Improving Tennis Serve Velocity: Review of Training Methods and Recommendations

Abstract

One of the essential components to success in tennis is serve velocity (SV). Coaches and practitioners aim to maximize performance and results by increasing this determinant aspect. Concentrically or eccentrically predominant conventional resistance training programs have been used to raise SV, obtaining moderate increases in experienced populations. Nevertheless, indirect improvements in other components, such as asymmetry reductions and increased neural adaptations following these designs, could interest the young competitor. Other methodologies such as medicine ball throws and explosive or power-based programs that mimic the serve kinetic chain seem to obtain greater gains in young players, because the implication and body structures involved seem more specific to the action. More recent methodologies such as flywheel-based training or weighted implements or limbs also could be of interest, although further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these programs and specific load prescriptions. However, data suggest that heavier or lighter load exercises seem valid options to improve SV if the athlete performs maximal intended execution velocity. Added to the currently available literature on training methods to increase SV, exercise prescription examples are provided to help the strength and conditioning coach improve this key variable.

Effects of athletic training on physical fitness and stroke velocity in healthy youth and adult tennis players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Regarding stroke velocity, positive effects of athletic training were also reported in male youth and adult players ( 14 , 15 ). Consistent with these findings from original studies, a recent review also reported training-related improvements in tennis serve velocity for the majority of included studies ( 16 ).…”

Effects of plyometric training on skill and physical performance in healthy tennis players: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The main databases search string is provided in Supplementary Appendix S1 . Furthermore, to find additional literature that might not have shown up in the search results using the four databases, a search was also carried out on Google Scholar and based on the reference lists of selected papers, previously relevant reviews and meta-analyses ( Singla et al, 2018 ; Sole et al, 2021 ; Colomar et al, 2022 ; Xiao et al, 2022 ).…”

Does Motor Imagery Training Improve Service Performance in Tennis Players? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…The initial findings of this review indicated that motor imagery training did not affect service speed. The results could be elucidated by the observation that the enhancement of stroke speed is typically achieved through technical advancement and/or strength growth [ 45 , 46 ]. Motor imagery training was not intended to influence these aspects directly [ 25 ].…”