Field and Court-Based Tests Used in the Determination of Physical Performance in Tennis

Abstract

Tennis matches were won based on factors like technique and strategy when wooden rackets were in use. But today, with the increase in technology, fiber carbon rackets, and advanced racket string are used in matches. This has increased the game structure of tennis to high-intensity levels. Players need to improve their physical capacity to perform at this level. Because tennis has shifted towards a branch where not only technical capacity is not enough, and strength, power, speed, and endurance are also at the forefront. Some performance tests are conducted to develop and monitor these motoric characteristics. Sport-specific technical skills and a high physical performance profile are the dominant factors in tennis. Conditioning test batteries help to analyze the performance levels of amateur and elite-level tennis players at different levels in the laboratory and on the court. In line with this view, some tennis-specific field tests have been developed in the literature. At the same time, these tests have been compared with laboratory tests and have validity and reliability. Thanks to these developed tests, it provides the opportunity to determine the performance profile of the individual at different times of the year and to adjust the individual training program individually according to these test results. Therefore, this review aims to describe and evaluate the different performance tests recommended and used by performance coaches, sports scientists, and organizations (national tennis federations). © 2024 Nevzat Demirci. All rights reserved.