Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relation between the physical characteristics of male tennis players who were aged 10–12 and their service strike speeds. A total of 13 licensed male tennis players (mean age 10.1±0.1 years, mean height 1.46±.06 m, mean body weight 38.7±1.8 kg, mean sporting age 4.7±0.3 years) who played at Middle East Technical University Tennis Club participated in the study. The demographic, anthropometric, (width, length, circumference, and subcutaneous fat) and ball speed measurements of the tennis players were taken and recorded. The data were analyzed by using the “Descriptive Statistics” and “Pearson Correlation” in the Statistical Package Program. When length measurements were examined, it was determined that although there was a positive relation between ball speeds and hand length (p<0.05); a negative relation was detected between the other measurements (p>0.05). When the width measurements were evaluated, it was determined that although there was a positive relation between ball speeds and chest, elbow and wrist widths (p<0.05); a negative relation was detected between the other measurements (p>0.05). In terms of the circumferences, although a positive relation was detected between ball speeds and arm contraction, chest, chest inspiration, and chest expiration circumference (p<0.05); a negative relation was detected between the other circumference measurements (p>0.05). When subcutaneous fat measurements were examined, it was determined that there was a negative relation between ball speeds (p>0.05). As a result, when previous studies and literature were examined, it was determined that many studies emphasized that the factors that affect the service speed of young tennis players have a positive relationship with age. It is obvious that the strength features, and depending on this, anthropometric properties improve with age. It is considered that special force and technical training drills, regardless of the age category, may affect the speed and accuracy of the service strike in tennis. Our study offers a different perspective to coaches on this subject.

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