The study “Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. On-Court Tennis Training in Young Tennis Players,” published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, compares the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and on-court tennis training (OTT) on young tennis players. The research, conducted by Bülent Kilit and Erşan Arslan, involved 29 male tennis players aged 13.8 ± 0.4 years, who were divided into two groups. The HIIT group engaged in high-intensity interval training, while the OTT group participated in traditional tennis drills on the court. Both groups trained for the same duration over six weeks, with various physical performance indicators measured before and after the training period.

Key findings from the study indicate that both HIIT and OTT led to significant improvements in the players’ maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), with large effect sizes observed in both groups. This suggests that both training methods are effective in enhancing the cardiorespiratory fitness of young tennis players. Additionally, both groups showed significant improvements in jumping and sprinting performances. However, the OTT group demonstrated superior performance in agility and tennis-specific technical skills, indicating that on-court drills may be more beneficial for developing these aspects of a player’s performance. Conversely, the HIIT group showed better performance in the 400-m running time, highlighting its potential effectiveness for speed-based conditioning.

The study also notes that the OTT group reported greater physical enjoyment compared to the HIIT group, suggesting that on-court drills could be more motivating for young athletes. This is an important consideration for coaches and trainers when designing training programs for young tennis players.

In conclusion, the study suggests that incorporating both HIIT and OTT into training regimens could optimize the physical and technical development of young tennis players. Coaches and practitioners may consider the specific benefits of each training method when planning the conditioning and skill development of their athletes.

FULL ARTICLE: Effects of High Intensity Interval Training vs. On Court Tennis Training In Young Tennis Players