From endurance to power athletes: The changing shape of successful male professional tennis players

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to identify whether the relative shape and size characteristics of elite male tennis players have changed over time, and in addition whether any anthropometric parameters characterise the more successful players in Grand Slam tournaments. The height and body mass of the players qualifying for the first round in all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments during the period 1982-2011 was obtained, and successful players defined arbitrarily as those reaching round 3 or beyond. Body mass index (BMI) and the reciprocal ponderal index (RPI) were used as our measures of body shape. Multilevel modelling was used to explore the trend over time using non-linear polynomials. The results suggest that the body shape of elite tennis players has changed over time, with a non-linear (cubic polynomial regression model) increase in BMI and a similar non-linear decline in the RPI. BMI, reflecting greater muscle mass rather than greater adiposity, has emerged as an important factor associated with success, identified by a significantly positive (steeper) "successful player"-by-"year" interaction term. The evidence that the RPI of elite tennis players has also decreased over time, together with a significantly negative "successful player"-by-"year" interaction term, suggests that a more linear (ectomorphic) body shape is a less important factor in terms of success. These results suggest that elite male tennis players are becoming more power trained athletes as opposed to endurance athletes, with greater muscle mass being an important factor associated with success in all Grand Slam tournaments.

Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Profiles of World-Class Male Padel Players

“…This may be due to the less demanding competitive requirements at a recreational level. Nonetheless, the increasing intensity of sport competitions at a professional level make strength and conditioning training a priority for success [14]. Although a few studies have examined anthropometric characteristics in amateur padel players [4,12,15], there is no information available to confirm these results in top level players.…”

Algorithm of athletes’ fitness structure individual features’ determination with the help of multidimensional analysis (on example of basketball)

“…In athletes' training great importance is assigned to the following: optimization of physical load [18,19] and conscious fulfillment of physical exercises [27,29,35]; consideration of didactic laws of training process's construction [3]; choosing of adequate tests for athletes' fitness [16,20]; consideration of models of coach's (pedagogue's) interconnection with athletes [15,28]; substantiation of individual training models' construction [12,13] and criteria of successfulness in competition activity [14,31]; influence of physical qualities on athletes' workability [30,33].…”

Modeling of kayak athletes competition activity

“…Amplitude and frequency of bio-potentials' oscillations; rhythm structure of bioelectrical activity; integrative bio-electrical activity of muscles were registered. We calculated indicators of motor functioning's effectiveness and efficiency, as well as variability of movements [9].…”

“…Of not less importance are the following factors: − Optimization of physical loads [11,12,28]; − Consideration of athlete's individual characteristics [6,7,30]; − Selection of adequate means of pedagogic control [19,26]; − Consideration of workability dynamic in recreation processes [23,24]; − Simulation of athletes' training process and separate elements of movements [9,14]; − Prediction of athlete's successfulness in sport activity [21,22,27]; − Consideration of training's didactic laws [1,2,4].…”