The effect of the leg and back strength of the serve and tennis players to the serve throwing speed and agility

Abstract

Background and Study Aim:The aim of this study was to examine the effect of leg and back strength on serve throwing speed and agility of 19-23 year old male tennis players who are studying at university. Material and Methods: Twelve male tennis players, aged between 19 and 23, who were studying at university in Kayseri participated in the study voluntarily. Individuals who played tennis for at least 5 days per week participated in the study and leg and back strength measurements and their relation with the serve and agility were compared. Results: In the study, leg strength test, back strength test, agility test and serve throwing speed tests were applied to the subjects. These tests reveal a significant relation between back strength and serve throwing speed (R=,660, R2=,435; p<,050). When the t-test results on the significance of the regression coefficient are examined, it is seen that back strength level (t=2,774, p = ,024) affects serve throwing speed and explains approximately 43% of the total variance. There is a significant relation between leg strength and serve throwing speed (R=,586, R2=,343; p<,050). When the t-test results on the significance of the regression coefficient are examined, it is seen that leg strength level affects serve throwing speed and it explains approximately 34% of the total variance. Conclusions: As a consequence, it has been revealed that leg strength and back strength in tennis players have a statistical relationship with agility and serve throwing speed. For this reason, it is considered necessary to apply training programs to improve leg and back strength in trainings.