 8 weeks. The postural stability parameters (center-of-pressure length, center-of-pressure velocity, and 95% confidence ellipse sway area) included three assessment times: baseline (T0), intermediate test (T1), post-test (T2), and retention test (T3). Data analysis showed a significant improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group, indicating a large effect size in center-of-pressure length, ellipse sway area, and center-of-pressure velocity at T2 and T3 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that a specific and detailed core stability training plays a significant role in improving balance and postural stability in young tennis players, especially in terms of preventing the risk of injury.

A 10-week neuromuscular program improved specific skills in young competitive tennis players

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of neuromuscular training on the performance of young tennis players. Eleven young tennis players (4 girls, 7 boys; age: 13.36 ± .5; weight: 46.54 ± 7.97; height: 160.45 ± 8.38; APHV 12.90 ± .51) participated and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG), which underwent neuromuscular training twice a week for 10 weeks, or a control group (CG), which followed only their regular tennis training without physical preparation. Performance was measured by variables such as bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), 30cm drop jump (DJ) bilateral and unilateral, bilateral and unilateral horizontal jump (SH), modified 505 agility test (CD) performed with both right and left legs, 20-meter sprint (20m), 3kg medicine ball throw (BM) overhead, and the Course- Navette test (CN). The impact of the training was determined by effect size. The results showed that the EG significantly improved in all variables while the CG did not, indicating that implementing a neuromuscular training program may be an effective method for improving the performance of young competitive tennis players, enhancing their physical attributes in both lower and upper body.

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.