The relationship between service performance and physical strength focusing on speed and spin rate in Japanese elite junior tennis players

Abstract

The service is the most powerful and potential shot in tennis. To reach global elite status, Japanese players, being generally inferior in height, must overcome the limitations in service performance. If their height is insufficient, they must improve their service performance speed while maintaining the spin rate. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between service performance according to the speed and spin rates and physical factors among national-level male and female junior tennis players. Twenty-eight elite tennis players participated in this study. Service tests were completed using the TrackMan tennis radar device. A total of 12 services per player were collected. Physical strength tests were conducted according to the Japan Tennis Association methods. Based on a previous study, 16 measurement variables related to service performance were selected. Among the male players, both the 1st and 2nd services showed significant correlations of service speed with physique and physical strength. On the other hand, no correlation was observed between service spin and physique or physical strength. Among female players, there was a significant correlation between service speed and physique, but not physical strength. In contrast to male players, there were significant correlations between service spin and some parameters of physical strength. As described above, the results were different for males and females. It is recommended that male players should focus intensively on muscular strength and power during training, whereas female players should focus on acquiring the skills needed to increase the spin rate, with strength as their secondary focus. Additionally, the increased drive from the legs can be converted to increased service speed. Therefore, male and female players should be coached on service from different perspectives.

Prediction of Service Performance Based on Physical Strength in Elite Junior Tennis Players

“…In this study, it was not possible to extract the physical strength factors affecting the spin rate of the service. According to previous study, no correlation was found between service spin and physical strength in male players, but a correlation was reported in female players ( Koya et al, 2021 ). However, due to the small number of participants, further research was needed ( Koya et al, 2021 ).…”

“…According to previous study, no correlation was found between service spin and physical strength in male players, but a correlation was reported in female players ( Koya et al, 2021 ). However, due to the small number of participants, further research was needed ( Koya et al, 2021 ). We examined more than 50 players this time, but the results were the same as that in the previous study.…”

“…To achieve higher speeds during service, the player must account for the net height, position of the service line, and height of the impact point ( Koya et al, 2021 ). Brody (1987) reported that a minimum height of 2.74 m on the baseline is required to eliminate gravity and ball aerodynamics concerns.…”

“…As of July 2020, the average height of the top 50 ranking players in the International Tennis Federation was 188.73 cm ( International Tennis Federation, 2021 ), whereas that of the four Japanese players in the top 100 was 176.50 cm ( International Tennis Federation, 2021 ). Japanese players, who are generally shorter, must therefore acquire this technical skill associated with service performance to reach global elite status ( Koya et al, 2021 ). However, it has also been reported that the world’s top players can serve at a high speed while maintaining a high spin rate ( Muramatsu et al, 2010 , 2015 ).…”