The Effect of the Leg and Back Strength of the Serve and Tennis Players to the Serve Throwing Speed and Agility

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of leg and back strength on serve throwing speed and agility of 19- 23 year old male tennis players who are studying at university. Material: Twelve male tennis players, aged between 19 and 23, who were studying at university in Kayseri participated in the study voluntarily. Individuals who played tennis for at least 5 days per week participated in the study and leg and back strength measurements and their relation with the serve and agility were compared. Results: In the study, leg strength test, back strength test, agility test and serve throwing speed tests were applied to the subjects. These tests reveal a significant relation between back strength and serve throwing speed (R=,660, R2=,435; p< ,050). When the t-test results on the significance of the regression coefficient are examined, it is seen that back strength level (t=2,774, p = ,024) affects serve throwing speed and explains approximately 43% of the total variance. There is a significant relation between leg strength and serve throwing speed (R=,586, R2=,343; p<, 050). When the t-test results on the significance of the regression coefficient are examined, it is seen that leg strength level affects serve throwing speed and it explains approximately 34% of the total variance. Conclusions: As a consequence, it has been revealed that leg strength and back strength in tennis players have a statistical relationship with agility and serve throwing speed. For this reason, it is considered necessary to apply training programs to improve leg and back strength in trainings.