Relationship between anthropometric or functional characteristics and maximal serve velocity in professional tennis players

Abstract

Aim: This study aims at investigating the possible relationships between anthropometric and functional parameters and maximal serve speed in professional tennis players.

Methods: Eight professional male tennis players (age 23±4 [mean±SD] years; height 181±4 cm; body mass 80±4 kg; playing experience 14±4 years; weekly training practice 29±6 hours) were recruited. Anthropometric parameters (height, body mass, arm-racquet length, arm muscle area), jump performance (squat jump, counter movement jump; counter movement jump free), handgrip strength and first and second maximal serve speed were assessed.

Results: Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant (P<0.05) positive relationships between height and ball speed in both the first (r=0.78; P=0.02) and second (r=0.80; P=0.017) serve, and a significant negative correlation between serve speed and arm muscle area in first serve only (r=-0.78; P=0.03). In addition, a trend towards a positive correlation was observed between string tensions and serves speed for both first and second serves (r=0.54; P=0.16 and r=0.60; P=0.11, respectively). No significant relationship was found between serve speed and the other variables considered, including jumping performance parameters.

Conclusion: Height was confirmed to be the main anthropometric determinant of serves speed in professional tennis players.