Influence of anthropometric, ball impact and landing location parameters on serve velocity in elite tennis competition

Abstract

This study aimed (i) to analyse the associations between serve velocity (SV) and anthropometric, ball impact and landing location parameters in total serves (TS) and fastest serves (FS) performed during an ATP Tour event; (ii) to observe differences between first (S1) and second (S2) serves, and (iii) to determine a SV prediction model based on the relationship between the observed variables. Using Foxtenn technology, 30 S1 and 15 S2 were registered in 14 matches in twenty-one male professional tennis players. Ball impact (impact height [IH], impact projection angle [IPA] and relative impact height [RIH]), bounce landing (width and depth) location parameters, S1 and S2 SV in TS (TSV1 and TSV2) and FS (FSV1 and FSV2) alongside anthropometric characteristics of tennis players (body height [BH], body mass [BM] and body mass index [BMI]) were analysed. Significant moderate to large associations were found between BH and BM and TSV1, FSV1 and FSV2 (r = 0.315 to 0.593; p < 0.001), and between IH and IPA and TSV1 and TSV2 (r = 0.294 to -0.409; p < 0.001). BH and BM were the unique significant contributors of FS explaining 22 to 35% of FSV1 and FSV2. Only BM appears in the model to predict FSV1 and FSV2 (r 2 = 0.48 and 0.21). We concluded that all three anthropometric, ball impact and bounce landing location parameters small to moderately influence TSV. Anthropometric parameters show an impact on SV when tennis players serve at or near maximal speed, highlighting the influence of BM above BH.

Determinant Physical Factors of Tennis Serve Velocity: A Brief Review

“…BH, besides being a key factor allowing to achieve higher ball impact points, 7,36 has previously been identified as the anthropometric characteristic that mostly affects SV in male participants. 5,7,30 Nevertheless, many investigations have mentioned the positive relationship between BH and first 5,7,14-16,24 and second 14,16 serves in both, male and female competitors. These studies show that the submaximal nature of the second serve and prioritizing control over attaining a greater SV makes this stroke have a lower relation with BH than the first serve.…”

“…4 The effectiveness of this action is determined by several factors such as its speed, impact angle, spin, direction, and precision. 3,5 In this sense, serve velocity (SV) has been identified as one of the most determinant factors influencing performance in both men and women's tennis alongside junior competitors. 1,2,6,7 Consequently, SV has boosted in the professional tour together with an increase in aces and a decrease in double faults.…”

“…1,2,6,7 Consequently, SV has boosted in the professional tour together with an increase in aces and a decrease in double faults. 8 Concurrently, the existence of sophisticated measurement systems based on high-speed cameras and laser scanners such as Foxtenn 5 or Hawk-Eye, 8 and the relative ease of application radar guns makes data analysis highly accessible. Therefore, knowledge around mechanisms affecting the capacity of a player to apply speed to the ball is of great interest for tennis players and professionals in terms of developing training programs that improve the action and develop strategies to avoid decrements in performance.…”

“…The strength of correlations found varies across sexes and playing levels; although, results seem to indicate the importance of obtaining higher peripheral racket velocity at ball impact, which could be increased with greater body height (BH) or arm length (AL). 5,[14][15][16] Similarly, body mass (BM) seems to influence SV as the principle of force (mass × acceleration) and torque production directly affect a player's velocity production capacity. 7,17 This positive relation is more evident when analyzing the fastest serves registered in matches.…”

“…7,17 This positive relation is more evident when analyzing the fastest serves registered in matches. 5 Monitoring of these characteristics seems relevant for a close control on growth and maturational status. In addition, the possibility of affecting body composition with appropriate training methods makes a review on how anthropometric traits affect SV of great interest.…”