Author(s): KOYA, N., KITAMURA, T., Institution: DAIDO UNIVERSITY, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 958

INTRODUCTION:
Technical skills are the predominant factors in tennis [1]. Therefore, players spend a lot of time in technical training with a racket on court. Devoting the same time to physical training without a racket is challenging. However, as the level of competition increases, many players realise the importance of physical strength and fitness [1, 2, 3].
When designing training programs for tennis players, it is important to consider physical strength required, as this varies depending on the competition level. Clarifying the difference in physical strength between domestic and global levels can be a useful and developmental training indicator. Although research on this topic is still in the early stages, quantifying these factors is necessary for designing training programs that can help players compete at a world-class level. This study aimed to determine physical strength factors that can serve as a guideline for Japanese male tennis players and to examine the physical strength indicators.
METHODS:
53 male tennis players performed five physical strength tests (5m sprint, T-test, 505 agility test, VJ, and medicine ball throw (MBT)). The Japan Tennis Association ranking points per one tournament (JTA/1T) were used as an indicator of tennis competition level. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to assess the association between ranking and physical fitness. Principal component analysis was performed on the physical strength variables, and PCA1 was conducted as a comprehensive index of physical strength. Multiple regression analysis with JTA/1T as the dependent variable and each physical strength test item as the independent variable was performed to determine the physical strength items that affected ranking. Based on these results, a regression formula was derived to predict the rankings. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
RESULTS:
Multiple regression analysis was performed on 53 male tennis players, and a significant regression equation was found using MBT and T-test as independent variables, which could predict rankings ( Y=10886.60+719.99x1-5298.06x2 (x1: MBT,x2: T-test), F=27.95, p<0.001). The contribution rate of this equation was 41.8% (r=0.647); in other words, 41.8% of the rankings could be explained by the MBT and T-test.
CONCLUSION:
The key discovery of this research was that enhancing physical strength factors related to MBT and T-test could help Japanese male tennis players closer to world-class status. Additionally, these indicators could be used to recognize talented junior players in the future.
1.Smekal et al. (2001) 2. Fernandez-Fernandez et al.(2009) 3. Reid and Schneiker (2008)