The Effects of 8-Week Plyometric Training on Physical Performance in Young Tennis Players

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an 8-week (conducted biweekly for a total of 16 sessions) plyometric training program (PT) (e.g., upper- and lower-body exercises) combined with regular tennis training on physical qualities in young tennis players. Design: Sixty tennis players between the ages of 12 and 13 years (age 12.5 +/- 0.3 years, weight 44.2 +/- 7.0 kg, height 156.6 +/- 7.1 cm) were allocated to either the control group (standard in-season regimen) (CG; n = 30) or the experimental group, which received an additional PT (TG; n = 30) for 30-60 min as a substitute for some tennis training within the usual 90-min practice. Methods: Pre- and posttests included: anthropometric measures; vertical countermovement jump (CMJ); standing long jump (SLJ); 20 m sprint time (with 5 and 10 m splits); a modified 505 agility test; overhead medicine ball throw; and serve velocity test. Results: After the training intervention, the TG showed significant (p < .01) improvements in all the parameters analyzed, with percentages of change and effect sizes ranging from 3.1% to 10.1% and 0.4 (small) to 1.3 (moderate), respectively. No significant changes were observed in the CG after the training intervention. Conclusions: PT was shown as an important stimulus for enhancing explosive actions in young tennis players.