The plyometric treatment effects on change of direction speed and reactive agility in young tennis players: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of 6 weeks of plyometric training on speed, explosive power, pre-planned agility, and reactive agility in young tennis players.Methods: The participants in this study included 35 male tennis players (age 12.14 ± 1.3 years, height 157.35 ± 9.53 cm and body mass 45.84 ± 8.43 kg at the beginning of the experiment). The biological age was calculated and determined for all participants. 18 of the participants were randomly assigned to the control group, and 17 were assigned to the experimental group. Running speed (sprints at 5, 10, and 20 m), change of direction speed (4 × 10, 20 yards, t-test, TENCODS), reactive agility (TENRAG), and explosive power (long jump, single leg triple jump, countermovement jump, squat jump, and single leg countermovement jump) were all tested. The Mixed model (2 × 2) ANOVA was used to determine the interactions and influence of a training program on test results. Furthermore, Bonferroni post hoc test was performed on variables with significant time*group interactions.Results: The results of this research indicate that an experimental training program affected results in a set time period, i.e. 5 out of total 15 variables showed significant improvement after experimental protocol when final testing was conducted. The experimental group showed significantly improved results in the 5 m sprint test in the final testing phase compared to the initial testing phase, this was also the case in comparison to the control group in both measurements. Furthermore, the experimental group showed significant improvement in the single leg countermovement jump in the final test, as well as in comparison to the control group in both measurements. The change of direction speed and reactive agility test also exhibited significant improvement in the final testing phase of the experimental group.Conclusion: The results of this research indicated that a 6-week program dominated by plyometric training can have a significant effect on the improvement of specific motor abilities within younger competitive categories. These results offer valuable insights for coaches in designing diverse tennis-specific scenarios to enhance overall performance, particularly focusing on the neuromuscular fitness of their players.

The relationship between agility, linear sprinting, and vertical jumping performance in U-14 and professional senior team sports players

“…It is also believed that athletes with good speed and explosive abilities can better handle intense training and game situations, subsequently reducing the risk of injuries ( 8 ). In line with this, improvements, or variations in one aspect (sprint speed or jumping ability), may influence the athlete's agility performance ( 9 , 10 ).…”

Article RETRACTED due to manipulation by the authors Content validity and reliability of agility test in wheelchair tennis

“…Agility can be defined as the movement of the entire body in rapid activity with speed changes or one's ability to accurately change direction at high speed without losing balance. In other words, one's ability to move quickly forward, sideways, and backward ((Luna Villouta et al, 2019), (Salekar et al, 2020), (Sinkovic et al, 2023), (Hikmah et al, 2023), (Listyarini et al, 2021)). Therefore, tennis coaches need a training program and measuring instruments to measure the elements of reaction, agility, and balance called agility.…”