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

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of a neuromuscular training program combining plyometric exercises with acceleration, deceleration, and change-of-direction drills conducted on sand or hard surfaces on the fitness qualities of young male tennis players. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 hard surfaces 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. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular training strategies characterized by a relatively low volume (∼35 min), 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.

Influence of Successive Wheelchair Tennis Matches on Handgrip Strength in High-Level Male Players.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects on upper strength in high-level male players playing four successive wheelchair tennis (WT) matches. Eight international WT players took part in a competition, playing one match per day over four consecutive tournament days. Before and after the match, the maximal isometric handgrip strength was measured on the dominant and non-dominant hand. Additionally, each player was equipped with one radiofrequency and IMU device on their wheelchair to control his activity profile (distance). The results showed significant differences between successive matches, with decreasing dominant handgrip strength (p = 0.02, η2 = 0.043), and there was a significant interaction between successive matches and the accumulated distance (p = 0.013, η2 = 0.049). The pre- and post-match strength values of the dominant hand decreased throughout the matches over a number of days, and post hoc analysis showed differences between the first and fourth matches only in pre-match strength (49.06 ± 6.96 vs. 45.94 ± 7.1; p = 0.045; ES: 1.04) but not in the non-dominant hand. Successive matches caused a decrease in the strength values of the WT players, mainly in the dominant hand. These results should be taken into account in the recovery and prevention of injuries in competitions with successive matches.

The Effects of a Compensatory Training Program Adding an Isoinertial Device in the Shoulder Function on Young Tennis Players.

ABSTRACT: Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Moreno-Perez, V, Cools, A, Nakamura, FY, Teixeira, AS, Ellenbecker, T, Johansson, F, and Sanz-Rivas, D. The effects of a compensatory training program adding an isoinertial device in the shoulder function on young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1096-1103, 2023-The aim of this study was to analyze whether a compensatory training program, including isoinertial flywheel training, could reduce shoulder imbalances in a group of asymptomatic young tennis players. After an initial evaluation, 26 young tennis players were assigned to either a supervised flywheel training group (FTG, n = 13) or a control group (CG, n = 13). Shoulder passive internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) range of motion (ROM) as well as shoulder IR and ER maximal isometric strength were measured before and after a 12-week training intervention, performed 3 times per week. After the intervention, results showed significant changes for IR ( p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = 1.83) and ER ( p < 0.001, ES = 1.77) on the dominant (D) side, and IR on the nondominant (ND) side ( p < 0.001, ES = 2.24) in the FTG compared with the CG. Regarding the ROM values, results showed that the FTG achieved significantly greater increases for the IR ROM ( p < 0.001, ES = 3.32) and total ROM (TROM) ( p = 0.004, ES = 1.39) on the D and ND sides (IR ROM: p = 0.002, ES = 1.53; TROM: p < 0.001, ES = 2.35) than the CG. Moreover, the CG displayed larger decrements in ER ROM ( p = 0.016, ES = 1.12) on the ND side after the training period than the FTG. The conducted compensatory training program was effective to increase the ER strength and IR mobility of the FTG players, which led to a reduction in the glenohumeral imbalances.

The Association Between Chronological Age and Maturity Status on Lower Body Clinical Measurements and Asymmetries in Elite Youth Tennis Players.

BACKGROUND: Tennis is one of the most popular sports among youths. At elite levels, a notable increase in injury incidence and a temporary decline in performance may occur when children progress through puberty. However, limited research has explored maturity-associated variations in clinical measurements suggested as predictors of injury and tennis performance in elite youth players. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to analyze the association between chronological age and maturity status on several measures of neuromuscular capability and physical performance as well as bilateral (interlimb) asymmetries in elite youth tennis players. HYPOTHESIS: Youth tennis players around peak height velocity (PHV) will show higher growth-related impairments or deficits in measures of neuromuscular capability and physical performance than their less (pre-PHV) and more (post-PHV) mature counterparts irrespective of sex. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: A total of 68 male (age, 13.7 ± 1.1 years; height, 162.4 ± 9.4 cm; body mass, 51.4 ± 10.3 kg [Mean values ± SD]) and 60 female (age, 13.6 ± 1.1 years; height, 162.8 ± 7.2 cm; body mass, 52.7 ± 7.5 kg [Mean values ± SD]) elite youth tennis players from 2 different age groups (under 13 [U13] and under 15 [U15]) and maturity status (pre-PHV, around PHV, and post-PHV), were tested during national training camps. Tests included the Y Balance Test, isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, hip ranges of motion (ROMs), and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. Bayesian analysis was used to establish any significant between-group differences. RESULTS: Only dynamic balance (in boys; Bayesian factor [BF10] = 88.2) and jump height (in both boys and girls; BF10 >100) were significatively associated with chronological age, whereby the U15 group showed lower Y Balance Test reach distances (-6%; standardized effect size δ = 0.62) but higher CMJ height scores (+18%; δ = 0.73) than the U13 group. Although boys jump higher (+11%; δ = 0.62) and were stronger in isometric hip adduction strength (+14%; δ = 0.92) than girls, the latter had greater hip internal ROM values (+15%; δ = 0.75). Furthermore, relevant maturity-associated effects (BF10 = 34.6) were solely observed for the CMJ test in boys, with the most mature players demonstrating higher jump height scores (+12%; δ = 0.93). Finally, a significant percentage (>25%) of tennis players, independent of sex, demonstrated bilateral asymmetries in hip ROM, hip strength, and jump height values. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that in U13 and U15 male and female tennis players, there were neither positive nor negative maturity-associated variations in the clinical measurements analyzed (with the exception of jump height in male players). The high proportion of tennis players showing bilateral asymmetries in dynamic balance, hip ROM, and strength and jump performance highlight the need of future studies to analyze these factors in relation to unilateral tennis-specific adaptations in the musculoskeletal and sensorimotor systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results may help to better understand how different clinical measurements are associated with the process of growth and maturation in elite youth tennis players and may aid in the design of specific training interventions during these stages of development.

Change of Direction Performance in Young Tennis Players: A Comparative Study Between Sexes and Age Categories.

ABSTRACT: Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Del Coso, J, Areces, F, Gallo-Salazar, C, and Sanz-Rivas, D. Change of direction performance in young tennis players: a comparative study between sexes and age-categories. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1426-1430, 2022-The aim of this study was to examine the differences in linear sprint, change of direction (COD) performance, and COD deficit in a large sample of under-13 (U13) and under-15 (U15) male and female tennis players. One hundred and twenty-eight junior tennis players grouped into 2 age-groups (U13 years [32 boys and 28 girls] and U15 [36 boys and 32 girls]) participated in this study. Tests included anthropometric measurements, sprints (5-, 10- and 20-m), and a modified version of the 505 COD test. The differences in performance between age-categories and sex were assessed via an independent t-test. The differences in the physical tests between U13 and U15 players were tested using a univariate analysis, with age and anthropometric variables as covariates. Effect sizes (ESs) were calculated for pairwise comparisons. Results showed that boys presented lower 20-m sprint times than girls in the U13 (ES: 0.54; p < 0.05), and lower linear sprint (5-20-m) and COD times than girls in the U15 category (ES varying from 0.67 to 1.60; p < 0.05). Comparing age-groups, U15 girls demonstrated a higher COD deficit than the U13 (p < 0.05), whereas no differences were found in the other variables. In boys, no significant differences were observed in any variable when comparing both categories. These results could be of great interest for coaches and researchers involved in the development and training of elite tennis players, suggesting the need to include strategies able to improve sprint and COD performance throughout the players' specialization process.

Fitness testing in tennis: Influence of anthropometric characteristics, physical performance, and functional test on serve velocity in professional players.

The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between anthropometric variables, physical performance, and functional test with serve velocity regarding tennis players' level and to design regression models that effectively predict serve velocity. A sample of sixteen male tennis players participated in this study (national level = 8, professional level = 7). Anthropometric measurements (body mass, height, body mass index and body segments) and physical test (hand strength, countermovement jump, jump on serve, and serve velocity) and functional test (medicine ball throw overhead and shot put) were performed. No differences in anthropometrics and physical test were found between national and professional levels. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05, ranging for 0.603 to 0.932) was found between some anthropometrics measurements (body mass, height, arm, forearm, and leg segments), physical parameters (hand strength, countermovement jump) and functional test (medicine ball throw shot put and overhead) with serve velocity for all tennis players. Multiple regression analysis indicated that medicine ball throw shot put was the most important test to explain serve velocity (r2 = 0.869). The results showed how the combination of physical and anthropometric factors have an impact on serve velocity. In addition, a new functional fitness test (medicine ball throw shot put) is proposed as an alternative to traditional medicine ball throw overhead due to its high reproducibility (inter-trial reliability) and predictive validity values, as well as by multi-segmental coordination movement similar to tennis serve.

Relationship between Sprint, Change of Direction, Jump, and Hexagon Test Performance in Young Tennis Players.

The hexagon agility test is widely used in tennis players' fitness evaluation, although its validity has not been fully stablished. This study aimed to assess the relationships between sprinting, jumping, and change of direction (COD) ability and hexagon test performance. Thirty-five under-16 tennis players completed a testing battery including the hexagon test, 20-m linear sprint, bilateral and unilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ), triple leg-hop for distance, T-Test, 5-0-5 and Pro-Agility test on two different sessions, separated by one week. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to assess the reliability of the test. Pearson's product correlations (r) were used to analyze the relationships between the hexagon test and the other fitness tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The hexagon test showed high relative reliability (ICC = 0.88) and low SEM values (0.17 s). Significant small to large correlations were found between the hexagon test time and linear sprint time (r = 0.40 to 0.60), COD tests (r = 0.53 to 0.79), and jumping performance (r = -0.40 to -0.68). The hexagon test is a simple, quick, easy-to-implement and reliable test, which allow it to be included in tennis players' testing batteries. The test is related to measures of speed, power and agility, although the magnitude of these relationships does not allow for the replacement of the more traditional assessments (e.g., CMJ, 20-m sprint, T-Test) within tennis players' testing batteries.

Competitive Evolution of Professional Wheelchair Tennis from the Paralympic Games in Athens 2004 to Rio 2016: An Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the activity pattern and technical-tactical parameters of men's wheelchair tennis matches from the Paralympic Games (PG) in Athens 2004 (A), Beijing 2008 (B), London 2012 (L) and Rio 2016 (R). A total of 5702 shots from twelve final round matches were analysed. Activity patterns (e.g., rally duration, shots per rally…) and technical effectivity (e.g., errors, winners…) were recorded. An ANOVA test with post hoc pairwise comparisons was conducted to compare the mean differences among matches of different PG. Game duration, points and shots per game differed according to the PG (R and L > B and A). Rally duration (p < 0.001) and shots per rally (p < 0.001) were longer at R and L than B and A. The effectivity of the last shots was different, the errors have been increasing and the winners have been decreasing. The main finding indicates that activity patterns and technical parameters have evolved mainly between A and B to L and R. This study gives an overview of the development of the sport over time, and coaches can use this information to adapt their training sessions to the current needs of the competition.

Key Physical Factors in the Serve Velocity of Male Professional Wheelchair Tennis Players.

The aim of this study was to identify the physical factors related to serve speed in male professional wheelchair tennis players (WT). Nine best nationally-ranked Spanish male wheelchair tennis players (38.35 ± 11.28 years, 63.77 ± 7.01 kg) completed a neuromuscular test battery consisting of: isometric handgrip strength; serve velocity; 5, 10 and 20 m sprint (with and without racket); agility (with and without racket); medicine ball throw (serve, forehand and backhand movements); and an incremental endurance test specific to WT. Significantly higher correlations were observed in serve (r = 0.921), forehand (r = 0.810) and backhand (r = 0.791) medicine ball throws showing a positive correlation with serve velocity. A regression analysis identified a single model with the medicine ball throw serve as the main predictor of serve velocity (r2 = 0.847, p < 0.001). In conclusion, it is recommended that coaches and physical trainers include medicine ball throw workouts in the training programs of WT tennis players due to the transfer benefits to the serve speed.

The Effect of a Neuromuscular vs. Dynamic Warm-up on Physical Performance in Young Tennis Players.

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, García-Tormo, V, Santos-Rosa, FJ, Teixeira, AS, Nakamura, FY, Granacher, U, and Sanz-Rivas, D. The effect of a neuromuscular vs. dynamic warm-up on physical performance in young tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 34(10): 2776-2784, 2020-The aim of this study was to examine performance-enhancing (i.e., training) effects of a neuromuscular warm-up (NWU) compared with a dynamic WU (DWU) in young tennis players. Twenty-eight well-trained male tennis players with a mean age of 15.09 ± 1.16 years participated in this study and were assigned to either a training group performing NWU (n = 14), or a group that followed DWU (n = 15) before tennis-specific training, for 8 weeks. Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 change of direction (COD) test; bilateral/unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ); 2 kg overhead, forehand, and backhand-side medicine ball throw performance (MBT); serve velocity, and shoulder strength and range-of-motion (ROM) performance (i.e., internal [IR]/external [ER] rotation). Results showed that both groups, NWU and DWU, significantly improved their sprint performances (5-20 m; [p < 0.05; d = 0.83-1.32]), CMJ (bilateral and unilateral [dominant side] [p < 0.005; d = 1.27-1.59]), overhead MBT (p = 0.014; d = 1.02), and some shoulder strength (i.e., IR dominant side [D], ER D, ER/IR ratio [p < 0.05; d = 0.86-1.59]) and ROM (i.e., ER D, total ROM D [p < 0.05; d = 0.80-1.02]) values. However, the interaction effects revealed that NWU compared with DWU produced greater performance gains in most of the analyzed parameters (i.e., 5-10 m sprint, CMJ, overhead MBT, serve speed). The inclusion of an NWU characterized by a relatively low volume (∼20-35 minutes), including general mobility, core, and shoulder strength exercises, combined with neuromuscular-related exercises (e.g., plyometric and acceleration/deceleration/COD drills), can be recommended to obtain positive effects in tennis performance-related variables.

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.

ACTN3 R577X Genotype in Professional and Amateur Tennis Players.

Moreno-Pérez, V, Machar, R, Sanz-Rivas, D, and Del Coso, J. ACTN3 R577X genotype in professional and amateur tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 34(4): 952-956, 2020-Several investigations have concluded that the RR genotype in the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism is overrepresented in elite athletes of strength- and power-based sports when compared with nonelite populations, suggesting a positive role of this genotype on physical performance. However, no investigation has been geared to determine the distribution of this polymorphism in elite tennis players. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency distribution of the ACTN3 R577X genotype in professional and nonprofessional tennis players to determine whether this polymorphism has an association with tennis performance. A total of 128 tennis players volunteered to participate in this study. From the total, 56 were professional tennis players (16 were top 10 in Women Tennis Association/Association of Tennis Professionals [WTA/ATP] rankings, 22 were top 100 in WTA/ATP rankings, and 18 were ranked > top 100 in the WTA/ATP rankings), and the remaining 72 were categorized as nonprofessional. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in the distribution of RR, RX, and XX genotypes between the different performance categories. The distribution of the RR, RX, and XX genotypes was similar in professional (33.9, 48.2, and 17.9%) and nonprofessional tennis players (37.5, 40.3, and 22.2%; p = 0.650). Furthermore, the distribution of the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism was not different in top 10 (25.0, 50.0, and 25.0%), top 100 (31.8, 50.0, and 18.2%), and WTA/ATP-ranked players (44.4, 44.4, and 11.2%; p = 0.847). These results indicate that the distribution of the ACTN3 R577X genotype is similar in tennis players of very different performance levels. This outcome suggests that the ACTN3 genotype was not associated with elite tennis performance.

Within-Session Sequence of the Tennis Serve Training in Youth Elite Players.

The influence of muscular fatigue on tennis serve performance within regular training sessions is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the within-session sequence of the tennis serve in youth tennis. Twenty-five young male (14.9 ± 0.9 years) and female (14.5 ± 0.9 years) players participated in this within-subject crossover study, and they were randomly but sex-matched assigned to different training sequences (serve exercise before tennis training (BTS) or after tennis training (ATS)). Pre- and post-tests included serve velocity performance and accuracy, shoulder strength, and range-of-motion (ROM) performance (internal/external rotation). Results showed that after one week of serve training conducted following the ATS sequence, significant decreases were found in serve performance (e.g., speed and accuracy), with standardized differences ranging from d = 0.29 to 1.13, as well as the shoulder function (strength [d = 0.20 to 1.0] and ROM [d = 0.17 to 0.31]) in both female and male players, compared to the BTS sequence. Based on the present findings, it appears more effective to implement serve training before the regular tennis training in youth players. If applied after training, excessive levels of fatigue may cause shoulder imbalances that could be related to an increased injury risk.

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

OBJECTIVE: The 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. METHODS: A 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). RESULTS: Results 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. CONCLUSION: The 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.

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

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

Sequencing Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Fitness in Youth Elite Tennis Players.

Fernandez-Fernandez, J, Granacher, U, Sanz-Rivas, D, Sarabia Marín, JM, Hernandez-Davo, JL, and Moya, M. Sequencing effects of neuromuscular training on physical fitness in youth elite tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 849-856, 2018-The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 5-week neuromuscular training (NMT) implemented before or after a tennis session in prepubertal players on selected components of physical fitness. Sixteen high-level tennis players with a mean age of 12.9 ± 0.4 years participated in this study, and were assigned to either a training group performing NMT before tennis-specific training (BT; n = 8) or a group that conducted NMT after tennis-specific training (AT; n = 8). Pretest and posttest included: speed (5, 10, and 20 m); modified 5-0-5 agility test; countermovement jump (CMJ); overhead medicine ball throw (MBT); and serve velocity (SV). Results showed that the BT group achieved positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in speed (d = 0.52, 0.32, and 1.08 for 5, 10, and 20 m respectively), 5-0-5 (d = 0.22), CMJ (d = 0.29), MBT (d = 0.51), and SV (d = 0.32), whereas trivial (10 m, 20 m, CMJ, SV, and MBT) or negative effects (d = -0.19 and -0.24 for 5 m and 5-0-5, respectively) were reported for the AT group. The inclusion of an NMT session before the regular tennis training led to positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in performance-related variables (i.e., jump, sprint, change of direction capacity, as well as upper-body power), whereas conducting the same exercise sessions after the regular tennis training was not accompanied by the same improvements.

Impact of a competition with two consecutive matches in a day on physical performance in young tennis players.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of playing 2 tennis matches on the same day on physical performance in young tennis players. Twelve well-trained young tennis players took part in a simulated tennis competition consisting of 2 tennis matches on the same day (morning and afternoon sessions). Before and the day after the competition, physical performance was measured using a battery of countermovement jumps; a 10 m sprint; the 5-0-5 agility test; hip, grip and shoulder maximal isometric strength; shoulder range of motion; and a serve velocity test. Postcompetition results showed reduced performance in 10 m (-3.3%, effect size (ES) = small), dominant and nondominant 5-0-5 agility test (-4.6%, ES = moderate; -4.2%, ES = moderate, respectively), bilateral (-5.2%, ES = small), and unilateral countermovement jumps (dominant leg: -7.2%, ES = small; non-dominant leg: -9.1%, ES = small). Both dominant and nondominant shoulder external rotation range of motion increased (12.2%, ES = moderate; 5.6%, ES = small), whereas internal rotation decreased (-4.2%, ES = small; -3.3%, ES = small) in the postcompetition tests, together with the dominant shoulder external rotation (-10.7%, ES = moderate) and internal rotation (-9.3%, ES = small) strength. Physical impairments occurred in neuromuscular performance variables involving lower (e.g., jumping, sprinting, and change of direction) and upper (e.g., isometric strength and range of motion) limbs the day after playing a competition with 2 consecutive matches on the same day. These alterations in neuromuscular and sport-specific performance need to be taken into consideration when planning tournament schedules for young tennis players, as well as preparing match and recovery strategies.

Acute and Time-Course Effects of Traditional and Dynamic Warm-Up Routines in Young Elite Junior Tennis Players.

Despite the large number of studies that have examined the acute effects of different warm up modalities (WU) on physical performance, none of them have documented the time course of potential performance recovery in tennis players. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to analyze and compare the acute effects of two different WU modalities (traditional WU [TWU] and dynamic WU [DWU]) on physical performance (i.e., CMJ, sprint, serve speed and accuracy) in elite junior players, as well as (b) to monitor the time course of any WU-induced changes after 30 and 60 min of simulated match-play. Twelve junior elite players completed both WUs modalities (TWU and DWU) in a counterbalanced order on separate days. In each experimental session, counter movement jump (CMJ), 20-m sprint, tennis serve speed and accuracy tests were performed before (immediately after TWU or DWU) during (30 min) and after 60 min of a simulated match play. Measures were compared via four factorial (WU intervention and time) repeated measures ANOVAs. There were main effects of WU (TWU and DWU) throughout the time for all the variables analysed. The results indicate that DWU routine led to significantly faster 20 m sprint times and higher CMJs as well as faster and more accurate tennis serves at both post warm-up and 30 min match-play testing moments in comparison with the scores reported by the TWU routine (p < 0.05; positive effects with a probability of >75-99%). No significant intergroup differences were found at 60-min match-play testing moment in any variable (except for the 20 m sprint). Therefore, the findings of this study recommend for optimal performance in these elite tennis players, DWU routines should be performed prior to formal training and competition rather than TWU routines.

The Effects of 8-Week Plyometric Training on Physical Performance in Young Tennis Players.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an 8-week (conducted biweekly for a total of 16 sessions) plyometric training program (PT) (e.g., upper- and lower-body exercises) combined with regular tennis training on physical qualities in young tennis players. DESIGN: Sixty tennis players between the ages of 12 and 13 years (age 12.5 ± 0.3 years, weight 44.2 ± 7.0 kg, height 156.6 ± 7.1 cm) were allocated to either the control group (standard in-season regimen) (CG; n = 30) or the experimental group, which received an additional PT (TG; n = 30) for 30-60 min as a substitute for some tennis training within the usual 90-min practice. METHODS: Pre- and posttests included: anthropometric measures; vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); standing long jump (SLJ); 20 m sprint time (with 5 and 10 m splits); a modified 505 agility test; overhead medicine ball throw; and serve velocity test. RESULTS: After the training intervention, the TG showed significant (p < .01) improvements in all the parameters analyzed, with percentages of change and effect sizes ranging from 3.1% to 10.1% and 0.4 (small) to 1.3 (moderate), respectively. No significant changes were observed in the CG after the training intervention. CONCLUSIONS: PT was shown as an important stimulus for enhancing explosive actions in young tennis players.

Preseason Training: The Effects of a 17-Day High-Intensity Shock Microcycle in Elite Tennis Players.

Preseasons in tennis are normally reduced to 5 to 7 weeks duration, and coaches should use an integrated approach to conditioning and skill-based work. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of adding a high-intensity training (HIT) shock microcycle to the normal training content in several physical performance indicators in the preseason training of high-level male tennis players. Over 17 days, 12 male tennis players performed 13 HIT sessions in addition to their usual training. Physical performance tests (30:15 intermittent fitness test [VIFT], 20 m sprint, countermovement jump [CMJ], repeated sprint ability [RSA]) were conducted before (pre-test) and 5 days after the intervention (post-test). After the shock microcycle, results showed a significant increase in the VIFT (p < 0.001; Large ES) and a significant decrease in the mean RSA time (RSAm) (p = 0.002; Small ES), while there were no significant changes in the other parameters analysed (e.g., 20 m, CMJ, best RSA time [RSAb]; percentage of decrement in the RSA [%Dec]). Moreover, the training load (TL) during tennis sessions was significantly higher (p < 0.01; Large ES) than the TL during the integrated sessions, except during the first training session. A 17-day shock microcycle (i.e., 13 HIT sessions) in addition to the regular tennis training significantly improved parameters that can impact physical performance in tennis. Moreover, additional sessions, including running exercises based on the 30:15ITF and on-court specific exercises, were characterised by significantly lower TL than tennis-training sessions. Key pointsHIT shock microcycle increases performance in professional tennis players in a short period of time.The inclusion of additional sessions, with running exercises based on the 30:15ITF and on-court specific exercises, was characterised by a significantly lower TL than tennis-training sessions alone.Coaches should be aware of TL (e.g., RPE) and fatigue-related parameters (e.g., muscle soreness) in order to avoid overreaching symptoms.