The Effect of a Training Program on Developing the Physical Abilities of Receiving the Serve in Tennis Players

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the effect of a proposed training program on developing specific physical abilities (motor reaction speed, agility, and explosive power) and improving the accuracy and timing of serving in junior tennis players under 16 years of age. The researcher adopted an experimental approach with a single-group pre-test/post-test design. The research sample was selected purposively from players of the Babylon Tennis Club for the 2024-2025 sports season. The main experimental group consisted of 10 regular players, in addition to 8 players for the pilot group. Data collection tools included standardized physical tests (such as the 3 kg medicine ball throw, vertical and long jump, and Nelson's tests for reaction time and kinetic speed), along with a test of serve reception skills. The training program was implemented over 10 weeks, with 4 sessions per week, for a total of 4460 minutes, using low- and high-intensity interval training with a wave-based load modulation method. Data were statistically analyzed using appropriate analytical tools at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed statistically significant differences between the pre- and post-tests, favoring the post-test, in all physical and skill variables. The medicine ball throw test showed the highest physical improvement (43.81%), while the serve reception accuracy variable on the opponent's court showed the highest skill improvement (57.82%).