Tennis Serving Velocity and Accuracy

Abstract

The temporal constraints of tennis serves were manipulated as a percentage of maximum service velocity. The velocity conditions were 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90%. Elite tennis players ( N = 15) completed 10 serves at each velocity. Three error measures (total variability, constant error, and variable error) were analyzed separately for target accuracy, accuracy of ball velocity, and proportional error in velocity. Significant total variability and variable error were found for proportional error in velocity. Both measures showed improved performance as ball velocity increased from 70% to 90%.