Evaluation
of the Sport
Movement
analysis
It can be argued that tennis specific movements are controlled by 3 primary muscle groups. The first group consists of; soleus, gastrocnemius, quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals which allow explosive acceleration and deceleration power. The second group consists of; the obliques and spinal erectors controlling trunk rotation. The final group are; the pectorals, latissimus, rhomboids, trapezius, deltoids, triceps, biceps, shoulder, rotator cuffs and wrist flexors which are predominantly the muscles used when playing tennis strokes (Woods et al., 1995).
It can be argued that tennis specific movements are controlled by 3 primary muscle groups. The first group consists of; soleus, gastrocnemius, quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteals which allow explosive acceleration and deceleration power. The second group consists of; the obliques and spinal erectors controlling trunk rotation. The final group are; the pectorals, latissimus, rhomboids, trapezius, deltoids, triceps, biceps, shoulder, rotator cuffs and wrist flexors which are predominantly the muscles used when playing tennis strokes (Woods et al., 1995).
Physiological
analysis
Research has found moderate mean heart
rate values suggesting tennis is an aerobic sport. However the explosive nature
of the shots and rapid changes of direction as well as research findings of VO₂max values in excess of 50ml.kgˉ¹minˉ¹
suggest that tennis is in an anaerobic activity (Kovacs, 2006). Kovacs (2006)
states the primary requirements of tennis are power (anaerobic) and a demand
for high levels of aerobic conditioning to avoid fatigue and aid recovery
between points.
Injury
analysis
Most tennis injuries are over-use
injuries with 36-31% of these occurring in the; shoulder, elbow, lower back and
abdominals. 16-20% of these injuries are a result of poor core stability.
39-51% of injuries are to the lower body (Kibler & Safran, 2005) which
could be a result of varying surfaces tennis is played on (Girard et al.,
2007).
Evaluation
of athlete
Movement
Assessments
Following the movement assessment, it
came to light that the athlete had good basic strength and reasonable technique
with regards to agility drills. Furthermore, the assessment and coach
highlighted the need to improve on functional strength, footwork speed, and core
stability.
Training
Assessments
The athlete is currently at the start
of the off season and we will be aiming to periodise accordingly. With regards
to training status, the athlete in question would be classified as an advanced
trainer. This means he is well trained, of mature training age and is used to a
high frequency of training sessions per week. This is therefore subject to high
levels of training stress and at a high skill level.
Training
Goals
For this programme, the athlete’s
primary goals are as follows;
·
Improvement
in upper and lower body strength
·
Improvement
in lower body explosive acceleration and deceleration power
·
To improve stamina by improving muscular endurance
The athlete’s secondary training goals
were;
·
To improve core stability
·
To improve footwork speed.