Sequencing Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Fitness in Youth Elite Tennis Players

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 5-week neuromuscular training (NMT) implemented before or after a tennis session in prepubertal players on selected components of physical fitness. Twenty-seven youth elite tennis players (age 12.9 ± 0.3 y) were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental groups: NMT before regular tennis training (BT, n = 14) or NMT after regular tennis training (AT, n = 13). The NMT consisted of 1 set of 6 exercises performed with maximal effort. The training was conducted twice per week for 5 weeks. Before and after the intervention, speed over 5, 10, and 20 m, change-of-direction ability, countermovement jump, medicine-ball throw, and maximal handgrip strength were assessed. The BT group achieved positive effects from pretest to posttest measures in speed, 5-0-5 change-of-direction performance, countermovement-jump performance, medicine-ball throw, and handgrip strength. The AT group did not show the same improvements. Between-group comparisons revealed greater improvements for the BT group in selected performance-related variables. In conclusion, the inclusion of an NMT session before regular tennis training led to positive effects on jump, sprint, change-of-direction capacity, and upper-body power, whereas conducting the same exercise sessions after regular tennis training was not accompanied by the same improvements.