The purpose of this case report was to contrast the biomechanical and physiological characteristics of two Division I female tennis players representing opposite ends of the anthropometric spectrum to determine how diverse somatic types achieve elite performance. Subject A (Height-Dominant) is a 188 cm server relying on lever length. Subject B (Power-Dominant) is a 157 cm all-court player relying on neuromuscular power. Both underwent comprehensive physical profiling (range of motion, isometric strength, countermovement jump) and match performance analysis using computer vision technology (SwingVision) during one competitive set. Outcomes revealed that Subject A generated substantially higher peak serve velocity (74 mph vs. 67 mph) and utilized sharp placement angles, leveraging her height. Subject B compensated for a 31 cm height deficit with superior neuromuscular output (CMJ: 34.9 cm) and a 100% deep return rate on second serves. The conclusion is that elite performance in collegiate tennis is not homologous. While anthropometric height provides a distinct advantage in serving velocity and geometry, shorter athletes can compete effectively through superior ground force production and rotational maneuverability. Training programs must be individualized: stability-focused for taller athletes to control long levers, and power-focused for shorter athletes to maintain kinetic chain efficiency. As this is a case study of two athletes, these findings highlight the need for individualized analysis rather than broad generalization.
Tennis places high demands on player’s cognitive and emotional capacities, requiring continuous attention, fast decision-making, emotional control, and sustained effort. This conceptual and narrative review examines the role of executive functions; specifically inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility in supporting tennis performance. Drawing from research in cognitive neurosciences and sport psychology, we describe how executive functions influence performance both directly and indirectly through self-regulation. Self-regulation is described as a multidimensional process involving the regulation of attention, emotion, and effort, with each component influenced by underlying executive capacities. For coaches, the practical implication is that executive functions can be easily trained within regular tennis practice by manipulating cues, rules, and contextual demands to challenge these functions. We provide guidelines and concrete examples for integrating the training of inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility into on-court exercises. Developing executive functions offers an accessible, evidence-informed approach to enhancing player’s mental stability, adaptability, and overall performance.
This study investigates the tactical role of rally length in saving break points among male professional tennis players, specifically comparing ATP 250 and Challenger Tour levels on hard courts. Based on an analysis of over 500 break point instances from 31 matches played between January 2023 and March 2025, the research explores the correlation between rally duration, point length, and player ranking. Findings reveal a significant negative correlation between player ranking and break point saving percentage, with ATP 250 players saving over 80% of break points compared to approximately 65% for Challenger players. Shorter rallies—specifically those under five shots and lasting less than seven seconds—were consistently associated with higher success rates across both tiers, although ATP 250 players demonstrated superior tactical maturity in effectively shortening points during these critical moments. Challenging the traditional notion of stationarity, these results suggest that elite players proactively alter rally dynamics under pressure, underscoring the critical importance of "first-strike" tennis and the ability to dominate neutral rallies as essential factors for improving break point performance and advancing in professional rankings.
Manipulating time in practice can engage players physically and psychologically, and can be used to support skill-learning and transfer to competition. Seven ways in which time pressure influences the behaviour of players are suggested, drawn from existing research in sport science. Practical recommendations for ways in which to implement time pressure are made.
Tennis clubs are spaces where, in addition to practicing a sport, social life takes place, which is an elementary part of them. Along with the benefits considered linked to the healthy outdoor environment, the social experience can work as a stimulus to approach them without having experience in sports. They are also suitable environments for sharing spaces of sociability and the social life that occurs outside the courts has an impact on what happens (or does not happen) inside them. However, it can also lead to exclusions of various kinds. Through ethnographic fieldwork, it was possible to notice the existence of difficulties in accessing the practice of tennis among women members of a club located in the City of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Within the framework of an ongoing attempt by institutional authorities to reach a greater number of players in Argentina and in the world, it is suggested that addressing the social and cultural dimension of tennis clubs is central not only to bring the sport closer to more potential players, but also to enable access and ensure its permanence.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between performance on the one-hand overhead throw speed (OHOTS) aimed at a target area and the post-impact ball speed of the flat serve (PIBS) to promote more effective performance enhancement, and to estimate PIBS using a regression model through this simple field test. The test involved 23 elite junior boy tennis players (14.87±2.47 years). To explore the relationship between performance on the OHOTS and PIBS, we applied Pearson correlation analysis. Furthermore, simple linear regression was used to analyse the effect of the predictor variable (OHOTS) on the dependent variable (PIBS). Performance on the OHOTS test aimed at a target area showed a significant, strong correlation (r = 0.58; p<0.05) with PIBS. Moreover, the reactive strength exertion on the OHOTS test aimed at a target area accounted for 34% of the variation in PIBS. The result suggests that the motor skill test, which includes a unilateral movement pattern, can be used to monitor reactive strength in tennis players and can also serve as a training tool in the preparation process.
Deception is ubiquitous and potent in high-level tennis. While this skill is applauded by players and fans, it appears to have garnered limited consideration from coaches and researchers. This paper examines kinematic deception in tennis singles play from an ecological dynamics (ED) perspective, offering definitions, a descriptive taxonomy, and training recommendations for both performing and defending against deception. An understanding of deception would be incomplete without an understanding of its counterpart anticipation — each skill emerging from the players’ attempt to gain an advantage in the point/match. ED concepts and frameworks to aid in the training of both anticipation and deception are offered — representative training design (RT), periodization of skill training, (anti)fragility, and action capacity training. Finally, practical activities to develop and defend against deception are provided.
Shoulder asymmetry is a frequent finding in tennis players and has often been misinterpreted as a clinical sign of scoliosis. This assumption derives from traditional orthopaedic paradigms in which differences in shoulder height were considered secondary indicators of spinal deformity. However, current biomechanical and sport science evidence suggests that, in tennis players, shoulder asymmetry predominantly reflects a functional, sport-specific adaptation rather than a structural spinal pathology. Tennis is a highly asymmetric overhead sport characterized by repetitive, high-velocity movements of the dominant upper limb, particularly during the serve and forehand. These actions promote selective hypertrophy and strength dominance of the shoulder internal rotators, combined with relative weakness of the external rotators and scapular stabilizers. The resulting muscular imbalance and inertial loading contribute to altered scapular positioning and apparent shoulder depression. This article examines the biomechanical basis of shoulder asymmetry in tennis players and discusses practical implications for screening, prevention, and training.
The Pathway describes how the game evolves over time, progressing through specific stages shaped by the interactions of various factors that influence the game. When players remain in competitive tennis, they will go through six distinct stages of game development — "leaps" — with each stage marked by the emergence of something qualitatively new that wasn’t present before. "Leaps" are a familiar concept when we look at human development. For instance, as children grow and acquire new skills, their ability to think abstractly or engage in complex social relationships emerges from earlier, simpler behaviors. When applying the Game Development Pathway, the coach evaluates the current level of the player’s game and identifies the "drivers" essential for progressing to the next stage(s) of game development. Understanding the 'Pathway' should help coaches recognize these stages and adjust their training approach to develop the player's game.
This article is the continuation of an introductory paper of the topic of culture in national tennis federation (NFs). It shares practical examples and guidelines that will assist these organisations in starting a process to embark in a cultural change that can be adapted to the specific characteristics of each organisation. It provides guidelines to all those involved on how to create the appropriate tennis culture in a national tennis federation. Finally, to stimulate the development of sound, practical, and evidence-based cultural practices by NFs, the paper identifies several future applied directions.
Tennis is an individual sport with a highly competitive environment in which players display their strongest character traits. They must be able to fight in all circumstances, stand up for themselves, be brave, persevere, rely on themselves and make independent decisions throughout the match. In this way, sport itself contributes to the development of strong, responsible and independent personalities. This is why junior team competitions are an extraordinary experience for both players and coaches. Bringing together the strongest players, creating a positive, friendly atmosphere and helping each one to realise their potential is a challenging task for a coach. Each year the ITF invites talented players, mostly from less developed tennis countries, to join the Grand Slam Player Development Programme/ITF Touring Teams. These teams, made up of players from different countries, are an extremely interesting and valuable project. In this article we describe the specifics of working with such teams, highlight the importance of communication skills and define the focus of work in different types of player training during the tour
Imported to Dinard in 1875 and played by the elites of the Belle Époque, tennis became a national passion in the 1920s. The press, radio, and cinematographic newsreels magnify the exploits of Suzanne Lenglen and the Musketeers. During the 1950s and 1960s, French tennis seemed to be falling asleep, but new clubs were already appearing. The conversion of the middle classes to the practice of tennis then accelerated, reaching its peak with the victory of Yannick Noah at Roland-Garros in 1983, and France in the Davis Cup in 1991. One of the first sports federations to become independent in 1920, the lawn-tennis federation was for a long time content to legislate and organize competitions at the regional and national level. But, with the transition to the Open era (1968), the French Tennis Federation (FFT) created a unique model for the development of its sport by drawing on the profits generated by the Roland-Garros tournament it owns. Clubs that are more than a hundred years old, old federal magazines and bulletins, the pedagogies of the master-teachers of yesteryear and the coaches of today, federal politics, the trajectories of its fourteen presidents, heritage and sponsors, exchanges beyond borders, here is an invitation to revisit 150 years of France's history with a racket in hand.
Tennis coaches face numerous challenges, including high workloads, job insecurity, and mental strain. The ability to manage stress and maintain long-term performance is crucial for a sustainable career. This study examines resilience strategies for tennis coaches based on a qualitative analysis of seven expert interviews, additional interviews with club board members and parents of junior players, and relevant scientific literature. A model with four key resilience strategies is presented, aimed at helping coaches navigate the demands of their profession.
Tennis champion Stefan Edberg is remembered not only for his top match results on the ATP tour, but also for the technical-stylistic elegance and effectiveness of some of his strokes. In addition to his backhand volley, the Swedish player also excelled with his onehanded backhand - OHB (flat, topspin and slice). This paper analyzes Edberg's topspin and flat backhand highlighting its peculiarities from a kinesiological and biomechanical point of view. The analysis evidence motor strategies aimed to prevent elbow and wrist pathologies (often implying a difficult and prolonged healing process) in amateurs. Starting from this analysis, an attempt has been made to define a technical reference model to approach the game of tennis without neglecting physical features related to it.
This paper explores how a sport for development (SfD) approach can be integrated into a tennis development programme in marginalized communities in the Global South to increase participation and development and to make tennis a sport for life. Using a constructivist epistemology, a case study analysis on sport and SfD practices was done in Windhoek, Namibia. Based on findings from this study an integrated SfD approach was piloted and evaluated. The study consisted of document analysis, interviews, and participant observation. Key findings show that the context is an important factor in how tennis development in marginalized communities should be structured. Integration of the SfD approach into tennis development has a positive impact on participation and development. Optimal delivery takes into consideration the non-sporting needs of the players as they are critical for success. Findings also showed that tennis activities can best be implemented in a hybridized organizational framework that combines sport and SfD within a larger stakeholder configuration, including civil society stakeholders and developmental agencies. This also has a positive impact on resource mobilization and sustainability, leading to a holistic development of the tennis player and making tennis a sport for life, particularly in under-resourced and marginalized communities.
El presente artículo examina la estrategia integral de promoción y marketing implementada por la Asociación Argentina de Tenis (AAT) en los últimos años, con el objetivo de posicionar el tenis como el deporte ideal para todas las etapas de la vida. El plan se ha articulado eficazmente en torno a los siguientes cuatro pilares: la salud y la longevidad, inherentes a la práctica tenística; la aspiración a pertenecer al ecosistema del tenis, abrazando su cultura y sus valores; y la profunda pasión que la práctica del deporte genera. A través del análisis de la campaña "El tenis es hermoso", la estrategia de visibilización del circuito Seniors, la comunicación proactiva de los beneficios para la salud y las iniciativas de iniciación adulta, se demuestra cómo el tenis trasciende la mera competencia para convertirse en un estilo de vida enriquecedor. Esta nueva narrativa ha contribuido a expandir la base de practicantes, a fortalecer la conexión emocional de los fans con el deporte y a consolidar a la AAT como un promotor del bienestar y el desarrollo personal a través del tenis en Argentina.
The purpose of this article is to build on previous work in this publication and make recommendations to coaches for developing the serve, based on the principles of an ecological dynamics approach to skill acquisition. The article outlines the theory of the ecological view of motor learning, the most prominent methodology arising from which is the constraints-led approach (CLA). Evidence-informed recommendations for coaches wishing to apply these principles to coaching the serve are provided, along with an overview of some of the most important practical tenets of an ecological approach.
Research was conducted during an internship program at Tennis Australia headquarters from November 2024 to February 2025, supporting Tennis Australia's goal of developing top-level tennis players. The work analyses the skills and techniques of three of tennis's greatest players, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, using the Delphi method. Selected for their exceptional achievements and dominance in the sport, the study uses a structured Delphi survey to assess their skills and identifies the key factors that have contributed to their success. The findings can help enhance tennis coaching programs by integrating key skills essential for developing elite players and future champions. Eventually, producing more top players can strengthen fan engagement and attract greater sponsorship opportunities.
The ITF Juniors Tour represents a key developmental pathway for tennis players aspiring to transition to the professional circuit. This study evaluates its "value" by considering both athletic performance and economic implications, while also exploring alternative routes such as early integration into national adult tournaments or the ITF professional Tour. Using both top-down and bottom-up analyses of ATP and WTA players, we examine the relationship between junior rankings and subsequent professional success. The findings underscore the importance of the ITF Juniors Circuit, with 83% of ATP and 86% of WTA Top 150 players having previously ranked in the ITF Junior Top 100. Participation in high-tier junior tournaments appears instrumental in developing the competitive skills required at the elite level. However, only 30-40% of top junior players advance into ranking regions that enable financial sustainability, highlighting the limitations in the predictive strength of junior success alone.
