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

Abstract

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.

Effects of Beetroot Juice Ingestion on Physical Performance in Highly Competitive Tennis Players

“…The athletes' ability to perform a single, rapid 180 • change of direction over a 5 m distance was measured (Smartspeed, Fusion Sport, Australia) using a modified version (stationary start) of the 5-0-5 agility test. Players started with their preferred foot behind the starting position (dominant (DOM) or nondominant side (NO-DOM)) and accelerated voluntarily, sprinting with maximal effort without a racquet [37]. Each repetition was initiated from a standing position, 50 cm behind the photocell gate which started a digital timer.…”

Age differences in selected measures of physical fitness in young handball players

“…The ability of athletes to perform a single and rapid 180˚directional change over five meters was measured using a modified version (stationary start) of the 505 test [21]. Players started in a standing position with their preferred foot behind the starting line, followed by accelerating forward at maximal effort until reaching a line placed at 5 m. Two trials pivoting on both left and right feet were completed and the average time computed to the nearest 0.01 s (DSD Sport system, Spain) was used for analysis.…”

Hormonal and neuromuscular responses during a singles match in male professional tennis players

“…NMF has been assessed in tennis using a variety of test such as, jump heights, sprint running, serve velocity and agility, since those have been regarded as key determinants of tennis performance[ 20 – 22 ]. It has been demostrated in young tennis players that two [ 23 ] and four-days of consecutive matches results in NMF[ 24 ]. However, there are scarce evidences about the identification of NMF after a single match in professional tournaments.…”