Relationship between anthropometric or functional characteristics and maximal serve velocity in professional tennis players

AIM:This study aims at investigating the possible relationships between anthropometric and functional parameters and maximal serve speed in professional tennis players. METHODS:Eight professional male tennis players (age 23±4 [mean±SD] years;; height 181±4 cm; body mass 80±4 kg;; playing experience 14±4 years;; weekly training practice 29±6 hours) were recruited. Anthropometric parameters (height, body mass, arm--racquet length, arm muscle area), jump performance (Squat Jump, Counter Movement Jump;; Counter Movement Jump Free), handgrip strength and first and second maximal serve speed were assessed. RESULTS:Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant (p<0.05) positive relationships between height and ball speed in both the first (r=0.78;; p=0.02) and second (r=0.80;; p=0.017) serve, and a significant negative correlation between serve speed and arm muscle area in first serve only (r=--0.78; p=0.03). In addition, a trend towards a positive correlation was observed between string tensions and serves speed for both first and second serves (r=0.54;; p=0.16 and r=0.60;; p=0.11, respectively). No significant relationship was found between serve speed and the other variables considered, including jumping performance parameters. CONCLUSIONS:Height was confirmed to be the main anthropometric determinant of serves speed in professional tennis players.