This study aims to compare the effects of upper-limb plyometric training and traditional strength training on serve velocity, muscular strength, and power in competitive tennis players. Serve velocity is a critical performance factor in tennis, and optimizing upper-limb function is essential for enhancing performance.
Participants will be randomly assigned to either a plyometric training group or a strength training group. Both groups will undergo structured training programs over a defined intervention period. Outcome measures, including serve velocity, upper-limb strength, and power, will be assessed at baseline and after the completion of the intervention.
The findings of this study will help determine the most effective training approach for improving performance in tennis players and may guide coaches, athletes, and rehabilitation professionals in designing evidence-based training programs.
Age 18-30 years (male tennis players).
Currently training/competing in tennis ≥3 sessions/week.
Minimum of 4 years of systematic tennis training experience
Provide written informed consent.
Recent musculoskeletal surgery
Upper-limb (shoulder/elbow) or lower-limb injury that limits training in past 6 months.
Participation in structured strength or agility programs outside routine tennis training
Neurological or cardiovascular disorders or other medical condition contraindicating high-intensity exercise
Parallel
Upper limb Plyometric Training
Other interventionA supervised upper-limb plyometric training program designed to enhance explosive power through stretch-shortening cycle activities. The intervention includes medicine ball throws, plyometric push-ups, and reactive upper-limb drills performed with progressive intensity over 8 weeks. The program targets rapid force production and neuromuscular coordination relevant to tennis serve performance.
Conventional Strength Training
Other interventionA supervised upper-limb resistance training program aimed at improving maximal muscle strength and stability. The intervention includes structured resistance exercises targeting the shoulder, arm, and scapular muscles with progressive overload over 8 weeks. The program focuses on controlled force production to support tennis-specific performance.
Chest Medicine Ball Throw
The seated chest medicine ball throw (SMBT) will be used to assess upper limb explosive power following standardized protocols from previous research. Participants sat with their back supported and feet flat on the floor, then performed maximal effort chest pass throws using a medicine ball (3 kg). After a warm up, each participant completed two to three trials with 1-2 minutes of rest, the distance from the chest to the first point of ball contact will be measured in meters; the longest throw or the mean of the best trials was recorded as the upper limb power score.
Serve Velocity
Serve velocity will be measured using a handheld sports radar gun positioned approximately 2-3 meters behind the baseline and aligned with the ball's flight path to minimize measurement error. Following a standardized warm-up protocol, each participant will perform 5-10 maximal-effort flat serves from the deuce court using the dominant arm. Only serves landing within the service box will be considered valid. Adequate rest intervals will be provided between trials to minimize fatigue effects. The radar gun will record peak ball velocity immediately after ball release. The mean of the best three valid serves will be used for statistical analysis.
1 Repetition Maximum
Upper-limb muscular strength will be assessed using the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press test. Participants will perform a standardized general warm-up followed by specific warm-up sets at 50%, 70%, and 85% of their estimated 1RM. The test will begin with a load close to the estimated 1RM, and participants will attempt to lift the weight once using correct technique. If successful, the load will be progressively increased, with 3-5 minutes of rest between attempts, until the participant fails to complete a successful lift with proper form. The highest weight successfully lifted will be recorded as the 1RM and used as the measure of maximal upper-limb strength.
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
