The Relationship Between Maximum Isometric Strength and Ball Velocity in the Tennis Serve

Abstract

The aims of this study were to analyze the relationship between maximum isometric strength levels in different upper and lower limb joints and serve velocity in competitive tennis players as well as to develop a prediction model based on this information. Twelve male competitive tennis players (mean ± SD; age: 17.2 ± 1.0 years; body height: 180.1 ± 6.2 cm; body mass: 71.9 ± 5.6 kg) were tested using maximum isometric strength levels (i.e., wrist, elbow and shoulder flexion and extension; leg and back extension; shoulder external and internal rotation). Serve velocity was measured using a radar gun. Results showed a strong positive relationship between serve velocity and shoulder internal rotation (r = 0.67; p < 0.05). Low to moderate correlations were also found between serve velocity and wrist, elbow and shoulder flexion – extension, leg and back extension and shoulder external rotation (r = 0.36 – 0.53; p = 0.377 – 0.054). Bivariate and multivariate models for predicting serve velocity were developed, with shoulder flexion and internal rotation explaining 55% of the variance in serve velocity (r = 0.74; p < 0.001). The maximum isometric strength level in shoulder internal rotation was strongly related to serve velocity, and a large part of the variability in serve velocity was explained by the maximum isometric strength levels in shoulder internal rotation and shoulder flexion.

Influence of Strength, Power, and Muscular Stiffness on Stroke Velocity in Junior Tennis Players

“…Because of the aforementioned characteristics, it is commonly been accepted that these strokes are affected by several parameters such as technique (Roetert et al, 2009a,b), anthropometrics (Sögüt, 2014;Bonato et al, 2015), strength, power (Baiget et al, 2016;Fett et al, 2018;Palmer et al, 2018) biological (Sanchís-Moysi et al, 2010), and range of movement (ROM) characteristics (Palmer et al, 2018), making the action of a multifactorial nature. Several studies have focused on biomechanical and kinematic factors influencing hitting performance (Elliott et al, 1995;Roetert et al, 2009a,b), establishing the speed of the racquet head, internal rotation of the upper arm, wrist flexion and moment of ball impact as some of the major contributors to generate velocity (Elliott et al, 1995).…”

“…Regarding strength values, literature traditionally has focused on analyzing isokinetic data at certain joint positions and degrees that mimic the serve action (Ellenbecker and Roetert, 2003), obtaining moderate positive correlations especially on those positions that resemble the serve motion. More recently, investigations have also aimed to assess strength values adding maximal isometric strength testing to experimental methods, especially in the shoulder complex (Cools et al, 2014;Baiget et al, 2016;Fett et al, 2018;Hayes et al, 2018). When assessing SV, it has been accepted as a contributor to velocity production, but few investigations have aimed to the relationship between maximal isometric strength and forehands or backhands.…”

“…When assessing SV, it has been accepted as a contributor to velocity production, but few investigations have aimed to the relationship between maximal isometric strength and forehands or backhands. Further research regarding groundstrokes could be of interest as previous studies have shown a strong relationship between isometric strength and performance (Baiget et al, 2016). When focusing on dynamic strength, some interesting data has recently been analyzed, indicating upper body strength and power as important contributors of the junior tennis player's serve (Fett et al, 2018;Palmer et al, 2018).…”

A Comparative Study of Passive Shoulder Rotation Range of Motion, Isometric Rotation Strength and Serve Speed Between Elite Tennis Players With and Without History of Shoulder Pain

“…4 IR and ER strength of the shoulder muscles has also been related to performance in tennis, more specifically with serve speed, considered the most important shot in competitive tennis. 24 In this regard, Baiget et al 25 observed a relationship between shoulder IR isometric strength levels and serve speed. Moreover, previous authors have found a relationship between ball velocity and elbow and shoulder injuries in baseball players.…”

Physical performance characteristics of university male tennis players in division I and II

“…Kovacs [1] argues that there may not be a significant difference between elite and sub-elite tennis players in terms of aerobic capacity because of the specific nature of tennis game which requires more anaerobic energy use. Aerobic capacity differences may not be often seen between divisions of those sports athletes where anaerobic energy use is more intense, but it should be taken into consideration that VO 2max values of such racket sports athletes may have significant differences related to the intensity of the training or competition [21]. These results could be explained by the fact that players competing with the sport of anaerobic content would not be able to make any specific training to improve their aerobic variable.…”