The assessment of specific physical fitness of children aged 8 and 9 years participating in tennis classes using the Jindrich Hoehm test

Abstract

Summary Study aim: The purpose of the study was to use the Jindrich Hoehm test to evaluate physical fitness in boys and girls aged 8 and 9 years participating in tennis classes. Material and methods: A total of 40 children divided into four sample groups participated in the study. The J. Hoehm test consisting of seven components was used to measure and assess the physical fitness of the research participants. This test is used in child and adolescent tennis training to assess specific physical fitness. Results: The actual data showed significant differences between 8-year-old boys and girls that were established based on the test components assessing lower extremity strength capacity and the agility assessment test. In the group of children aged 9, the differences between boys and girls emerged in the test assessing lower extremity strength capacity as well as the test component assessing the forehand and backhand footwork movement technique. Inasmuch as the test component assessing lower extremity strength capacity showed differences between 8- and 9-year-old boys, no test demonstrated statistically significant differences between 8- and 9-year-old girls. Based on the normalized data, 8-year-old girls are physically fitter than 8-year-old boys. In the group of 9-year-old children, the relation is reversed. The children participating in the study display a low level of physical fitness. Conclusion: The J. Hoehm test can be a useful tool for assessing the performance of tennis coaches.