Enhancing Groundstrokes Velocity and Accuracy in Post-pubertal and Adult Tennis Players: A Systematic Review of Interventions

Abstract

This study aimed to gather a compilation of intervention studies that address whether there are ways to get post-pubertal and adult tennis players of intermediate or higher level to enhance the velocity and accuracy of their groundstrokes. After searching Web of Science, Scopus, and SportDiscus, 10 articles were analyzed. Findings from training protocol studies revealed that strength endurance sessions or medicine ball throws do not significantly affect the speed or accuracy of serves, forehands, and backhands. Similarly, wristbands with small weights used during on-court training also did not impact performance, without compromising technical tennis skills. However, a 6-week strength training program involving medicine ball throws or heavier rackets improved forehand stroke speed but reduced hitting accuracy. Additionally, vision training improved accuracy and speed in forehands, accuracy in backhands, and both accuracy and speed in serves. High-intensity interval training that included hitting drills did not improve stroke accuracy and temporarily reduced stroke speed and efficiency during sessions, although it increased maximal aerobic power. Notably, the use of motor imagery during recovery periods in high-intensity-interval-training helped maintain on-court performance. Proper training periodization leads to better adaptations and improvements. The studies also identified that grunting was found to improve stroke speed during forehand and backhand strokes without affecting perceived exertion, oxygen consumption, or fatigue. Regarding supplementation, a 10-week creatine regimen did not significantly affect serve speed, forehand speed, or backhand speed. These findings aim to optimize tennis players’ performance by identifying effective training strategies.